Pictured left to right: Josh Vrzal, Kay Guidarelli, Jelena (student volunteer), Katherine (student volunteer), Naomi Meldrum (Bickham Court Program Manager)

For the past eight years, residents at Bickham Court have been growing more than just vegetables – they’ve been growing community alongside the University of Minnesota Master Gardeners Program. Led by volunteers Kay Guidarelli and Josh Vrzal, the program meets every Wednesday evening and teaches families gardening skills while providing fresh produce and a chance to connect with nature.

Each family can reserve a garden plot early in the season, where children and parents work side by side planting, weeding, and harvesting. While the kids sometimes get a little too eager and pull plants instead of weeds, Kay and Josh see it as part of the learning process. The gardens not only provide healthy food but also a therapeutic, hands-on activity that brings joy to residents.

Seeds and plants are supplied through the University of Minnesota program, local city government programs, and generous donations. Along the way, Kay, Josh, and student volunteers bring bottled water, snacks, and even share recipes to help residents make the most of their harvest. One very meaningful addition to the gardens is a memorial wildflower and rock garden created after the murder of George Floyd, an idea championed by resident advocate Yolanda Farris.

The fall harvest is always the most active time of year, filled with opportunities to cook, preserve, and celebrate the fruits of everyone’s labor. We look forward to sharing more about this year’s harvest in the months ahead.