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CELEBRATION GARDEN VOLUNTEERING
Join us on Tuesdays at 8:30 AM in the Celebration Garden to harvest fresh produce for local food pantries. All ages and abilities are welcome! Volunteering here not only supports those in need but also fosters community spirit and connection with nature. Help make a difference and enjoy the rewarding experience of giving back.
If you have questions about volunteering, contact Heidi Lathrop at garden@stmtts.org.
The 2024 Garden Volunteering season begins Tuesday, May 28th at 8:30 AM
ABOUT THE CELEBRATION GARDEN
Welcome to St. Matthew's Celebration Garden, a flourishing oasis in Sterling, Virginia, where fresh, organic produce and vibrant flowers are cultivated to spread the love of God throughout the community.
What sets us apart is our dedication to giving back. The heart of our garden beats with collaboration, led by Heidi Lathrop and supported by community volunteers as well as Boy and Girl Scout groups. These volunteer groups actively participate in gardening lessons, planting guidance, and maintenance during the summer months. The harvest from these efforts consistently benefits the LINK Against Hunger food pantry every week throughout the growing season.
Join us in cultivating a sense of community and giving back to those in need. Explore our gallery and history below to witness the transformative journey of our garden, from its humble beginnings to the vibrant, giving space it is today.
To learn more or inquire about volunteering, contact Heidi at garden@stmtts.org. Let's know and share God's love through this beautiful garden ministry.
Follow the Celebration Garden on social media:
CELEBRATION GARDEN HISTORY
2013 Garden Transformation
Established in 2013, our journey began with the transformation of a dying rose garden into a thriving space for vegetables and flowers.
2015 Raised Bed Revolution
Faced with challenges like weeds and poor drainage in 2015, we decided to build raised beds, setting the stage for the expansion of the garden in 2016.
2016 Hot Sauce & Expansion
The birth of Celebration Garden Hot Sauce became the catalyst, prompting us to secure funding and plan the expansion to grow organic produce for food pantries.
2017 Scout Collaboration Begins
In 2017, with seed money in hand, we collaborated with Scouts to construct the garden, kickstarting a series of Eagle Projects a well as Girl Scout Take Action Projects. VIEW HERE
2021 Mosaic & Little Free Library
In 2021, a new chapter unfolded with the installation of a Little Free Library, a beautiful hand-crafted mosaic by Mylene Nyam, and a pollinator habitat (GS Troop 2654), showcasing the diverse ecological impact of our garden.
2022 Pergola Installation
Our beautiful pergola was constructed and donated by Solid Work Construction providing some shade and a variety of seating options for the garden including swings and a hammock.
2023 Flourishing Flower Ministry
In 2023, we added a cut flower ministry to the garden, growing and donating over 1,500 pounds of fresh, organic produce, and distributing 247 flower bouquets.
BOY & GIRL SCOUT PROJECT INSTALLATIONS
March 2017: Joe Shangraw (Troop 956)
Perimeter cedar raised garden beds.
April 2017: Wyatt Sherwood (Troop 956)
Arbors & gates into the garden.
June 2018: Alex Bates
(Troop 956)
Compost bins.
July 2018: Nick Rossiter (Troop 956)
Seating design on inner garden walls.
May 16, 2021: Ethan Gramling (Troop 966)
Little Free Library.
November 7, 2021: Benjamin Levine (Troop 966)
Tool Shed.
September 2021: Lars Nyman (Troop 956)
Garden fencing.
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October 2021
(Girl Scout Troop 7001)
Bat Houses installed.
May 2021: Girl Scouts
(Troop 2654)
Pollinator Hotel
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April 30, 2022: Benjamin Cantrall (Troop 673)
Table.
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July 16, 2022: Alex Gonzalez (Troop 966)
Raised Garden Bed
(Strawberry Patch).
April 15, 2023: Timothy Hicks (Troop 966)
Cut Flower Ministry Flowerbeds (front & East side).
May 6, 2023: Joe Long
(Troop 966)
Three internal raised garden beds.
May 6, 2023: Jack Gibney (Troop 966)
Elevated flower bed for Cut Flower ministry.
November 18, 2023: Peter Dyson (Troop 966)
Cut Flower Garden expansion and fencing.