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.

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Award Winning Garden

 In 2019 and 2021 I entered crops in the Alaska State Fair. In 2019 the crops entered did quite well with firsts, a second, and thirds. There was no fair in 2020 because of COVID-19. In 2021 I also entered crops from the garden. This year there was a division champion, many firsts, two seconds, and an honorable mention. In the picture below the white ribbons and left are from 2019. The ones to the right are from 2021. The exquisite quilt was a gift from Donna Dooley who lives down the street from Bonnie and I. I thought it would be a great medium to display the awards. As you can see I will have to find a different way to display awards from next year, if there are any.

2019 and 2021 Awards
I have been asked by some why the awards are important. Isn't it enough just to provide food for those in need through the Lutheran Social Services of Alaska (LSSA) food pantry and other places? I have to say
"Red" Cabbage

that the awards show people receiving the produce that the food is excellent quality. Often food pantries and other places that feed those in need get the left overs, the expired or nearly expired foods. The garden provides fresh, excellent quality, fantastic tasting food for those served. Though I haven't talked with many I know the quality and freshness of the food is greatly appreciated by our clientele. The quantity and quality allows the food pantry and others to use at least some money in other areas of need than having to purchase fresh food. The garden also provides foods that are not usually available in pantries. Leeks, onions, and carrots are seldom seen in food pantries because even low quality produce of these varieties bring premium prices in the grocery stores and farmer's markets.

Habaneros

Prior to 2019 I was reluctant to enter anything in the Alaska State Fair because of my lack of experience and I did not think the produce was award worthy. I was blown away in 2019 when I won awards. I was amazed at being awarded division champion in 2021 for a lovely "red" cabbage. I am aware that the exhibits at the state fair are beauty contests. However, in most cases the 

Leeks
beauty is much more than skin deep. Pretty food is also most often tasty. It shows good care and hard work in growing winning entries. I look forward to the garden producing more award winning crops in 2022.



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