Garden of Grace Update

Submitted by Anne Hayton

The Garden of Grace was created by the Engaging in Justice and Service ministry last year, in support of the Chubby's Project at Aunt Chubby's Luncheonette. The Chubby's Project is a loving heart-guided, out-reach program initiated by Lyn Farrugia, co-owner of Aunt Chubby's luncheonette, to be a place of connection and support in our community. This program provides prepared meals and groceries/fresh produce to those who may be food-insecure or experiencing other forms of hardship.

2021 was the first growing season for the Garden of Grace, and an abundance of swiss chard, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes were provided to the Chubby's Project.  

This spring and early summer, the garden was planted with swiss chard, cilantro, cucumbers, snap peas and tomatoes.  So far, we've been reaping a healthy harvest of snap peas and swiss chard. During the month of June, 3 harvests of snap peas and swiss chard were performed. The following total amounts were delivered to Aunt Chubby's luncheonette for Chubby's project: 

·         Swiss chard: 8 lbs 

·         Snap peas: 8.5lbs 

·         Cucumbers: 20, 7-8 inches: 10 lbs

In addition, the snap pea plants have been removed and during the coming week, the soil will be prepared for a mid-summer vegetable planting, likely green beans.

So far, nature has been kind with ~weekly rain. But this week it seems we're transitioning to typical NJ summer weather with hotter, drier periods.  While Bob and I handle the harvesting and general plant care (staking up tomatoes will be soon!), we rely on volunteers to periodically water during the growing season. Currently, the following people are helping with this work: 

• Liz Blankstein (Sunday) 

• Jen Stoveken (Wednesday or as needed; Jen is a parent from Creative Connections) 

• Lori Horton (Friday) 

• Joanne Tonkin (as back-up, as needed) 

If you are interested in learning more about this gardening or other community gardening efforts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. In fact, the Sharing Garden at St. Michael's preserve can always use more helping hands. Michele Downie, on behalf of Lyn, organizes many things, but is also the key coordinator for helpers at the Sharing Garden. --This past February, in addition to helping infuse more energy and talent into the Sharing Garden, Liz B. held a series of meetings to bring together key folks to improve the leadership structure. In addition, Lyn hired Michele Downie, and D&R Greenway, for the first time, hired a farmer, Lara, to direct/oversee management of the Sharing Garden. Under her direction there are many opportunities to volunteer and care for creation.