As the weather warms and gardens come to life, we’re thrilled to share updates from our Grow Sustainab-LEE program. What began as a small initiative has blossomed into a vibrant community of gardeners committed to organic practices, sustainability, and mutual support.

This year, we’re proud that our program has doubled in size. We now have 40 active gardeners, up from 20 last year! This growth means more shared knowledge, more fresh produce, and more opportunities to connect through the joy of cultivating the earth. We’re grateful for every new and returning gardener who’s joined us on this journey. Each of them brings unique skills, stories, and a shared passion for growing food in harmony with the environment.

To support our participants, we were delighted to distribute organic plant starts to help kick off the season, as well as an abundance of seeds. From tomatoes and peppers to herbs and leafy greens, these plants and seeds are the foundation for healthy, thriving gardens. Watching these tiny plants find their homes across the county has been a beautiful reminder of what we can grow—together. We’ve already heard heartwarming stories from some gardeners about how their children are helping water the plants, or how neighbors have come together to share gardening tips and tools. It’s these little moments that show the ripple effect of community gardening.

While we celebrate new beginnings, we also pause to remember a dear participant of our gardening family who is no longer with us. This spring, we lost a cherished member to cancer. Their passion for gardening and their generous spirit touched many in our community. We extend our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Their memory will live on in the seeds they sowed and the lives they enriched. We hope to honor their legacy by continuing to grow, teach, and support one another, just as they did while they were with us.

At Grow Sustainab-LEE, gardening is more than soil and sunlight—it’s about community, care, and continuity. Here’s to a season of growth, healing, and hope for all.