Through Murphy, the church connected with their Delaware Master Gardener committee specifically assigned to assist schools, community gardens and urban farms. Partnering with the Delaware Urban Farm and Food Coalition, these Master Gardeners have developed loads of resources and workshops. Longtime Master Gardener Karen Curtis co-chairs the committee and works closely with Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. 

“What is notable is [Linda’s and Becca’s] continued interaction with UD Cooperative Extension. First, it was assistance for the Shepherd Garden. Then taking [Extension’s] Beginning Farmer class. Now it is Master Gardener training, so they can use their experience and knowledge to help other community gardeners,” said Curtis, who retired from UD’s School of Public Policy and Administration. “Their faith-based experience will be very valuable for other faith-based gardeners.”

As the garden grew, in its first few years, the duo wondered about interest in a community garden. They posted an ad for 15 beds, which were filled almost immediately. The community gardeners are asked to donate 10% of their produce to the food pantry, but gladly donate much more, tipping the scales at more than 3,400 pounds.  

The once blank space surrounding the church has transformed into a productive and community-oriented landscape as the thriving garden has more than doubled in size.

“Now we feel that we have education behind it,” said Ulmanis. “We’re looking forward to putting what we’re learning in the Master Gardener program to use in the garden next year on crop rotations and extending the seasons and succession planning.”