What began as a simple desire to brighten up our surroundings has blossomed into something much more meaningful. At Sch’eyk, we were able to not only cultivate a beautiful and nourishing green space, but also do so in an environmentally responsible way. In the spirit of upcycling and sustainability, we repurposed used shopping bags originally destined for disposal as planting containers. This creative approach helped us reduce waste while growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers that are now thriving in our community.
Planning the garden was a collaborative process. A few of us started brainstorming ideas, and from there, we gathered a small team of volunteers with varying levels of gardening experience. Some brought knowledge from past projects; others were eager to learn. With the funding we got from Neighborhood small grant, we were able to buy soil and bought the seeds from neighboring stores.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was the limited space and lack of traditional gardening supplies. That’s where the idea of using shopping bags came in they’re flexible, drain well when properly prepared, and allowed us to place plants wherever sunlight reached. It wasn’t perfect at first but we learned quickly adding more support, adjusting watering routines, beautifying and experimenting for best result which positive at last.
Beyond the environmental benefits, this garden has become a meaningful gathering point for Sch’eyk residents. On July 16, 2025, we hosted a joyful garden gathering where neighbors played bingo and ping pong, competed for small prizes, and shared a delicious meal made from some of the garden’s harvest. It was a warm, relaxed evening that brought everyone closer. People who had never really spoken before were laughing together, exchanging stories, and connecting over a shared achievement.
Maintaining the garden has taught us about patience, responsibility, and adaptability but more importantly, it has shown us the power of working together. Everyone involved had something to contribute, whether it was planting, watering, organizing events, or simply showing up to cheer the project on.
In the end, this green space became much more than a garden. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. It’s an ongoing project, growing in more ways than one and we’re proud of the roots we’ve planted, both in the soil and in our neighborhood.
