The Mixed Greens Community Garden is proudly marking its 25th anniversary! Over the years, it has become a thriving hub for growing fresh produce, forging connections with fellow gardeners, and nurturing a vibrant sense of community in Guilford County.
Community gardens offer numerous benefits that can positively impact both individuals and their neighbors. Our garden has helped to promote healthy eating by providing a space to grow fresh, homegrown produce, and encouraging nutritious food choices. Each year, our garden is composed of various vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs, such as potatoes, corn, eggplants, crowder peas, cantaloupes, watermelons, cucumbers, zucchinis, squash, and (of course) greens! Gardening itself is a therapeutic activity that reduces stress, boosts mental well-being, and offers gentle physical exercise.
The garden also fosters a sense of community by allowing neighbors to connect, share gardening tips, and form lasting friendships. The Mixed Greens Garden had has a range of partners over the years—from Master Gardener Volunteers to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, faith-based groups, and college students—all of whom contribute to planting, harvesting, and tending to the garden’s needs.
Mixed Greens serves as an educational platform, as well, by teaching valuable gardening skills and promoting environmental awareness, from growing your own food to supporting local ecosystems, which are values of the N.C. Cooperative Extension.
Our community garden has also played an important role in supporting local food security. Thousands of pounds of produce have been provided for food pantries, soup kitchens, and other social service agencies here in Guilford County since its fruition. Many gardeners donate 10% of their produce to Share the Harvest, which is an all-volunteer non-profit agency that works with community gardens, home gardeners, and local farmers to collect excess fresh produce which we share with community agencies to feed our neighbors in Guilford County. The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Guilford County Center serves as one of their donation centers for fresh produce, and several members of Mixed Greens serve on their board as well. By offering opportunities for learning and social connection, the Mixed Greens Community Garden helps create stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities for everyone involved.
Find us at the Celebrate Pollinators Day Event on June 14th at the Ag Center to take a tour of the Mixed Greens Community Garden, enjoy some light refreshments, and learn more about our community!
For more information or to apply, contact: Crystal Mercer, Community and School Gardens Agent at crystal_mercer@ncsu.edu or (336) 641-2427
