Submitted by Mary Solera
(April 30, 2026) — On April 25, 2026, the Killingworth Women’s Organization sponsored an Earth Day event at Shared Harvest Garden, Parmelee Farm. It focused on the installation of new raised garden beds and the refurbishing of some in-ground beds with new trellises and supports.
It was a beautiful Saturday, making all the heavy lifting, digging, pounding in stakes, and hanging trellises just a little easier. More than thirty-five members of the community came together, got down on their knees in the dirt and, with dirt covered hands and clothes, got the job done. The group included young children, teens, KWO members and spouses, and community members wanting to celebrate Mother Earth. With all that help, Shared Harvest Garden accomplished everything they’d set out to do.
The KWO and Shared Harvest Garden organizers thank all who contributed to their efforts. They include the Killingworth Community Fund of the CFMC for the grant for the materials needed, Acer Gardens for soil, and Shoreline Garden Center and Halfinger Farms for the seedlings to get things going. They are grateful to Ken Wodatch for his help in getting the necessary materials and for building the beds, and to Tom Panciera for helping to set them in. Busy as the day was, time was found to meet new people, chat with neighbors and laugh some. Many hands really do make the work go quickly while keeping it enjoyable.
Shared Harvest Garden is a food pantry garden that was started at Parmelee Farm in 2014. Beginning in July of each year, it provides free, seasonal produce to Killingworth neighbors via a weekly market at the Farm. It provides fresh produce for the “Read and Eat” program at Killingworth Library and for the Helping Hands Food Pantry.
The Shared Harvest Garden offers a way for people to volunteer, share their own knowledge, learn more about gardening, and meet their neighbors in a congenial way while serving the community. In addition to the vegetable garden, there are honeybee hives and a perennial garden of native plants. It’s a beautiful location and if you haven’t seen it, stop by on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday morning. Members are usually there working on those mornings, weather permitting. For more information about the Shared Harvest Garden or to volunteer, contact Mary at SHG06419@gmail.com.
Photos by Mary Solera, Jean Panciera and Nancy McCormick.
