Updates from the Garden Team

Despite the rainy summer we’re experiencing, the Garden Team at the Growing Center is keeping very busy!

Our Garden Team plants, weeds and tends to the Center’s garden beds, containers, perennial areas, and more for all to enjoy. Garden site care is a vital part of participation, and the team also cuts herbs for drying, harvests veggies and more. But it’s not just about the garden itself. The team takes care of the nature play area, making sure it's ready for play whenever it's put to use. They work alongside the entire Site Committee to synergize everything needed to maintain the green space, from plant care to weeding and sweeping.

This July, the team met to do some repairs, weed, and clean specific areas on the site. They also learned about some invasive plants and how to manage them using EwA's Invasive Flora app. While these can be tedious and even laborious tasks, it’s important for the overall health of the garden and accelerates a healthy harvest. And harvest time is one of the best parts of being on this team because it means sharing with the community. This summer, the team has already harvested both herbs and vegetables to add to the community fridge in Union Square, and in doing so, they've made sure that fresh organic food is accessible to all.

The Garden Team impacts every event held at the Somerville Community Growing Center, because without it, the garden wouldn’t be nearly as flourishing. It’s a great way to meet new people, grow one’s skill sets, and learn about plants that you didn’t even know you wanted to learn about.

Accessibility is a big part of The Growing Center and the Garden Team is available to all. The center is largely wheelchair accessible, and our team will work side-by-side with each member to ensure that accommodations are made as needed to ensure a fruitful experience for you.

Curious about what the garden team is up to now? Check out the Nature Garden Playschool Instagram account run by Site Coordinator Paula Jordan, where she shares updates on what's blooming, what's being harvested, what our school and camp partners are doing in the garden. Also, keep an eye out on the Growing Center's Facebook and Instagram pages. And if you’re interested in joining or learning more, contact Morgan at volunteer@growingcenter.org.