Winter Dreams, Garden Gratitude & Spring Classes Ahead
It’s been a while since I last updated the garden website—almost a year has flown by! What a ride it’s been. Despite the challenges, our garden family has grown as abundantly as the plants we nurture. We have truly been blessed, many times over, as we closed out an amazing year of growth and resilience. No matter the obstacles, we exceeded expectations in our seventh growing season, and the results are a testament to the dedication, passion, and heart of everyone involved.
I hope everyone found moments of peace and rest during the holiday season, and perhaps even a few quiet hours to pore over the daily onslaught of seed catalogs, dream up new garden plans, or consider joining a community garden or farm (hint, hint 😉). As many gardeners know, “Anyone who thinks gardening begins in spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.” Thank you, Josephine Nuese, for putting that truth into words.
Before sharing news about upcoming classes and our annual informational meeting, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on how the garden wrapped up 2025. Through our garden production and gleaning efforts, we delivered just over 14,000 pounds—7 tons—of fresh produce to local food banks and others in our community. This incredible impact was made possible by the shared knowledge, generous hearts, and willing hands of our garden volunteers. We are also deeply grateful for God’s grace in 2025. Despite the many challenges during the growing season, the garden achieved its highest level of production in its seven-year history.
“You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly… You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.” — Psalm 65:9–11
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re already busy developing our crop rotation plans for vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and preparing for our annual Mother’s Day weekend plant sale. Adult garden classes are in full swing, and here’s a look at what’s coming up this spring, along with our Garden Volunteer Informational Meeting:
January 17 – Planning Your Spring Garden & Starting Your Winter Sowing
February 21 – Seed Starting & Propagating Perennials
March 7 – Fruit Tree Pruning for Home Gardeners
March 21 – Gardening in Small Spaces
April 4 – Garden Volunteer Meet & Greet Informational Meeting
April 18 – Growing a Cut Flower Garden
May 9–10 – Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale
May 25 – Our Growing Season Begins!
We invite you to join us this year—whether as a volunteer, a class participant, or simply as someone who wants to be inspired by the joy of growing. Together, we’ll continue to nurture fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and meaningful connections in our community. As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and trust, praying that the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24–26).
