Our Giving Garden
Where Community & Service Meet
BY JANICE ANDERSON
Although winter seems to be hanging on just a bit longer, we welcome the much-needed water and snow, never mind the wind.
The first day of spring is right around the corner! We have had some beautiful days over the last month allowing us to prepare for spring planting.
A few asparagus spears are reaching for the sky. The strawberries over-wintered well with flowers opening to give birth to new fruit. The sweet peas and tulips are emerging from their long winter nap, along with the nectarine tree, loaded with blossoms and a promise of a plentiful crop to come.
The citrus trees were laden with fruit, already harvested and donated. A variety of spring vegetables are being planted in the raised garden beds to fulfill another growing season and provide a copious harvest.
Multiple fruit trees, along with berries will be added to Our Giving Garden at Anderson Acres this spring.
“Our Giving Garden may be small, but it provides so much. Produce from Our Giving Garden is donated to the Golden Empire Gleaners Food Bank for those in need.”
Our Giving Garden may be small, but it provides so much. Produce from Our Giving Garden is donated to the Golden Empire Gleaners Food Bank for those in need.
Kern County students, representing Arvin, BHS, Greenfield, Highland, Liberty, North, South & West High Schools, CA891 AFJROTC, FFA, ROC & Bakersfield College, along with teachers and parents, have volunteered for Our Giving Garden at Anderson Acres since 2014, receiving valuable service hours and so much more.
Volunteers learn where our food comes from and what is needed to produce it. Students learn the value of service to our community, realizing a sense of accomplishment for a job well done, as they share with their family and their community the produce they have helped to grow.
Everyone benefits from learning how to grow food and what important role agriculture plays in Kern County and for the country. To expand on this premise, we reach out to local professionals in agriculture and horticulture to visit Our Giving Garden and share their knowledge with those that volunteer.
Planting the seed of knowledge is as important to us, as learning to plant seeds to grow in the garden. Guest speakers will be included on the schedule. In addition, several events are planned throughout the year to enjoy our pets, learn more about them and our responsibility for them.
These events will be added to the Community Service schedule as plans are finalized. We look forward to seeing everyone at Anderson Acres Our Giving Garden and the many events hosted by Anderson Acres!