From Seed to Harvest: Wonder Community Garden

Community Roots: Celebrating the 18th Wonder Improvement Association's Garden

A Heartwarming Story of Growth and Community

We at the 18th Wonder Improvement Association are incredibly proud of Tanya Melendez, our director of community outreach and programs, for the heartwarming story she shared with us recently.

A New Beginning

Three years ago, we embarked on a new journey to create a community garden in the 1000 block of Liggett Avenue. It was our first summer operating the garden, and Tanya was there, thinning rows of carrots she had planted. One day, a group of neighborhood kids approached her, curious about what she was doing.

Cultivating Curiosity

Tanya took the time to explain the importance of thinning carrots and showed them how to grow their own. The kids were captivated and kept returning over the next few weeks to check on the carrots’ progress. When it was finally time to harvest, Tanya invited them to help. After washing the carrots, the children eagerly ate them, excitedly exclaiming, “I can’t wait to tell my mom that I ate carrots right out of the dirt!” Tanya humorously reminded them to mention they washed the carrots first.

A Visit from the Secretary of Agriculture

This story brought smiles and laughter to the crowd gathered at our garden last Wednesday morning, including Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding. His visit was part of the Shapiro Administration’s 2024 Urban Agriculture Tour, which highlights efforts to increase access to fresh food and break down barriers in urban areas.

From Pandemic Idea to Flourishing Garden

Our community garden, conceived during the COVID pandemic, serves the residents of Oakbrook Homes, a public housing development. With a modest $1,000 and a wishlist of supplies, Tanya reached out for community support. Volunteers, organizations, and local businesses contributed, transforming the plot into a flourishing garden.

A Growing Success

Our garden’s success is evident. Starting with 12 raised beds, it has grown to 32. Each spring, residents can apply for a plot, with priority given to Oakbrook residents. Martin and Margarita Garcia were among the first to join in 2021. Through a translator, Martin expressed how the garden keeps them busy and entertained, while Margarita appreciated the opportunity to share their produce with friends and neighbors.

A Bountiful Harvest

The garden now features a variety of crops, including tomatoes, eggplants, strawberries, and herbs. Tanya emphasized that everything you see here has been built and created entirely by the community. She also highlighted the spontaneous learning it fosters among neighborhood children.