American River Community Garden
"Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so." (Genesis 1:29-30)
"Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food." (Genesis 2:8-9a)
God was (and continues to be) the Original and Ultimate Gardner. Even before the fall of Adam and Eve, it is interesting to note that men and women were to join God in taking care of the land (Genesis 2:5). So there might be nothing quite so close to "Paradise" as nurturing land to bring forth life (minus the "thorns and thistles" and other things associated with the "curse" that make work "hard" – Genesis 3:17-19). So we as a church established the American River Community Garden ministry to remind us of our "roots" as well as a means to meet practical needs in our community.
There are three parts to the Community Garden, each with its own particular focus or mission:
- Feed the Hungry Garden in which food is given to Loaves and Fishes, Carmichael Food Closet, and to Congregation and Community members in need. Participants till, plant, weed, water and harvest under the direction of Ken Brizzi, Garden manager. So far this summer, we have harvested and donated over 300 pounds of food. Praise God for this bounty and special thanks to Brenda Emmons on her daily care for this garden.
- Wonderland School Garden and Learning Center (also known as Veggie Trails) is a children’s garden which provides hands on skills of planting, watering and picking. The students choose what to plant, help with watering, learn "how to grow things" from their teachers, and enjoy fresh, organic strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, corn, pumpkins (for Halloween), peppers, and much more.
- ARCC Community Garden provides 25 spaces of land for families and friends to garden side by side. They exchange gardening ideas, food and recipes. Ken Brizzi oversees the gardener’s success and advises them on planting seasons, keeping their garden organic, composting, new methods to try, etc. . (If you would like to apply for a plot, then fill out a Community Garden Agreement form.)
If you have interest in being part of one or all of these missions, please contact Ken Brizzi or call (916) 973-9803 (click here to read Ken's bio). I’ll be glad to talk with you about ways to participate. We have had artists, ditch diggers, pipe fitters, bobcat drivers, homemakers, garden professionals, hobbyists, truckers, and many others contribute to the gardens. You can, too! All are welcome.
Helpful gardening links…