Sharing in the Plymouth Community Garden

Working your own plot at the Plymouth Community Garden is a labor of love!

Vegetable gardening is an enjoyable and productive pastime for many in NH. And there may be no better activity that demonstrates how hard work can reap rewards.

But it’s not always accessible to everyone, especially those who don’t own their own homes or have land available to them.

The Plymouth Community Garden offers an option for those who want to grow their own food and have a deeper connection with the earth.

A small group of adults supported by StaffWorks of Lakes Region Community Services has been able to experience this connection for themselves over the past two years. Liz, Danielle and Paul have learned about the work that goes into gardening and taking great pride in sharing their bounty with family and friends.

“This was a pilot program for us last year but it ended with great plans and intentions for this year and this year’s garden is wonderful,” said LRCS Staff Works Director Laurie Vachon.

The City of Plymouth, which organizes the Plymouth Community Garden, has generously donated the $40 cost of the plot to the StaffWorks group over the past two years and the individuals themselves have contributed towards the cost of seeds and other items needed to maintain the garden. Liz purchased her own gardening boots.

The three built a fence for their crop of peas using sticks and string. In addition to peas, they are growing tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, cabbage, green beans and broccoli. Tending the garden isn’t easy, but the payoff is worth it. “Watering and weeding is a lot of hard work, but I like to bring my family fresh vegetables,” said Danielle.

StaffWorks of LRCS works within the community to assist and support individuals who experience a disability to make connections within the community, develop independent living and job skills, and achieve their personal and career goals. Click here for  more information on the LRCS StaffWorks program.