Contact Person:  Pastor Greg White

The year started off great where we were able to complete the Spring planting. We were excited once again and up for the challenge to make a difference in our community. Meeting and greeting new faces and learning Gardening together. Sharing new ideas and ways to plant and what to plant has open our eyes to new ways of communing together as a community. Reaching out to the elderly as well as the youth has open up a new door of communication. The opportunity to make our community stronger.

Seedtime and harvest, Soil preparation, sowing into the earth and waiting for the return of the harvest. We are excited at the endless possibilities of a healthier lifestyle of eating fresh produce that we grow together. Sowing the seed and watching and waiting for it to come forth is exciting. Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, Jalapeno peppers, Basil, Rose Mary; just to name a few of the produce and Herbs that were planted and harvested.

Unfortunately, the rain caused a loss to our fall greens crop, likely saturated soil, which led to a combination of problems such as: root rot, stunted growth, and even plant death due to lack of oxygen reaching the roots when the soil became waterlogged; essentially, the excess water possibly suffocated the plant roots and hindered their ability to absorb nutrients. We are in Louisiana and realize that excess water can happen.

The Beech Grove Gardeners is working with the local Extension service to try and figure out how to effectively manage the garden area with respect to the issue so that we can move forward and get ready for the 2025 garden year. We plan to continue working toward our goal to provide fresh healthy food to our community members.

On another note, referencing our service to the community, CRC partnered with the Beech Grove Baptist Church for a food and school supply distribution day. It was one of 2 community distribution events that were recently held by the partnership. Thanks to donations from individuals, Associated Grocers, Shoppers Value and Walmart, several families were able to benefit from the distribution days. Also, a big thanks to the volunteers who worked so hard to ensure that the distribution events were successful.

This event was one where the community was invited to participate in garden activities, to include planting, watering, weeding and having a share in the harvesting of fresh produce. We plan to conduct a campaign during the 2025 garden season to continue inviting the community to come out and be a part of this great fellowshipping opportunity.