The work is hard, hot, and dirty, but the rewards are the stuff of life.

Plots are now being rented for the Laurinburg Community Garden's second year of operation, and improvements to last year's system are in full swing, according to organizer Sam Thompson.

"Last year was a success, but with the changes we've initiated since then, this year should be a lot better," Thompson said.

In addition to one's own plot of 15 x 20 or 15 x 40 feet, the gardner can look forward to his or her area being tilled in advance, to better irrigation, to a canopy and picnic tables for meals and relaxation, and more.

"The grass problem we dealt with last year has been overcome, and we've sprayed the ants," Thompson said. "We also plan to have a shed that will be constructed for us as a boy scout project, and we have two beehives in operation. Beekeeper George Northrup will give us the honey for us to sell as a fund raiser; this honey would make great gifts for Christmas and other occasions."

Another improvement is in the location of the mulch piles.

"Last year we had the mulch at one end of the field, and everyone had to make trips back and forth with the wheelbarrow to bring the mulch to their plot," Thompson said. "This year we are placing small mulch piles intermittently along the field to make it much easier to get the stuff to your plot."

Dr. Scott Hicks of UNC-Pembroke and his wife Cheryl are returning gardeners from 2008.

"We learned a lot from our experience last year, and we had a good time doing it," Scott Hicks said. "Having been in the area only a couple of years, it has also been a great way to get to know people from the community.

"Everyone has been very supportive, Sam Thompson is a great organizer, and I would encourage everyone to take part in this project."

The Hicks share a plot with fellow UNC-P instructor Dr. Jane Haladay, a type of arrangement Thompson said may be an option for others as well.

"If you feel a plot is too large or you don't have the time to maintain by yourself, consider splitting the cost, the produce, and the fun with a friend," he said.

According to Thompson, there are two easy ways to join: go to www.activelaurinburg.com and click on the garden page, or go directly to www.activelaurinburg.com/gardenpage1.html to decide on a plot. Or, new or returning gardeners may stop by the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church office and complete a paper form.

"We hope to have you gardening with us this year," Thompson said.

The Laurinburg Community Garden is sponsored by the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church.