I had wanted to start a community garden at St. Paul's Windham Center this year in an effort to expand our ministry to those experiencing food insecurity. Because of the current state of affairs, I am trying to think outside of the box.
I have started seedlings and would be happy to give seedlings to whomever would like to nourish and harvest the plants. You would need to let me know your preference of plant and how many. I will coordinate with you to get the new plant to you. Once fruit is developed you can coordinate with your local parish to deliver the produce to a food bank or soup kitchen near you.
Choices of plants are:
Peas (Magnolia Blossom Tendril)
Beans (Marvel of Venice)
Bean (Succotash)
Spinach (Monstruex De Viroflay)
Salad Blend Greens (European Mesclun)
Kale (Russian Red)
Pepper (Lilac Bell)
Mini Bell Pepper
Cucumber (Monika)
Eggplant (Cambodian Green Giant)
Cherry-Roma Tomato (Tiger Cherry-Roma)
Cherry Tomato (Black Cherry)
Slicing Tomato (True Black Brandywine)
These are all heirloom seeds and sure to add beautiful colour to gardens. Many of these are container friendly. A good evaluation of light and space should be done prior to planting.
Also available:
Winter Squash (Winter Harvest Colours Blend)
and Pollinator Plants to help them grow:
Nasturtium (Fordhook Favourites Mixed Colours)
Snapdragon (Dwarf Mixed Colours)
Sweet Pea (Sweet Dreams Mixed Colours)
Four O'Clocks (Tea Time Mixed Colours)
For those new to gardening, I will be sure to provide instructions. I believe we have many gardeners in our midst who would be happy to help each other along and this would be a great project for us to do together, apart.
*Many thanks to Jeannette Brown of St. James, Glastonbury, who named this project "Seeds of Hope".
Article by Rebecca Stearns, St. Paul's, WIndham Center. Picture by Maggie Breen