Community Corner

Community Gardening—A Way for Families to Get Close to Nature Together

St. Mary's in the Valley priest says gardening connects people to God's creation and our place in it.

Tacos, homemade tortillas, welcome signs, compost, cheerful sunflowers, towering corn—even a musical band now and again. It's all part of the ambiance at Ramona's community garden at

Last weekend, the garden hosted its annual fundraiser, complete with a jumper for children, a band, dinner dishes made from the garden vegetables, tacos and one of the gardener's homemade tortillas.

About 35 people and their families grow tomatoes, flowers, squash, pumpkins, melons and other fruit and vegetables at the garden on San Vicente Road at 12th Street. They use 60 plots and another 15 are up for grabs.

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"Not only is it a chance to grow your own healthy food, it's also a real chance for families to come together with others in the community and to reconnect to the earth and God's creation and to our place in it," said Gwynn Freund, the church's priest. "It's a blessing to our church and we're grateful to have it."

The organic garden, called The Labyrinth, has been open for about three years. People can plant year round for a fee of $40 for each 10 x 15-foot plot. The church supplies fertilizer, some seeds, water hook up and use of tools. Gardeners need to bring their own hoses.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Any member of the public is welcome to rent a garden plot or two; gardeners do not need to be members of the church. Sponsorships are available for people who cannot afford the plot fees. Freund said the church is always happy to accept donations of cash to operate the garden. She said any donations of materials or expertise would be much appreciated.

To rent a plot, visit the church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call 760-789-0890.

To see a fall planting guide from the University of California San Diego Cooperative Extension, , then click on the PDF below the photos.


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