In the heart of San Carlos, at the corner property of Lake Adlon and Boulder Lake Ave., a vibrant community of gardeners have found comfort, camaraderie and purpose.

The San Carlos Community Garden (SCCG) has become more than just a patch of land in the heart of San Carlos; it has become a haven for those seeking to nurture both plants and relationships.

Five exceptional volunteers stand out, each with their unique stories of growth, connection and the transformational power of volunteering.

Pam Hunt: Cultivating healing through community

Pam Hunt’s journey to the SCCG was serendipitous, a response to the isolation that many felt during the pandemic. What began as a solitary plot soon flourished into two vibrant patches of green, teeming with cantaloupes, cherry tomatoes and an array of aromatic herbs. However, her harvest extends beyond the produce she reaps.

As she delved into nurturing her plants, she discovered an unexpected treasure – a community of like-minded souls. The once unfamiliar faces soon transformed into friends and companions.

Pam extended her caring touch to her fellow gardeners and the community last year when stepped up as steward for the garden’s Little Free Library, further cultivating SCCG’s spirit of sharing. Pam’s Saturdays are now devoted to welcoming visitors, playing the role of a docent with a heart brimming with warmth. Her garden isn’t just a haven for flora; it’s a haven for hearts, a refuge of peace found in the company of kindred spirits, blooming flowers and curious critters.

“I love my garden neighbors and the Saturday swaps,” Pam said. “If ever I need some peace, time spent in the garden with mother nature, Peter Rabbit, gardeners, flowers, fruit and vegetables pick me right up!”

Yumi Lunsford: a generational bond with nature

Yumi Lunsford’s story is a testament to the generational power of gardening. A native of Japan, Yumi grew up spending summers with her grandparents who were rice and cattle farmers. With her son Sage by her side, she tends to the garden’s roses and succulents, teaching him not only the art of gardening but also the value of community.

“All of our family is distant,” said Yumi. “so it is nice to create a sense of belonging and friendships with this family of volunteers at the Garden.”

Through the act of pruning roses and nurturing plants in the garden, Yumi and Sage are nurturing their bond and creating memories that will blossom alongside the flowers they tend.

Luciano Emanuele and Jay Bischoff: cultivating friendship and bounty

Luciano Emanuele and Jay Bischoff, affectionately known as the “fava bean experts,” have turned their life-long joy for gardening into an opportunity to give. With their three summer plots now bursting with tomatoes, eggplants and more, their harvest is not just about sustenance for themselves—it’s about building a community.

“We wanted additional space to grow more food to share with others,” Luciano said. “SCCG is a great place to share experiences of gardening and develop new friendships and gives us a sense of being a part of the community and the accomplishment in helping others.”

Nan Young: a new chapter in the garden

Nan Young’s journey to the SCCG began after retiring, a testament that it’s never too late to start something new.

Drawn by the allure of like-minded individuals and the chance to spend more time outdoors and get her hands dirty, Nan reached out to SCCG and offered to lend a hand as a volunteer. From weeding to becoming a garden docent, she has embraced her role as a steward of the garden’s future.

“Over the summer I volunteered as Garden docent on Thursday mornings, which allowed SCCG to put on a free program for young children called, “Playtime in the Garden,” Nan said. “It was great to see so many kids in the Garden get excited as they discovered new plants and bugs! Week-after-week they would hunt and count Monarch caterpillars and saw the vegetables they eat at home growing bigger.”

The stories of Pam, Yumi, Luciano, Jay, and Nan remind us that San Carlos Community Garden is not just a collection of plants; it’s a vibrant tapestry of compassionate, caring and kind people who live in our community and share a love for nature and for others.

This article was submitted by SCCG Vice-Chair Kelly Wood.