This gardening season, the community garden concept was successful at Peace Lutheran Church and First
United Methodist Church on the west and east sides of Wooster Street, respectively.
Beyond these churches, there is an interest in additional churches in Northwest Ohio becoming involved in
similar practices.
The MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio presents its inaugural "Harvest Festival" to promote
faith-based gardens.
The Harvest Festival will be on Sunday, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Monroe Street United Methodist Church,
3613 Monroe Street, Toledo.
The council will present its vision to encourage all churches, mosques and temples in the Toledo area to
plant gardens. In addition to the festival celebration, the council will offer web-resources and
follow-up informational forums to help faith groups to start the planning that is necessary now for a
successful garden next year.
The hope is to fill the Toledo area with gardens to help provide healthy food, while practicing
environmental stewardship.
The free community festival will start in the midst of the very successful vegetable garden, greenhouse,
and chicken coop. A Buddhist blessing will precede a brief program.
Inside the church there will be multiple informational displays to highlight resources for successful and
beginning faith gardeners. Find out about vertical gardens, rain gardens, victory gardens, square-foot
gardens, and more.
A free shared meal will feature wholesome chicken soup prepared from Toledo GROWs free-range chickens,
vegan bean vegetable soup, Indian coconut rice, hot mulled cider, variety breads, and home-made
desserts. Potluck salads and desserts are welcome, but not required.
A panel of gardeners will share their experiences. The Gathering from First Unitarian Church will present
lively garden music.
The festival will conclude by honoring the six directions, based on earth-centered traditions.
Information and flyer may be found at http://gardens.multifaithjourneys.org/events.html or by calling
Woody Trautman at (419) 475-6535 or [email protected].