Spring has arrived, bringing with it the promise of new growth and transformation at the OLP community garden project. What began as a vision for native planting spaces has blossomed into a vibrant community initiative, uniting parishioners, neighbors, school staff, and children in a shared mission of ecological stewardship.
From Milk Jugs to Garden Beds
The OLP Garden Corps volunteers have been diligently potting grasses, carefully transferring seedlings from milk jugs to provide adequate space for root development before their May planting. The dedicated team has conducted home visits to assist community members who have adopted grasses, ensuring proper cultivation techniques are followed.
In an exciting development, Mary Roth, OLP Middle School Social Studies teacher, is bringing her Girl Power group to participate in transplanting activities. This collaboration marks an important milestone in the project's mission to engage young people in environmental conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, other native plant species have begun sprouting in milk jugs at participants' homes. The Garden Corps anticipates substantial growth in the coming weeks, with plans for a community potting session to transfer plants into permeable pots—an environmentally conscious choice that will simplify the final planting process. These specially selected containers can be placed directly into the garden soil, reducing transplant shock while eliminating plastic waste.
Science-Backed Soil Preparation
Behind the scenes, an impressive collaboration of experts has informed the garden's soil preparation strategy. The Garden Corps has synthesized knowledge from numerous authoritative sources to develop an approach that balances ecological responsibility with practical considerations.
The wealth of expertise includes Jim Nelson’s extensive native gardening knowledge, Lynn Bathke’s Master Gardening training, and comprehensive research by Jeanne Wiestling. The team also consulted with UMN Extension representatives and Jeanine Gregoire, a respected Master Gardener, naturalist, and retired science professor who personally assessed the garden plots.
Additional guidance came from Fr. Joe Crookston, a horticulturist with special interest in native gardens, and landscape architect Jean Garbarini, whose specialized knowledge of Minnesota native landscaping proved invaluable, particularly in developing erosion control strategies for the church-side garden's steep slope.
This scientific foundation has led to tailored preparation plans for each of the project's two distinct planting areas. Work began in early Spring with community raking sessions.
A Tale of Two Gardens
The church-side garden, with its challenging slope, requires specialized attention to prevent soil erosion. The team began with gentle surface weeding and raking while leaving existing tarps in place until late Spring. Strategic placement of erosion matting on the steepest sections will stabilize the soil while suppressing weed growth. Carefully planned pathways utilizing existing tarp material as underlayment will complete this garden's preparation.
For the school-side garden, the approach differs slightly. After similar surface preparation, the team will establish weed-resistant pathways before enriching the planting areas with quality compost. A final layer of mulch—hopefully sourced from ChipDrop, a free mulch delivery service—will complete the preparation.
When the seedlings reach an appropriate size, planting will commence using an innovative auger technique. A specialized drill attachment will create planting holes through the protective layers of mulch, compost, or erosion matting. This method offers multiple advantages: it prevents dormant weed seeds from reaching the surface, improves moisture retention, protects against erosion, and simplifies long-term maintenance.
Artistic Flourishes
Brandon Werth, OLP school art teacher and native gardening enthusiast, is coordinating student involvement in creating decorative garden signage. As the owner of a yard fully converted to native plants and certified as a Monarch waystation, Werth brings both artistic vision and practical experience to the project.
Resource Stewardship
Financial responsibility has been a cornerstone of the garden project. Most materials—including tarps, seeds, containers, and various supplies—have been donated by Garden Corps members and community supporters. OLP Facilities Director Michael Manahan has facilitated the provision of essential maintenance items like yard bags, buckets, and tools for volunteers without storage space. The team is currently developing their 2025-2026 budget under Manahan's supervision, with support from OLP Business Administrator Renée Svard.
Growing Beyond Today
The Garden Corps' vision extends well beyond initial planting. Plans include:
- Regular maintenance gatherings to sustain community involvement throughout the growing season
- Fall assessment and strategic seed addition for spring-blooming natives
- Installation of a bench in the flat area across from the church entry
- Creation of a "seed library" to share surplus seeds with community members interested in establishing their own native gardens
- Development of a gardening book collection for parish use
- Potential expansion of the OLP Garden Corps to include expertise in additional plant varieties, possibly incorporating food gardens—a growing trend in church ministries
The initiative has already proven to be more than just a gardening project. It has become a unifying force, bringing together diverse segments of the community in meaningful collaboration.
As the first native seedlings prepare to take root in their new home, the OLP Garden Project stands as an inspiring example of how local action can nurture both environmental health and community bonds simultaneously—a garden that grows relationships as intentionally as it cultivates native plants.
Lynn Bathke & Jeanne Wiestling
OLP Parishioners
