Community Garden
The garden at the church started with the vision of Anne Carson, a long-time member. When Anne spoke with others about her vision, volunteers began meeting and planning to bring that vision to reality. Soon, Harvey Atchison drew up plans for the space. Materials were purchased, and Harvey's team of strong, willing hands began the work. A fence was replaced, sod was removed, water lines installed, and wooden frames for raised beds began to take shape.
Meanwhile, green thumbs in the congregation met in homes to discuss planting, watering, and care of the garden. Finally, the beds were ready. Marsha Heron drew up "blueprints" for each bed, carefully planning which compatible plants should go here, which spreading plants there, and which climbers along one side. She selected several tomato varieties and chose the types of lettuce to grow in the shade of the tomatoes. Volunteers started plants indoors, nurturing the seeds and even talking to them about their future in a brand new garden.
Volunteers eagerly arrived on the first planting day, bringing gloves, trowels, and high hopes. As seeds were sown, hand-lettered labels marked the plots. As soon as the season began to warm up, seedlings were planted. A plant sale was held one weekend to raise funds. Soon, hoses, tomato cages, and other items appeared in the garden.
The bed designated as the children's garden got planted one sunny Sunday morning by the kids themselves. They wanted radishes, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, and lots of brightly colored flowers. Meanwhile, broccoli plants sprouted in other beds, along with onions, chard, and more vegetables the kids might not call favorites.
Nan Fullerton, a gardener who is active in outreach activities, regularly delivers surplus produce from the garden to local charities and shelters. She even helps with cooking demonstrations and advice to the women in a local shelter. Many of the women do not have experience cooking with fresh ingredients and they are eager to learn.
Every Sunday, following services, the gardeners set out baskets of the bounty from the garden. Donations are gladly accepted, and the funds will be used to buy supplies and expand the garden. Next year's garden promises to be even bigger and better!
