Cultivating Community: Reflections on the First Year of the Garden

The Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden is made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington. Through the support of transformative health initiatives that empower all individuals to lead lives of optimal health, self-reliance, and self-respect, the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington strives to foster systemic change and collaborative impact in our community.As the inaugural year of the Bob Burdette Center’s community garden draws to a close, it is ... Continue Reading »

Growing Minds: Teaching Kids About Gardening and Nutrition

Engaging children in gardening provides a unique opportunity to instill lifelong habits of healthy eating and sustainable living. The Bob Burdette Center‘s efforts focus on making gardening an interactive and educational experience, allowing kids to immerse themselves in every step of the process—from planting tiny seeds in the soil to marveling at the vibrant fruits and vegetables their hard work has produced. These hands-on activities are paired with ... Continue Reading »

Planting for the Seasons: A Fall and Winter Garden Transformation

As summer crops fade and the vibrant greens of the season give way to golden hues, the Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden embarks on a seasonal transformation. The transition marks a time for renewal and preparation, as volunteers come together to clear out the remnants of summer’s abundance. Old plants are removed to make way for fresh beginnings, and the soil is carefully tended to ensure it is ... Continue Reading »

When the Harvest is Shared: Tackling Theft in Community Gardens

The mission of the Bob Burdette Center’s community garden, made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, is rooted in generosity and inclusivity, aiming to provide free, fresh produce to those in need. However, the reality of operating an open-access garden has brought challenges, particularly when it comes to theft. Missing produce not only disrupts the intended distribution of fruits and vegetables but also undermines the collective efforts of ... Continue Reading »

Top 10 Vegetables Perfect for Community Gardens

Choosing the right crops for a community garden can make the difference between a bountiful harvest and a season of struggles. Staple vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and cucumbers are perennial favorites for a reason: they are relatively easy to grow, highly productive, and widely loved by gardeners and cooks alike. Tomatoes, for instance, thrive in full sunlight and require sturdy stakes or cages for support, while zucchini grows quickly ... Continue Reading »

The Gift of Giving: Sharing Free Vegetables with the Community

The true reward of the community garden lies in the joy it brings to the people it serves, as neighbors come together to share in the harvest of fresh, homegrown vegetables. Residents leave with baskets of tomatoes, peppers, and greens, often brimming with excitement over the meals they plan to create. The garden has blossomed into more than just a source of food—it has become a gathering place where ... Continue Reading »

From Soil to Table: Preparing and Planting a Community Garden for the West Side

Thanks to a grant from the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, the Bob Burdette Center is creating a community garden for the people of West Charleston. The garden is located on the grounds of Emmanuel Baptist Church. The Pallottine Foundation provides support to health-related nonprofit organizations in 20 counties in the Tri-State region.The process of planting a community garden is an enriching experience that fosters not only a connection to the ... Continue Reading »

Sowing Seeds of Unity: The Birth of a Community Garden in West Charleston

The Bob Burdette Center has embarked on an inspiring mission to create a community garden in West Charleston, West Virginia. Located in the heart of the community at Emmanuel Baptist Church, this garden aims to provide fresh produce, foster connections among residents, and educate children about sustainable practices.The Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden is made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington. Through the support of transformative health ... Continue Reading »