Garden of Eden Feeds Community, Provides Activity for Elderly

The Garden of Eden is a community garden that has donated over 2,300 pounds of produce to Rust Street Ministries in June and July, according to 75 year-old master gardener Paul Dunagan. These fruits and vegetables are used to help feed needy families in the community.

The Garden of Eden is an affiliate of Rust Street Ministries that is located next to Christian Village, a retirement home. Most gardeners who adopt one of the 38 plots are asked to donate at least half of their crop to Rust Street. The four master gardeners who lead the care of the garden, however, usually donate much more.

“Us [master] gardeners, we take a little bit home, but it’s just enough for a meal or so,” Dunagan said. “Most of it, probably 95 percent of it, goes to Rust Street.”

The food the garden produces for the community certainly makes a difference, but Dunagan claimed that another need the garden fulfills is even more impactful. Many seniors from the nearby Christian Village visit the garden in order to get exercise and help the cause.

“The most important thing about this garden is not how much produce we put in Rust Street, it’s the opportunity for the seniors to get out and have something to do,” Dunagan said.

Most of the plots are currently taken, but Dunagan encourages those who are interested to come out and help in the garden. The master gardeners work from about 8-10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

More plots may become available as they are harvested and planting for fall begins. Dunagan reminds potential gardeners that adopting a plot is a commitment as everyone who adopts has a responsibility for their portion of the garden.

One of Dunagan’s roles is to teach inexperienced gardeners the necessary skills to grow fruits and vegetables. However, Dunagan has worked in the Garden of Eden for only a few years and stressed that he has much to learn as well.

“Really, it’s kind of a learning in progress all the time,” Dunagan said. “Gardening’s always just learning and you share a lot of the ideas with the other people that garden.”

According to Dunagan, excess produce that the garden donates to Rust Street is occasionally served at Kids Eat FREE! He also has had a hand in some of the work in the Fort Concho community garden.

Those interested in working in the Garden of Eden are encouraged to call Rust Street at (325) 486-1004 or Dunagan at (325) 212-0499.