RATHDRUM - They call it gardening with a purpose.

The new Goodness Grows garden club is asking the city for permission to use a lot on the west side of the Parks and Recreation office on Main Street to build a community garden that would be an educational tool for youth, give downtown workers a place to relax and visit, and provide produce for the food bank.

The club is also starting a "Plant a Row for the Hungry" program in which it will donate seeds to gardeners if they'll donate a row of their produce to the food bank.

Jodee Fyfe, a club member and owner of the Westwood Gardens Nursery, said the club's intent is to help the community.

"The idea of a children's garden in downtown Rathdrum is so kids can touch and smell the plants," she said. "We considered a private lot, but we want this to be permanent, so a city-owned lot with irrigation is perfect."

The Parks and Recreation Commission has endorsed the concept. It will be considered by the City Council on April 13.

"It has a lot of benefits to it," said Lance Bridges, Rathdrum's parks and recreation director. "It will help beautify Main Street, provide a learning experience for youth and relaxing place for adults, and any food risen will be given to the food bank."

The 30-by-90-foot sloped lot will have a walkway, interactive garden and gathering spots.

The Go Green Club at John Brown Elementary has written a letter of support to the city and plans to be involved with the project.

Fyfe added that, with approval, the garden club will accept picnic table donations for both adults and kids, bird baths, benches and other materials for the garden.

On the "Plant a Row for the Hungry" program, Westwood Gardens Nursery will serve as a produce drop-off spot for the food bank.

"We realize that many people harvest their gardens on the weekends, but the food bank is not open then," Fyfe said.

The club's next meeting is 7 p.m. on April 8 at O'Malleys Sports Pub, 13742 W. Highway 53. New members are welcome.

For more information on the projects or club, call Fyfe at 687-5952, Diane Corsi at 687-3619 or Jackie Kiefer-Neff at 687-6051.