In order to give church members a chance to connect to the Earth and think creatively about feeding the community, Reverend Kiya Heartwood and Reverend Meg Barnhouse opened up their backyard to the Garden GUrUs this past year, creating a space where we could dream and build together.
Reverend Kiya did quite a bit to cultivate the space. A shaded porch was created for gathering, lots and lots compost was added to the existing raised beds. And more raised beds were ordered and put together with the help of the Garden GUrUs, most especially Sean Choate! And Bobby Presley cut some large limbs to create more sun for crops in the backyard.
Many goals for the New Church Home were dreamt up in the garden. Our Principles compel us to think about our impact on the Earth as Humans, and we will make the most of our new space by having examples and teaching opportunities throughout the property. Examples for composting, growing plants, and rain collection to name a few. We will work to create pollinator sanctuaries, focus on natives, and work together to create beautiful, sacred space!
Our desire to offer a healthy contribution to the Food Pantry, with food like beans, could be helped by continuing to use “The Gardens on 31st” for food production because of the size of the new church property. The amount of interest in the Garden GUrUs already being generated is definitely exciting, thank you to everyone for their enthusiasm!