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 earth but also to one another. Volunteers and employdees came together with shovels in hand and enthusiasm in their hearts, transforming a bare patch of land into a space brimming with potential. From the initial task of tilling the soil to the careful addition of nutrient-rich compost, every step involved teamwork and shared effort. As they laid out planting beds, decisions were made with both practicality and creativity in mind. The selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers was intentional, combining staple crops like tomatoes and peppers with pollinator-friendly blooms such as marigolds and zinnias. This thoughtful diversity not only ensures a healthy ecosystem but also creates a visually appealing garden that invites the community to gather and grow.
Planting was not just about putting seedlings in the groundāit was a meticulous process that involved measuring precise spacing, organizing rows, and planning pathways for ease of access. Volunteers learned the importance of giving each plant adequate room to thrive, understanding that proper spacing helps reduce competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Pathways were laid out with care, not just for functionality but also to encourage exploration and interaction within the garden. The act of planting became a hands-on learning experience, filled with trial and error, laughter, and a shared sense of accomplishment. More than just creating a garden, the process cultivated friendships, knowledge, and a sense of belongingātransforming the space into a living symbol of collaboration and growth.