A Community Garden . . . Why?

Just a reminder of why we started the garden in the first place . . . for moments like these. The Oakland Community Garden is a ministry of New Hope that needs our full support, be it prayers, volunteering, and/or financial gifts. Salt and Light.

Js :-)

My Experience as a New Gardener

Dear Oakland Community Gardeners,

I’m excited to share a personal experience that has brought an unexpected and wonderful element to my life. Recently, I embarked on a new adventure as a gardener, and it has been a transformative experience.

For a long time, growing vegetables felt like a distant dream for me—something I admired from afar but never quite managed to achieve. I couldn’t even grow tomatoes. I remember watching the ladies at work bring in all of their extra vegetables and thinking I wish that was me. All of my yearning changed when I joined the Oakland Community Garden. From the moment I stepped into this vibrant space, I was welcomed into a community. Jennifer, embraced me with warmth and support that went beyond mere mentorship. Her encouragement has been instrumental in my journey, and I can’t express how much her reassurance has meant to me. I feel like the garden is an extension of her, of her kindness.

The garden itself has been nothing short of magical. It’s a place where the hustle and bustle of my daily life fade away, replaced by the tranquility and beauty of nature. Ripe red tomatoes, sweet blueberries, incredible red long beans; an amazing medley of sights. After long days spent giving my all at work and in my business, walking into the garden feels like stepping into a haven of peace.

The real joy, however, comes from seeing my own efforts come to fruition. I am thrilled to share that my yellow squash and pole beans are starting to grow. Watching these little plants thrive has filled me with a sense of pride and excitement that I can only describe as akin to watching children grow. Each day, I think about the garden, desire to check on their progress, marveling at their development. Jennifer reassures me that it’s all going to be okay – we are not worried about perfection.

Being part of this garden has been more than just cultivating vegetables; it’s been about nurturing a new side of myself. The garden is not just a place where I am learning to grow vegetables; it’s where I find solace and satisfaction. Thanks to Jennifer’s guidance, I’ve discovered a new passion and a profound sense of fulfillment.

Thank you for letting me share this journey with you. I hope my experience inspires you to find your own space of peace and joy, whether it’s through gardening or another cherished activity. I hope you also find your peaceful place.

Warm regards,

Claudia Wheat