We had a fantastic summer at the Community Garden. This year we grew loofah sponges and two varieties of gourds, the Apache Dipper and the Birdhouse. We had success with three varieties of native cowpeas and grew gobs of eggplant, peppers and basil. The cantaloupes are still producing and the watermelons would have taken over the world if we hadn’t cut back the vines.

But plants and produce aren’t the only things that grew this summer. Many new friendships have taken root and blossomed. If you’re looking to expand your circle of friends, the Community Garden is a great place to connect with people of all ages, from five to 95. It’s a place to meet people from different parts of the country and different walks of life. Whether it’s chatting with someone while watering plants, or at the volunteer days when we rake and maintain the raised beds, or the socials and workshops, it’s an organic way to make new friends.

As we age, having strong social connections becomes as vital to our health as the vegetables we’re growing.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Nov. 3. The Community Garden will be hosting an event open to the public. We have a new bee demonstration tent thanks to the Rotary Club that will be on display. You can watch our beekeeper in action as she works with the hive.

We’ll have tours of the greenhouse (donated by Scottsdale Medical Imaging). You’ll also be able to view the plans for the new demonstration kitchen (donation from the Ft. McDowell Nation) and the shade structure (donation from Senior Services of Fountain Hills, Inc.).

Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see how much our Community Garden has grown. And be prepared to make a new friend!