Gardening for a good cause and overflowing life’s cup with community spirit

The Community Garden on the edge of Festival Park, near the blue, metal Air Cadets Squadron building by the parking lot, is in full bloom. Gardeners can regularly be seen working in their plots, caring for their growing plants, and collecting harvests of delicious vegetables. There are many plots within the confines of the fence surrounding the garden expanse, and anyone in the community can rent one.

Most years, much of the garden is rented by residents and groups. In recent years, if volunteers are plentiful, any leftover plots are used by Communities in Bloom members to donate the harvests to those in need, whether through the soup kitchen, food bank, churches or community organizations that help residents.

Jeannine Steinke, chair of the Communities in Bloom Committee, was working hard recently, prepping unrented plots and planting various vegetables for charitable purposes. She said there were fewer empty plots this year, which was good as that meant the workload was better to handle. “Last year, there were some beds full of weeds that we are working on right now to bring them back. We’ve had more help to clean them out, which makes a big difference.”

She said many of the people they donated to were unaware they could have a garden plot too. “Some programs can cover the cost of the beds, especially for seniors. As a committee, Communities in Bloom has offered that if there is ever a need, a family or a person, we would help cover that cost if that was a barrier. We want this to be accessible for everyone and bless everybody.”

Whether someone is renting a bed for themselves, their family, their church, or a community group, all are welcome to dig in the dirt, plant food and enjoy the fruits of their labour at harvest time. Putting in the time and effort can result in tasty rewards. Steinke said she donated produce over 20 times last year alone. “I gave out two good donations of potatoes and then multiple times of lettuce. I would call up a church or the soup kitchen, whoever would take it and use it. Wellspring, too; I would show up, and they would take a bag. It wilts within a few days, so you want it to be used. It has to go into the kitchen right away.”

Annette Kay is in her first year at the Community Garden and was helping Steinke prepare the charitable plots, planting carrots and beans. “One of the beds we worked on that wasn’t used last year was so full of grass it was a big job to clean out. Planting some vegetables in it, even if they are to give away, at least that plot is being worked. I think that’s important.”

Kay said she decided to join the Community Garden and rent a plot because her yard is more on the shady side. “I have a little garden in my backyard, but it doesn’t do very well, so I thought I would give this a try. It’s been awesome. I’ve been able to come down and work it when I can. I haven’t harvested as much yet because I don’t have lettuce in mine. I have had some beet greens. I have potatoes, zucchini and carrots growing. I love being able to dig in the dirt.”

As both women worked the dirt, a group of youngsters helped. “It gives you a sense of giving and a sense of community. It’s educating the kids because they see what we do when they come down. Whoever comes to the garden, they see the opportunity here, and they see how we can give back to the community,” said Steinke.

Her children share the work on their two family garden plots, on top of helping with the community beds. “My two boys have one bed, and my two girls have one bed. They are fully involved. They chose what they wanted to plant. They’ve done it for a few years and enjoy it, especially the harvesting. This way, they can leave my beds at home alone,” she laughed.

Steinke said she looks forward to another year of playing a garden Santa of sorts, delivering healthy presents around the community. “There have been tears. People are thankful and appreciative to receive the food. We’ve donated potatoes, carrots, beets, lettuce, and beans, and I’m also planting Swiss chard this year. We drop it off, no questions asked, for them to enjoy.”

Steinke said as the interest grows within the community, so will the garden, figuratively and literally, as there is still room within the fence for beds. “The beds are coming up nicely here, and it looks fabulous. We have fun here in the garden. I really enjoy being here and being part of Communities in Bloom. It fills my cup and teaches my kids about giving back.” Residents are welcome to enter the garden gate and sit on the benches near the back, even if they don’t have a plot, provided the garden beds are not touched or taken from. It’s a beautiful relaxing area to visit and enjoy.