Name of organization contact person: Doris Miller

Phone: 843.384.0913

Email: dmillerapple45@gmail.com

The LHLM Community Garden is 1 acre, located on land generously owned by Sammie Brown. The garden is nestled within a vibrant community that has rallied together to transform the space into a hub of growth and sustainability. Sammie’s land, once unused, now flourishes with vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms. The garden serves as a beacon of hope and togetherness for local families.

Before receiving USDA funding, the Hardeeville area experienced high levels of food insecurity. 

Many   families relied on expensive grocery stores, which provided limited access to fresh produce.

Residents faced challenges in sourcing healthy and affordable food options, which significantly 

impacted their overall wellness.

After USDA-NRCS funding assistance, LHLM Community Garden has become a vital resource for combating food insecurity. The garden supplies fresh vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms, enabling families to enjoy nutritious meals at no cost. In my opinion, the grant funding has not only improved the physical health of the community but also fostered a spirit of self-sufficiency and empowerment.

The garden has been able to feed 130 community members thus far. 

LHMH has several partners who assisted with the implementation of their garden program.

• Mycofolks Mushrooms: Provided hands-on training in cultivating mushrooms, diversifying the garden’s produce offerings.
• Master Gardeners Association: Assisted in soil preparation, planting schedules, and pest control education.
  
  
• Hardeeville Community Churches: They spread the word on the community garden with the church members and children.
• Lowcountry Health Collaborative: Supported outreach efforts to connect families in need with the garden’s resources.

Gardeners attended workshops led by local farmers and Master Gardeners. Topics included:

• Soil health and preparation
• Planting schedules for seasonal vegetables
• Pest management using natural solutions
• Mushroom cultivation
• Harvesting techniques and produce storage
• These training sessions equipped gardeners with skills to maintain the garden and grow produce at home.

There were several quotes from community members and partners.  Some include “USDA’s support has been transformative. With this grant, we’ve been able to turn a once-empty field into a flourishing garden that provides fresh, healthy food to our community.  This project has created more than just a garden – It’s built hope and resilience.” – Doris Miller, LHLM.

               
“I never thought I’d be able to pick my own vegetables. This garden has changed the way 
my family eats.” – Local Resident.

“Seeing my children enjoy fresh kale and lettuce straight from the garden is such a blessing.
Thank you, LHLM!” – Garden Participant

“This garden shows what’s possible when a community comes together. We’re excited to expand
our efforts this spring and continue growing with LHLM.” – Partner from Curious Eyes, LLC.

Additional Information/Facts:

• Educational Outreach: LHLM Community Garden hosted three workshops this year, teaching over 50 participants about sustainable gardening practices.
  
  
• Volunteer Engagement: More than 20 volunteers from the local community helped with planting, maintenance, and harvesting throughout the growing season.
  
  
• Sustainability: Currently the community uses a garden hose but will install a drip irrigation system and use compost generated from local food scraps, ensuring minimal waste and efficient water usage.
  
  
• Future Plans: Expansion of the garden is planned for spring 2025, with the addition of a pollinator-friendly flower section and a children’s gardening corner to inspire the next generation of growers.

A feature story on the LHLM Community Garden was published in the Hardeeville Weekly on Facebook.