The Garden of Eden

By: Jordan Bommarito

Right here in Saint Louis, MO there is a hidden garden doing big things for the community, families, and a local food pantry. Here is a look inside The Garden of Eden, ran by a passionate leader, Myra Rosenthal.

My Family's Growth... 

The Garden of Eden is located at the Creve Coeur Jewish Community Center. Myra and her team of volunteers are working continuously to make The Garden of Eden a bright light in this world. The garden has provided thousands of pounds of fresh seasonal produce to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry at Jewish Family and Children's Services. This organization provides food, personal care items, and community resource information to families going through difficult times. Myra and this modest plot are making differences in the lives of people that need it, and some people who do not even know they need it. I have a story about how my family grew to participate in, celebrate, and love The Garden of Eden, and I could not be more proud.

Myra Rosenthal and Nick Bommarito

My brother, Nick, fell into volunteering for The Garden of Eden by accident. He was assigned there for a community service project at his school. From day one, he fell in love. He found himself volunteering there for 4 years! He was even awarded the "volunteer of the year award." My family was involved every step of the way. We drove him to and from the garden, we heard his experiences from exciting days, and we even endured his smelly clothes after working in the hot sun. As the years went by, we found ourself being honorary members of this community. We built cold frames for the garden as a family, attended celebrations for garden milestones, and watched my brother grow into himself, a confident leader and master gardener!

 

Nick Bommarito and Jordan Bommarito

 

 Cold Frames Constructed and Donated by the Bommarito Family

The Garden of Eden offers volunteer positions for people of all ages. It hosts experiences for grade school children, disabled individuals, and senior citizens. The Garden of Eden offers people from any age or background a unique experience in getting their hands dirty in the fresh soil. Nick was able to be a leader to these visiting groups and teach them about how the garden worked, how to harvest, and help them tend to the fruits and vegetables. In addition, members of The Covenant place are encouraged to tend to their own plots in the garden.

The Garden of Eden has a partnership with Gateway Greening, who work together to grow in more ways than one. Gateway Greening's "educates and empowers people to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture." From what I can tell, The Garden of Eden is educated and empowered! Here is the link to Gateway Greening, to check out all the other awesome work that they are doing!

My Challenge to you...

GET OUT THERE AND GET INVOLVED! The Garden of Eden is one of many community gardens in the Saint Louis Area. Gardening is a wonderful way for people of all ages and experiences to get involved in a community, make a difference by providing fresh organic produce, and get their hands dirty. Specifically, community gardens are a great way for young adults to build leadership skills and a respect for the environment. I challenge everyone to seek out the experience of a community garden, like The Garden of Eden, and volunteer.

This post is dedicated to my brother, Nick Bommarito, The Garden of Eden, and all community gardens. For more information on The Garden of Eden and how to volunteer, contact Myra at myrasue@sbcglobal.net. Volunteers at The Garden of Eden have to opportunity to receive a newsletter that includes fun activities happening, what is growing in the garden, and future plans!

Nick Bommarito "Volunteer of the Year