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Shopping Guide News Wednesday, January 21, 2026
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Planting a seed: Growing a
COMMUNITY GARDEN By WENDY MELTON Staff Writer
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Community gardens serve several purposes. They beautify neighborhoods and bring residents together. They offer low-income families an opportunity to prepare nutritious meals without breaking their budget. They provide opportunities for growth allowing neighbors to get to know one another. It’s a chance for younger generations to learn necessary life skills from their elders. Anna Roe, the organizer of the community garden project, said she developed the idea while she and her husband were traveling. “Gary and I were out west, not last year, but the year before. We were in New Mexico and we had stopped at a church on Sunday morning and one of the things they did for their parishioners was a community garden. That lodged
in my heart that’s something Rochester should have. “I talked to the mayor about it and he right away gave me a plot of land. It’s right across from the sledding hill. “It’s about a half-acre and sits right next to an apartment complex. I started applying for grants. I applied for several grants online. I’m not a grant writer. I had no idea what I was doing, but I did the best I could, she said. “Things are starting to change. The community garden falls under Fulton County Hope, so we have a place to put the money if we get it tax-free. We did a fundraiser with them and raised $1,500 and then they gave me $1,500 so we actually have $3,000 already committed,” Roe said. She is also working with other community members and organizations to raise additional funding. “I’ve met some really good people. I’ve been talking to this guy in Plymouth. He started two community gardens in Plymouth. He was a missionary in Africa for years. He learned how to teach people in Africa how to garden and forgot how to garden in America. He has re-educated himself on how to garden here. He had a dream for what he wanted my garden to look like. I will have a few tools there and a shed for the tools and the city is going to run water down there,” she said. The man in Plymouth, Roy Dan-
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forth, has been instrumental in helping with the planning process. “I don’t want things on the ground. I want standing metal, raised beds,” Roe said. “Number one, because people who are older can do that. They can’t get down on the ground. Number two, if they’re on the ground, you have constant weeds. You will have some weeds in these, but not as many. Number three, they’ll last 20 years. It won’t be like wood that will rot. “Anyway, he drew this picture or diagram of what it would look like. There’s a pollinator garden in the back, which is cool. The ENJOYING THE FRUITS OF m ay o r THEIR LABOR — Emily and Jaxson wanted 50 Melton help tend the family garden plots, but and get to enjoy a few treats along I think the way. Photo by Wendy Melton. we should start with 20 or 25,” Roe said. At this time, she has 10 plots spoken for. The plots will be free and community members who may not have room for one at home, can plant one at the community garden. Roe also plans on having a giving table at the garden where people can put their excess produce. People can take what they need from the table free of charge. If you are interested in learning more, you can send an email to gwr@rtconline.com or call (574) 527-5294. The garden will benefit the community as a whole. Gardens not only feed the body. They feed the soul, as well, by fostering relationships and encouraging residents to help one another. COMMUNITY GARDEN DIAGRAM — Roy Danforth drew this diagram of his vision for Rochester’s Community Garden. The diagram shows placement of the plots, berry bushes, grapes and other areas. Photo by Anna Roe.
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