HPC Garden of Grace

Turning a new “leaf”! Amid the COVID19 pandemic in 2020, the HPC Garden of Grace was created as an outreach effort of the Engaging in Justice and Service ministry, led by Liz Blankstein, to bring together talent and energy to support local efforts to feed food-insecure families in our area. Key supplies for building the garden were generously donated. The folks who “had a hand” in its creation along with Liz, included: Stan Krystek, Bob Hayton, Josie Blankstein, Joanne Tonkin, Doug McCleery, Becky Ludeke and Anne Hayton.

For three growing seasons, 2021, 2022 and 2023, this small garden produced fresh vegetables that were delivered to the Chubby’s Project for incorporation in prepared lunches sent out to the community. Vital summer watering of the garden was performed by Liz Blankstein, Lori Horton, along with Jennifer Stoveken, friend and neighbor of HPC, and Anne Hayton. Many pounds of Swiss chard, snap peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and green beans were grown, harvested and delivered to the Chubby’s Project. In total, just over 200 lbs.!

But we’re at a junction. The Chubby’s Project now receives ample fresh produce from several local farms, including the Fairgrown Farms collaborative, headquartered nearby on land owned by the Watershed Institute. With this, we can take this garden in a new and different direction. Some options include continuing to grow vegetables for distribution locally to families in need, or for growing fresh flowers to be used for bringing cheer and blessings to members and friends.

Do you have ideas for how these 3 raised beds might be used to continue to serve others? To bring hope, love and joy in our community?  Please bring your ideas to Anne Hayton. Thank-you!