Hey Gardeners!

Mother Nature provided most of the watering needs these past weeks. We've had a chance to weed and fill in some of the areas with plants where our seed germination was poor. We also put some mulch down in the pathway that might help keep the mud off our shoes when we water. We added a couple of 4x4s where the other pieces had rotted over the years. Taters and many of the greens are growing well, too. We're grateful for the heat!

Come play in the dirt with us!

One of the suggestions offered in the 2022 congregation’s efforts to initiate service programs to help others was to grow food on the Unity of Roanoke Valley property to give to people in need. Food insecurity and access to fresh healthy food are real problems faced by many in our local community. And, as URV is graced with 27 acres of land, including a fenced garden plot established by member Lewis Shontell years ago, this idea seemed doable. All we needed was human energy and a commitment to make it happen. Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) House was identified as a grateful recipient of our harvests throughout the season last year. RAM House offers programs to help prevent and end homelessness and offers a free hot meal to nearly 200 people, 365 days a year.

Early in March, a small group of interested volunteers met to organize and plan the garden. And here’s what happened:

• We worked together to clear the garden of weeds and brush
• We planted lettuce, spinach, kale, collards, swiss chard, onions, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and squash
• We took turns sharing garden maintenance, including weeding and watering
• We made numerous trips to RAM House to deliver freshly picked produce
• And we made new friends, learned from each other, had lots of fun, and felt deep gratitude for helping others.

We promise to have fun (lots of fun!), be good stewards of the earth, and help feed our neighbors with fresh, healthy food. We hope you will join us!