Evolution of a community garden

About us and how we came to be

How the Garden Came to Be

The Community of Christ church on Meridian Avenue in San Jose has a little plot of dirt behind its building. This is a unique spot of ground in the Willow Glen area. For some time, there was lively discussion about what to do with this ground. One of our board members, JR Orlando, suggested a garden. It was not until a resident in the apartments bordering the church called the pastor, Marcia Plumb, and said, “Let’s build a garden!", did the idea take root. This was in December of 2016.

The first chore was to do battle with the weeds. Loads of mulch were delivered and spread. Garden boxes were built. Chickens and bees arrived on the site.

With more thought and design came the labyrinth. An area in the garden to help people experience peace and find respite from a busy life. The labyrinth is designed to be experienced with all the senses; taste, sight, feel, hearing, smell.

In its first year of operation, many pounds of produce were harvested and taken to a local food bank.

A board was formed, rules and regulations written, and discussion started about what type of events and workshops to develop. A newsletter was started and published.

Our first events were centered around bees and chickens and cooking your harvest.

An open house was hosted and a dedication ceremony was held October 20th, 2018.

Where We Go From Here

Much has been accomplished in the three years that have past, and as we start 2020, we dream of much more to come.

We have 42 garden boxes. We are planning for a water catchment system which can capture 5,000 gallons of water off the roof of the church. We have planted trees and have built a memorial walking path. We also now have a campfire circle.

We are a unique spot of ground in Willow Glen where the community can come together, meet each other, commune with the Earth and help to make this neighborhood a better place to live and play.

Help us make our dreams come true, click on the “Go Fund Me” button at the bottom of this page, every bit helps.

COME CHECK US OUT!

MISSION AND VISION:

Our mission is to provide a space for the community to gather and find ways to heal the earth through sustainable agriculture, experience and explore meditative practices, and develop tools for personal and community well being.

Our vision is to provide a green sustainable space for the community to restore their soul, build relationships, and explore their unique potential. A place where all are welcome, all are loved, and all are worthy.

Grateful Gardens is creating a sustainable urban farm with boxes for gardening, chickens, and bees for the community.

The purpose of the project is to promote peace through sustainable systems which includes creating healthy food availability, sustainable farming/gardening techniques, and workshops on both gardening and ways to create sustainable societal and economic systems. It is our purpose to make our half acre in the middle of Willow Glen a center of advocacy for sustainable community.