A once-deserted baseball field behind the Church of the Cross in Modesto has been transformed into a blooming community garden, featuring over 140 plots cultivated by growers from diverse backgrounds. Everett Leon-Guerrero, the garden coordinator, spearheads the project with the support of volunteers like Benny Villarreal, a seasoned gardener. In an interview obtained by CBS News, Leon-Guerrero shared, "We have over 140 plots, probably six nationalities out here. Everything is growing out here."
Gardeners pay an annual fee of $50, gaining access to water, shared tools, and waste disposal. Leon-Guerrero told CBS News, "We are a nonprofit. The church is kind enough to give this land to them. They pay $50 a year, which is a screaming deal. And we're always looking for donations." The plots yield a variety of crops, from staples like tomatoes to bananas and sugarcane, representing the gardeners' diverse cultural heritages.
According to the Modesto Bee, the garden facilitates a sense of community as well as trade, with a community table in the center where produce is exchanged. "Somebody gives you tomatoes and you give them bell peppers — it's a love fest," stated Leon-Guerrero. Additionally, language barriers are bridged using Google Translate and the universal language of horticulture.
The community garden isn't solely about cultivation; it's also a place where creativity blossoms. A new mural, inspired by a sketch from Cameron Leon-Guerrero and painted by Modesto High senior Eliana Gloria, adorns the space. The garden's dedication to organic growing practices and the prohibition of spraying were also highlighted by Leon-Guerrero, who said, "We don't get paid for this. God pays us, and it's a labor of love," in a statement to CBS News.
Interest in the plots is high, and volunteers are a vital part of keeping the operation going. Membership includes more than just a plot of land, but it also brings a deeper commitment. "People come in and they think they want to garden, so they plant, and you see them six weeks later. Well, that's not gardening," Leon-Guerrero expressed to the Modesto Bee. The garden is part of a network of community gardens in Stanislaus County and continues to welcome donations and new gardeners.
