Many of you know that I help organize and run The Gathering Garden (TGG), Mount Gilead’s Community Garden in the heart of downtown. This organic community garden is not just a plot of land where plants grow; it’s a vibrant, inclusive space where our neighbors come together to cultivate more than just plants.
We grow an array of fruit trees including peaches, pears, apples, figs, native pawpaws, and even a rare pomegranate tree. Adjacent to this lush orchard is our fenced garden, containing a 20×40 public bed, a communal space where anyone from the community can pitch in with weeding and, in return, take home some fresh produce. For those looking to grow for themselves, the garden offers private beds. These plots can be reserved for an entire year for a nominal fee when spaces free up, allowing volunteers to cultivate their own choice of plants. We have a natural gathering area of circular stumps where children can play and learn, and this year we are working on a pollinator garden!
What makes The Gathering Garden truly special is its commitment to giving back to the community. A significant portion of the produce harvested from the public bed is regularly contributed to the Mount Gilead Food Pantry, providing fresh, nutritious options to those in need and reinforcing our garden’s role as a pillar of community support and sustainability.
Volunteering at TGG is a wonderful experience, offering flexibility for those with varying schedules. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can only make occasional visits, every contribution is valued. It’s a place where your time and effort directly impact the beauty and growth of the garden. We’re an ideal spot for anyone eager to dip their toes into the world of gardening or to contribute to a community project. You’ll find an environment that thrives on inclusivity and learning. With my fellow Montgomery County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers frequently available, the garden is a fantastic resource for both novice and experienced gardeners. These EMGVs bring a wealth of gardening knowledge and are always ready to share.
The serene atmosphere of our Gathering Garden is maintained through a few important guidelines, ensuring a safe and enjoyable space for everyone. To protect our youngest volunteers, smoking is not permitted on the grounds. Being a smoke free environment also prevents a particular virus from infecting our tomatoes, ensuring a healthy space for all visitors and plants. Additionally, while pets bring us all joy, they are not allowed inside the fenced garden area, with the exception of service animals, to keep pet waste out of our garden. We focus on respect and harmony at all times; the garden serves as a safe and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or ability. To ensure that TGG remains a peaceful haven for all who enter, we ask that folks maintain rules for polite conversation and not dive into divisive topics while we work collaboratively in the garden. If that sounds like your kind of environment, we want you to visit us!
The mission of The Gathering Garden is one that is inspiring to me, and I hope it is inspiring to you. We want to be more than just a garden, we want to be a place that gives back. And we aim to bring pride to our little town with a beautiful space that we work on together. I know I am personally very proud of all the work we have done in the past two years. We have come so far together. A special shout out is well deserved for a few volunteers in particular, Donna Keesler, Monika Saxton, Dira Hitchcock, and Sam Everhart, all folks who have put in an incredible amount of time, labor, and money to keep this place running. But it has been a community effort, with Jordan Lumber and McRae Wood Treating supplying us with construction materials, and Unlimited Tree Service providing much needed mulch, among other generous donations within the community.
The Gathering Garden is a testament to the power of grass-roots, community-driven initiatives. It’s a place where we nurture something beautiful; a garden that feeds the soul as much as it does the body. We invite you to be a part of this enriching experience, to grow, learn, and contribute to a project that symbolizes hope and community spirit.
Come visit us at The Gathering Garden in Mount Gilead at the corner of W Allenton St and School St, if you want to discuss gardening with us, you can find out more about or workdays on our facebook page.
In these weekly columns, I will share the science of gardening and so many more interesting tidbits. Check back here every week for tailored Montgomery County garden advice, sharing our garden updates, and more.
Let’s grow together!
This article was originally published in the Montgomery Herald and is reused here with permission by Mary Poplin.