While we had hoped to open The Village Garden to wider participation during our second season, the COVID-19 pandemic did not allow us to invite volunteers, nor host many of the events we had planned. Despite these restrictions, our dedicated steering committee managed to establish a beautiful and bountiful community garden. Working throughout the winter and early spring, we started over 300 plants, including 100% of our vegetables and herbs from seeds. We also cultivated cover crops in our raised beds to build nutrient-rich, robust soil for our vegetables and herbs. In addition to developing organic gardening skills while building community and environmental awareness, we share harvested crops with those in need. During the growing season, we routinely deliver fresh vegetables and herbs to local soup kitchens and food pantries.

As this unusual summer draws to a close, we extend our gratitude to the residents who supported our plant sale as well as our homegrown garlic and produce farm stand. We also want to thank the local students who helped set up our free seed library and supported our local pollinators by making native wildflower seed balls. Next year, we hope to open our gates to new volunteers and offer the community more events. We invite residents to sign up for our mailing list at, www.villageofatlanticbeach.com/garden/volunteer/.

Respectfully,
The Village Garden Steering Committee