Since 2021, 850 Pounds of produce donated to local foods banks.
Veggies to flowers… “Move over sunflowers! Make room for us!”
Krista grew-up with gardening. As a tiny tot, her sand box was right in the middle of our first Exeter garden. By the age of 4, she could identify all the veggies, herbs, and flowers we grew. From then on, there was never a Spring without her announcing, “It’s time to plant the garden!” She loved that there was always more than enough to share with friends and family. It was, however, heartbreaking for her to imagine others experiencing food insecurity. It made sense that through the years, Krista’s favorite charity was Feed the Children.
So, after growing sunflowers over the past 12 years, we realized that the gardens had room to share for food crops to help our neighbors in need. We love creating joy in Krista’s memory by growing glorious sunflowers, but now her garden has a dual-purpose that honors Krista’s wish to bring bounty to those in need.
In 2021, we first experimented with planting food crops in and among the sunflowers. Our trial effort yielded 500 pounds of produce for the Exeter and North Kingstown food needs. It was a super-hot and dry summer in 2022 but we still managed to contribute another 350 pounds of produce. With cooperation from Mother Nature and help from our wonderful Kiki’s Garden volunteers, we are hopeful that the 2023 gardens will produce increased quantities of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, beans, zucchini and butternuts grown with love in Kiki’s Garden. Now the “GROW” in Play. Learn. Create. Grow. BLOOM carries even greater significance!
Kiki's Garden 