Troy Fitzgerald, pastor for outreach and discipleship at Walla Walla University Church, jump-started the addition of a new garden on campus. He was inspired by Leviticus to create a garden called “The Edge” for the community to share. 

The garden received its name because it is meant as a gift to the community for those who need or want fresh food. The name comes from Leviticus 19:9–10, which advises leaving the edge of your garden or property for the poor to have access to food. 

Located on Fourth Street across from the church, the garden includes both flowers and vegetables for anyone to come and pick. The idea is to create “a place to gather, collect, and share,” said Fitzgerald. It is open to church members, students, and anyone in the community interested in fresh produce and beautiful flowers. 

The project began in May by cultivating the ground with the help of Fitzgerald’s neighbors, friends, and students on campus willing to volunteer. Once the grass was cut up and rows were added, they added fencing and planted seeds from Fitzgerald’s greenhouse. After a season of growth, there are now tomatoes, lemons, cucumbers, herbs, onions, peppers, spinach, eggplant, string beans, and flowers ready to be picked. 

Looking forward, Fitzgerald is hoping to build a fire bowl near the garden to continue the idea of bringing the community together. He feels very passionate about giving to the community and has found the generosity begins to spread. 

The garden is managed by the church but students interested in helping are more than welcome to volunteer. Learn more information by emailing troy.fitzgerald@wallawalla.edu. 

Posted on September 27, 2022.