News : Master Gardener partners with Dysart UMC to provide 'holistic garden'

When a parishioner approached Rev. Mechille Boldt of Dysart United Methodist Church about revamping an existing garden space, she seized the opportunity to cultivate a new ministry.

"Church member Wendy Fehr-Deitrick, who was taking Master Gardener classes, wanted to take on an existing garden that was there but overgrown and an eyesore," Boldt said. "She had to come up with a design and do the planting for the credits that she needed, and because I am always looking for missions and ministries that are multifaceted, we at Dysart United Methodist Church saw an opportunity."

Boldt recently gave a public tour of the space, including a garden club from a neighboring town who wanted to "find out more about what Dysart UMC was up to with our garden, and were quite impressed."

"I shared my ideas of a holistic garden that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit with our master gardener, Wendy, and we came up with a prayer labyrinth, where the path to the center is lined with all kinds of different plants on both sides," she told the tour group. "This gives one the ability to walk the path in prayer and meditation, seeking to release the anxiety and stresses of everyday life, especially in a world like we live in today."

While the labyrinth is the centerpiece of Dysart UMC's garden, free fresh veggies can be found in the four corners.

"This year, because grocery prices are so terribly high, we added three rows of overflow veggies," she said. "In the fall, we plan to have a canning party to be able to offer food to anyone who needs it through the winter."

Wendy is not the only gardener involved, either. "We have gotten our youth fellowship involved in helping in the garden as well, and they have enjoyed being part of the project," Boldt said.

To find out more about this project and how to start your church garden, contact Dysart UMC.