2 minute read
BEYOND THE HARVEST: THE PEOPLE AND EFFORT BEHIND GARDEN GROWTH
Community gardens are often a focal point for people to come together, not only for the initial, often modest, harvest, but throughout the entire process. They give people a chance to start conversations with one another and broaden their connections with neighbors. When people think of a garden, they often focus on the outcomes—the fresh fruits and vegetables that a garden can supply— but they don’t always consider the process of preparing the garden for the season and the work required to keep it alive. Success in community gardens often requires a collective effort, highlighting the truth of the saying, “It takes a village.”
Early in the season, when the weather was still too cold to even think about growing, Greccio Housing partnered with a local organization, COSILOVEYOU, to help jump-start the gardens. Volunteers from this organization came out, as they have for the last two years, for a day of weeding, pruning, and preparing the gardens for residents to plant a variety of things just a couple of weeks later. This group of dedicated volunteers consisted of both families and individuals, all ready to help wherever they could to make a difference for our residents.
Not everyone has a green thumb, but many residents still appreciate and engage with the gardening program. They take care of their assigned plots, ensuring everything is watered on hot days and weeded on cooler days when it’s more comfortable to be outside. While not all properties have a designated garden space, that doesn’t stop residents who are truly interested in growing during the season from getting involved and coming up with their own solutions. For instance, residents at the Atrium use raised beds on their patio to grow a variety of flowers and vegetables throughout the season.
I have never gardened using containers on a 3rd floor balcony. Some things are doing great, some of the plants are struggling. I’m very grateful for the plants and soil that Greccio supplied. I have been enjoying gardening and I find gardening to be healing. I’m hoping other residents are enjoying the plants and flowers that are growing on the balcony.
- Cindy O’Keefe, Current Resident at Greccio Housing
A SPECIAL THANKS TO
