Members of Howarth United Methodist Church have really taken to the concept that love can grow.
It might not be exactly what you think, but it is something that is changing the lives of many.
Named the ‘Love Garden,? the church has been growing produce to help feed those in need.
‘It’s a vision our church had to help some of the local charities in the area,? said parishioner Paul Sandstrom, noting that Oxford/Orion FISH and Baldwin Avenue are two of the main charities that have benefited.
Sandstrom got the idea for the 1,500 square foot garden after reading about a church that had an orchard they used to help feed others.
‘We don’t have room to plant an orchard, but we do have room to plant a garden,? he added.
The garden has produced tomatoes, peppers, okra, beets, five different kinds of squash, pumpkins and carrots, among other things.
‘We tried to pick stuff that would continually produce,? Sandstrom said, adding that the garden has already produced around 1,000 pounds of food for those in need.
The garden was named ‘Love Garden? simply for the fact that it was grown with love, Sandstrom added, thanking Kmart of Lake Orion for donating some seeds and the United Methodist Women for their donations and help as well.
For those that are interested in helping others, Sandstrom has a couple of suggestions.
‘If you have a spot where you can grow a few plants, the shelters really need the food,? he said.
He added that the church will accept donations of seeds and help picking and planting produce at their ‘Love Garden.?
Sandstrom hopes to expand to twice the size next year.
For more information, Howarth United Methodist Church, located at 550 E. Silverbell Road, can be reached at (248)391-8103.