A story about rocks, growing community, and a peak at SCCG’s 2025 Year of Abundance!
Happy New Year friends of San Carlos Community Garden!
At this point you’ve probably read your share of “reflection” posts and other sorts so I won’t bore you with all the wonderful things that were accomplished by our all-volunteer run non-profit in 2024. Instead, I’d like to share a brief story about rocks, the ripple effect of growing community , and a peak at some of SCCG’s 2025 garden programs.
Rocks, a symbol of strength and stability
Let’s start with the significance of rocks. A rock can symbolize many things; steadiness, permanence, and resilience. Spiritually, rocks are commonly referred to as a symbol of reliability and strength. Native Americans and other indigenous people have honored rocks as “storytellers” and “keepers of history” for thousands of years.
In 2012, the year SCCG was established, the first daunting task at hand was clearing out the thousands of rocks that blanketed the earth of our future garden. For months and months, volunteers worked tirelessly digging and removing rocks to make way for SCCG’s orchard and garden plots. Today, those rocks make up our Native Plant Dry Creek Bed and serve as borders around the succulent garden and other areas. Just recently, SCCG volunteers installed the Lake Adlon Trail, another display of native plants and pollinators, also adorned with rocks hand dug and thoughtfully placed to enhance the outer perimeter of the garden.
Thankfully, our rock digging days are behind us, but the next time you walk by a rock in the garden, take a moment to appreciate the story and the history behind that rock and the caring folks from our community who placed it there for you to enjoy.
The Ripple Effect of Growing Community
The SCCG leadership team used to jokingly say that “we’re kinda good at growing plants, but best at growing community”. After years of growing plants and food (some better than others), what we’ve found that we’re best at growing is our garden community. Whether it’s those who want to garden (beginners to experts), volunteers and local businesses who want to be involved and support SCCG’s mission, or those who come to the garden to enjoy our monthly programs and special events, SCCG has been fortunate at bringing the community together. And, that’s how “Growing Community” became the tagline of our mission and brand.
In keeping with the rock theme, as one drops a small pebble into a pond, ripples appear and grow larger and larger, one after another, eventually touching every part of the pond’s surface. Acts of volunteerism work in the same way. A single act of kindness can inspire others, creating a chain reaction of positivity that touches more lives than we can count.
Today, SCCG has more than thirty-five gardeners who lease one or more plots to grow their own healthy and organic food, flowers and herbs. Our garden leadership team, gardeners, community partners and volunteers work together to maintain the health and beauty of SCCG while other volunteer-led committees take responsibility for our monthly programs, special events, marketing, and other operations. I am humbled beyond words by the many acts of service that are made by our caring community members, both in and out of the garden. From those who have dedicated their service to the garden on a weekly basis, to others who extend their time and talents for just a few hours, every helping hand makes a difference, enriching the garden, themselves and others.
So, what’s SCCG growing in 2025?
If you’re still thinking about your resolutions or goals for 2025, we have plenty of options for you!
Add some spark to your life this year with our awesome line-up of Garden Education Workshops – all held on the third Saturday of the month from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. These fun, creative and educational workshops are just $10 per person, or FREE for all Garden Members. Advanced registration required.
Become a Garden Member for just $40 a year! Your membership helps SCCG in so many ways! From garden maintenance to special programs and events like our Spring Festival (Save-the-Date: Saturday, April 26th), Youth Ambassador Program, Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert Series and more, your membership helps SCCG carry out its mission and sustainability plan.
Get grounded with our FREE Gentle Yoga & Mindful Meditation series held monthly on the first and third Sunday from 9:00 – 10:00. Bring a mat or a chair to stretch your mind, body and soul in the beauty of the garden. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Lease a garden plot! Just $150 per year, includes a 4x12 raised bed with access to water, tools, and other resources plus an amazing community of other like-minded gardeners that will help you become the best gardener you can be!
Enrich your life with Compost! There’s nothing more important on earth (literally) than healthy soil! If you are looking to start composting at your home, or would like to learn more about the process and benefits of composting come check out our sophisticated composting station. Get your hands dirty with our Compost Posse, fourth Saturday and Sunday of the month 9:00-11:00.
There’s much more to come in 2025 including our Spring Festival, Youth Ambassador Summer Program for high school students, our third annual Summer Concert Series, Playtime In the Garden, and an EPIC announcement that will be revealed in the very near future! So, get involved, stay engaged, and come hang out with us in the garden!
SCCG is open every Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00; first and third Sundays from 8:30 – 11:00. Learn more at www.sancarloscommunitygarden.com
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Kelly, SCCG Chair
Have a question, concern or idea? Contact us at info@sancarloscommunitygarden.com
