The garden is a Memorial Garden, a garden of benevolence, a garden of love. It is a gift to our community from the God of Love, Jesus the Christ. The first “seeds” for our garden have come from members of the congregation and a designation from the congregation’s memorial funds. These seeds have brought us to the beginning of a journey that will last for many years. Guided by the Holy Spirit we will plow forth until row upon row of our work is accomplished and our community is better nourished. The Lord invites you all to be part of His work on earth strengthening and feeding His children. The garden is made possible by generous donations from the community, and grants from the ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants, the Alaska Food Policy Council through the Municipality of Anchorage, the Alaska Women's Giving Circle, The Alaska Master Gardeners of Anchorage, the generous support by the congregation of Lutheran Church of Hope, and support from the Alaska Synod of the ELCA.

Food from the garden in 2019 was sent to Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry, the Tudor Road Gospel Rescue Mission, and to Bean's Cafe.

Monday, June 11, 2018

2017 Harvest


Brussels Sprouts & Cabbage
I have been asked more times than I can count, "What was the harvest last summer"? "What was the biggest producer"? "Did the weather effect the harvest"? How much do you think you will harvest this year? The quick answers are approximately 2750 pounds, cabbage 763 pounds, and yes, the weather always effects the harvest. And lastly, I have no idea. I have hopes for 4000 pounds. But that's probably pie-in-the-sky!

I was actually pretty surprised by the numbers. I didn't keep track of the weight by veggie types in 2016 (2450 pounds) but I did in 2017. The weather for the summer of 2017 was probably typical. Generally I'd say it we had "normal" summer weather. It was cool and wet. If the weather would have been as good as 2016 there would probably have been a thousand pounds more produce than harvested. But then “farmers” always complain about the weather. It’s too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry and maybe it’s all of those at the same time if that is possible.

Turnips
Literally thousands of people benefit from the produce. The garden is good for me, good for the congregation, and especially good for the community. It provides exercise and plenty of fresh air. It is easy to see the purpose of the investment. It brings smiles to the face of the congregation and the recipients of the harvest. I look forward to the 2018 season. Hopefully the harvest will increase again.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
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1 comment:

  1. JoJune 13, 2018 at 10:54 AM

    I'm glad that I can walk to the garden and do some weeding each day. Hopefully the reduction in weeds will contribute to an increase in harvest!

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