Our garden is so much more than a place for vegetables. While yes, our tomatoes and cucumbers are seriously delicious, the greater purpose is in the tangible, hopeful work we do. Every time I get home from the UU garden, my husband Matt hears me say the same thing: “Man, I am so glad to be a part of this!” I’ve always been happiest with dirty hands, working toward a small but meaningful goal, and I’m grateful for the privilege of growing things in this space.
As a newcomer to this faith, I’m learning our principles, and I see them thrive so clearly in the garden. This small plot of land is a place where real justice can begin. Every person, in spite of their life circumstances, deserves the dignity of fresh, organic food; not just any food, but food grown, harvested, washed, and packed with extraordinary care. This is a direct expression of our commitment to justice, equity, and compassion and to the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
What may seem like a simple act of gardening is actually an opportunity to rebalance the scales of injustice around food access. On the days I deliver our harvest to the Pottstown Cluster, I am struck by the stark difference in food access that exists just on the other side of the river. It’s a powerful reminder that there is so much opportunity to help; so much opportunity for compassion.
I am truly grateful for the care given to the soil, the plants, and the people involved. It is a privilege to take these small, actionable steps in a world that currently feels so overwhelming. For me, it is easy to get paralyzed with fear, and forget that there are things I can do to be of service to others, to heal the land, to grow community. A special welcome goes out to Kess, who has already added so much value to our group with her wonderful attitude and work ethic. Her presence, and that of every person here, makes this all the more meaningful. I am just so glad I get to be a part of this!
I am just so glad I get to be a part of this! ~ Jessica Matthews
Garden Corner — June 2025
The garden group took a field trip to Jack’s Farm Wednesday, May 7, to buy organic plants for the UUFP Gardens. Jack’s Farm, located at 1370 West Schuylkill Rd. sells certified organic vegetable, herb, and flower starter plants. Since 2006, Dan Heckler and his crew have seeded, grown and tended to all of their plants right here in North Coventry.
Going Native Our pollinator garden is off to a great start this spring! The garden group weeded, amended the oil and added a few new native pollinator plants: Mountain Mint, Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm), and Common Milkweed. Next we will plant Zinnia seeds which were gleaned from last year’s flowers. We’re looking forward to a busy and beautiful pollinator garden this summer!
We also would like to welcome new member, Jessica, to our hardworking group. She is a much
appreciated addition who brings commonsense organic knowledge and a can-do attitude to all of our activities.
You may notice some interesting plastic sleeves sticking up from the ground on the front and
North lawns of the fellowship. Jon Price was able to secure several native trees and bushes for
both the fellowship and his own property on South Hanover Street. On Sunday April 27, Jon and Judy McDonald planted an Arrowood Viburnum, a Red Osier Dogwood, a Black Gum tree, and a Swamp White Oak. All of the plants and trees were donated by the Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light whose mission is to “inspire and mobilize people of faith and to take bold and just action on climate change.” We invite everyone to take the time to check out
how our fledgling native plants are faring and to visit our revitalized Pollinator Garden.