A skilled gardener knows that with the right amount of effort and attention, you can grow a plentiful crop. There is nothing more rewarding than sharing those fruits of your labor, and in this case, the lucky recipients are students walking to and from school.
Heyde Mitchell, I&M Energy Efficiency and Consumer Program coordinator, was introduced to gardening at a young age, while helping her grandparents tend to their half-acre plot. Those early experiences taught her a lot not only about planting, but also the importance of patience, care and rhythm of nature. These lessons have carried over to her garden today, in more ways than one.
Deemed a “free community garden,” Mitchell offers produce she has grown to anyone passing by to take as they please. The result is several middle school students stopping to grab pickle cucumbers and sugar baby watermelons, with some using these as a snack after class or breakfast beforehand.
“I have always felt a deep desire to make a positive impact, to leave the world a little better than I found it,” said Mitchell. “I believe real change begins with everyday people and communities coming together to address local needs.”
Word spread quickly, as members of the community reached out to share their gratitude for her green thumb and passion for serving others. The time Mitchell spent to grow these items is her labor of love and she acknowledges that she looks forward to working in the garden. Even with a full schedule, she finds worth in this time spent, stating there is something special about harvesting your own food and savoring it throughout the year.
Looking into the future, Mitchell is still looking to plant current community favorites, but also adding other options that will grow well in her space and bring joy and usefulness to those stopping by to grab a snack. Her best advice for someone interested in their own garden: “Start simple! You don’t need a green thumb to get started,” said Mitchell. “You just need a bit of soil, a seed and some water. Nature does most of the work. The key is not perfection, but consistency.”
Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities and how staff are making a difference through serving their neighbors.