CHEO Garden Committee Cultivates Community Spirit with New Growing Season

The CHEO Garden Committee is gearing up for another fruitful growing season, rallying volunteers and strengthening partnerships. Established in 2020, the project has now consolidated into a single garden on Luray Avenue, and plans are underway to make it more productive than ever.

Fern Vazquez, a key organizer, shared that planting will start on Saturday, the 11th, from 8 a.m. She emphasized the need for more volunteers to ensure the garden thrives this year. Joanne Koszyk, from C-CAP (Congregational Community Action Project), is a longstanding partner and will help distribute the harvest to families in need, emphasizing fresh produce’s critical role in nutritionally feeding families.

Mike Graham highlighted the logistical changes the team has made for this season. After managing three gardens during the pandemic, the team focused on one to maximize efficiency and better manage volunteer resources. They’ve fortified their defenses against groundhogs and plan to tackle the ever-present challenge of weeds with ground cloth and strategic irrigation.

Bonnie Plants, a commercial grower, donates about $2,000 worth of seedlings to the project each year, giving the garden a significant boost. Farmers have also reached out to donate their surplus produce, creating a more comprehensive supply chain for fresh fruits and vegetables.

CCAP’s role is integral to distribution, especially now that they’re a part of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s pilot program. This initiative will label foods with healthier choices, helping families select more nutritious options.

While volunteers are essential, the committee also welcomes donations. With a riding lawnmower provided by a generous donor and, soon, a commercial cooler funded through a Blue Ridge Area Food Bank grant, the infrastructure is in place to make this year’s harvest successful and sustainable.

The CHEO Garden Committee is ready to dig into another season, and they welcome anyone with a green thumb, a generous spirit, or simply a willingness to help out.

For further details, check out their Facebook page. If you’re eager to join the gardening effort, call Fern at 757-630-2362 or email fernv1022@gmail.com.