As American Author Elizabeth Andrew once said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This statement has held true for the San Carlos Community Garden (SCCG) since their inception in 2012.

Looking back at 2023, the year consisted of many firsts, new and renewed partnerships and an unwavering devotion to community service. Such acts have propelled the garden into another year of exciting potential. Here’s a look back on their notable achievements and hopes for the new year.

A look back at 2023

“Growing Community” continued to be the guiding theme for the SCCG, which took shape in a number of new initiatives in 2023, beginning with the roll-out of its Garden Membership Program in February.

“For more than a decade, our goal has been to create a beautiful and enriching space that is welcoming to all, not just those who garden or lease a plot,” said SCCG Board of Directors Chair Kelly Wood. “To achieve this, we’ve created a variety of programs that fosters a sense of community and environmental sustainability and inspires others to get involved. For just $35 a year, the Garden Membership program is a simple way for the community to invest in our mission-focused programs.”

One of those mission-focused programs has been the SCCG’s Education Workshops.

In 2023, the garden hosted 10 workshops led by some of San Diego’s most recognized garden experts such as local botanist, author and gardening instructor Chuck McClung; Sarah Boltwala-Mesina from Food2Soil and Sam Tall from City Farmers Nursery. Those in attendance experienced hands-on technical instruction and collaborated with other like-minded individuals eager to learn and improve their gardening knowledge. Participation in the workshops was free for all Garden Members, or $10 for non-members.

Another accomplishment in 2023 was the creation of a Food Pantry Garden — which dedicated a portion of the garden for the sole purpose of increasing the capacity of growing food for those in need. The SCCG partnered with the Good Shepherd Ministry’s Food Pantry, donating fruits and vegetables and other collected non-perishable foods throughout the year.

“Our food pantry partnership was established just in time for our Spring Celebration event, followed by our first-ever ‘Stuff the Pantry’ Summer Concert Series and Fall Festival,” said Wood. “Our cost of entry to these events was a non-perishable food item. So, in addition to the organic food grown in our garden, we were also able to support the Good Shepherd Food Pantry with other food necessities throughout the year.”

Playtime in the Garden — a weekly, summer-long, free event designed to spark the curiosity of young children — was another 2023 initiative. For nine weeks, kids took part in arts and crafts, nature exploring and educational lessons from SCCG volunteers and local early-childhood education college students.

A sneak-peek ahead

Piggybacking off the progress and momentum of 2023, the SCCG is preparing for a busy year ahead.

“The SCCG leadership team is always looking for ways to improve our operations and the value we offer to the community,” said Wood. “We are excited to offer a superb line-up of monthly Education Workshops from seed starting to do-it-yourself fruit and vegetable preserving to tool sharpening. There really is something for everyone.”

In addition to their year-round programing, weekly open house; monthly story time events, workshops and produce swaps, the SCCG is also continuing with seasonal events such as, Yoga in the Garden, Spring and Fall festivals, Playtime in the Garden and the Stuff the Pantry concert series.

“What we continue to accomplish is all thanks to the people in this community who have volunteered their time to make it all happen” said Wood. “From those who show up to weed, mulch, prune and plant, to those who share other talents like hosting a yoga class, leading a workshop, designing our website, or organizing a summer concert series, we simply could never pull this off without a diverse range of talents.”

Among the dedicated helping hands is SCCG volunteer James Hyde, who began leasing a plot in 2023. He has since taken a lead role in maintaining the Food Pantry Garden.

“From the moment my family and I first stepped foot into the garden we felt welcomed,” Hyde recalled. “We immediately bumped into a local gardener who wanted to show off her plot. I’m absolutely amazed at the good energy and active involvement of the board, the volunteers and the members to make so many good things happen, for the good of the Garden, the community and self.”

Heather Craig also began volunteering in 2023 and has since become one of the organization’s newest board members.

“It’s not just the garden, it’s the community of the garden that honors, respects, teaches and inspires people like me to help our community come together and grow together,” Craig explained. “I’m privileged to be a part of this community and will continue to support the SCCG and its mission to make San Carlos and San Diego a better place to live.”

With the heart and help of their volunteers, the SCCG will surely have another eventful and prosperous year.

A complete list of the San Carlos Community Garden’s events, activities, volunteer opportunities and more can be found at: sancarloscommunitygarden.com/.