Leticia Salinas, left, and Mickey Gardiner dig spots for plants in the community garden May 25 at The Tabernacle at Sandy Creek in Seymour.
Submitted photo | Aaron Arrowood
SEYMOUR — Volunteers and members of The Tabernacle at Sandy Creek in Seymour got their hands dirty connecting with nature as they opened their community garden May 25.
“People are getting out of their house and connecting with other people in nature,” pastor-elect Aaron Arrowood said.
Approximately 15 volunteers showed up with shovels, gloves and gardening supplies as they planted a variety of fruits and vegetables for the opening of the community garden.
The 3- to 4-acre land consists of many different types of fruits and vegetables, such as beans, tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, corn, lettuce, cucumbers and more.
Arrowood said the garden will be maintained through church community effort.
“We are working together on this project,” he said.
The Tabernacle recently received a $40,000 grant from Center for Congregations that funds community projects.
“We are very grateful for their generous support,” he said.
The grant was used to purchase the necessary items to build the community garden, such as tools and equipment, seeds, a porta-potty and a well for the site.
Since the opening of the garden, Arrowood said about 10 families have started gardening there.
Arrowood said on the second night of the garden being open, Spanish-, English- and French-speaking people gathered together for fellowship and playing games.
“We believe that this is what communities should look like, all races and generations coming together in unity,” he said. “We believe that this is what heaven will look like, as well.”
Arrowood said the community garden is a great way for people across generations, languages and cultures to learn new skills, make new friends and grow their own vegetables.
After the grand opening of the community garden, Arrowood said everyone found themselves sitting around talking and laughing.
“Someone said we needed a fire pit, so we got one,” he said. “The next night, we were roasting hot dogs, talking and laughing. We hope families will do this throughout the summer and into the fall.”
The community garden is free for anyone. Request a plot by calling the church at 812-522-7687.
A simple contract will need to be signed to ensure good practices. Those interested will have a staked-off plot and access to water and tools.
Any seeds that are available are free to use, and a porta-potty will be accessible.
With originally 20 spots available, Arrowood said spaces are filling fast. With a few spaces left, it is a first-come, first-served basis.
