Community garden hoping to add greenhouse - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Summer isn't just hot, it's also beautiful in Siouxland. Once you exit the busy downtown of Sioux City, you'll walk into some natural beauty.

The community garden on Douglas Street was a property once abandoned by its owner.

Now, it's run by St. Thomas Episcopal Church and teems with life. It's full of vegetables and flowers. After receiving grants from the city, it's also an important part of the church's ministry.

"It gives it a sense of stabilization in a time that may be uncertain, properties disappear. And it also provides nutrition for our food pantry patrons," said Torey Lightcap, rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City. "So, it's the best of the situation that we can make it."

The church is currently in a contest with Deloach gardening magazine for top gardens. In the contest, the top five vote-getters will receive a share of the $20,000 grand prize.          

It's the only entry from Iowa. If they win, St. Thomas will build a greenhouse.

You can vote for the garden here.  The contest runs through Aug. 6.