Olive’s Garden for the Hungry

An Eagle Scout Project was born. The garden was built in sections and on weekends the scouts worked to clear rocks, gravel, garbage and glass from the lot. Other scouts worked on clearing trash along the side of the bridge down to the highway. Unwanted trees were removed from the area and the space outside the fence was cleared. Volunteers began regularly mowing the parkway. Hawthorne trees were trimmed and others removed to allow more sun. Manure, mushroom compost, peat-moss, and other fertilizers were added in large quantities to make soil healthier and more productive. Donated plants and seeds were planted and the watering needed to begin. To the rescue came Mrs Olive Borgardt who lived in the house across the street. She offered her water to the garden and the garden honors her name still today. The garden was expanded in sections throughout the summer, slowly making more ground usable. At the end of the summer a ceremony was held where the continued operation was handed over to the Jefferson Park Community Association, ending the official Eagle Scout Project portion of the garden.

Fast forward to 2024….the Garden is still flourishing and producing amazing amounts for local area food banks. The work is now under the direction of the garden king Bill Zelenka and his army of volunteers. Many long hours are spent planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and delivering. There are now bees giving us honey. A small food pantry and library now sit on the edge of the garden. In 2023 a program was put in place with the garden club at Beaubien Elementary School; teaching the future gardeners of America all about growing. An annual fundraising event is held each Spring. Volunteer help at the garden is always welcome.