A Look at What’s Growing in Our Community Garden

Locavore. Defined as someone who eats locally grown food. It’s a bit of a buzzword. But here at Valencia, locally sourced food is a big part of who we are and the history of this land.

In the Santa Clarita Valley, this tradition of eating fresh, locally sourced food started centuries ago. Today, it lives on through our Community Garden and Garden Home, which are managed by Farmer Madi, our lead urban gardener, and her talented teammates at Farmscape.

We caught up with Farmer Madi to discuss upcoming garden events and find out what Farmscape’s growing out there:

1. They’re Growing Community

The Community Garden at Valencia is a space to gather and connect. And with Farmer Madi leading Tuesday harvests, it’s a great place to level up your gardening skills too. Looking forward to each harvest, Madi shared, smiling, “I’m really excited about it, because I love people and plants, so that goes super well together.” Continuing, “A lot of the time, people want to come in and reap the benefits of the garden, but they don’t always know how to harvest properly. So it’s really important for them to get that education.”

2. They’re Sprouting Collaborations

Since 2008, Farmscape has been building edible gardens across the state of California for Michelin star chefs, Silicon Valley tech giants and Levi’s Stadium (home of the San Francisco 49ers), among others. They’ve also been creating gardens in communities like ours, so families can grow organic food in their own neighborhoods, or “agrihoods” as Farmer Madi likes to call them. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Farmscape to create a community that joins together through urban gardening.

3. They’re Nurturing Health and Wellness

There are countless benefits to eating locally. As Madi puts it, “It’s empowering to know where your food is coming from.” When food travels shorter distances, we reduce carbon emissions, and local crops are picked when ripe in their most nutrient-rich state. Plus, growing your own food also creates independence, leaving you less susceptible to the supply chain.

Perhaps most poignantly, growing food speaks to the future. A more just, equitable and sustainable one for all. Pointing younger generations toward a healthier path, getting them excited about fruits and vegetables. “I love seeing kids eating vegetables off the vine,” Farmer Madi reflects, “because they’re not always enticing on a dinner plate. But when it’s fresh and from the garden, I feel like it’s something special for them; so, I love seeing all the sugar snap peas go to such a good cause.”

Among the many plantings in our garden right now, we’re growing savory nightshades, like eggplant, heirloom tomatoes and roasting peppers. We’re also growing patty pan squash, zucchini, bush beans and chard, aromatic herbs and edible flowers. And don’t forget the Armenian cucumbers gracing our trellises — a point of pride for Madi with their long, beautiful stripes. She says they’re very, very crunchy, delicious summer snacks and a wonderful summer salad addition.

To get involved, go to our Community Garden and chat with Farmer Madi. She’s there every Tuesday, mid morning to afternoon. Or stop by the Porch and ask Matt for information.

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