By Debra Messick

CAMBRIDGE - Behind historic Waugh Chapel UMC on High Street, an urban oasis of greenery and neighborly spirit has been flourishing since 2015.

Under the direction of the Rev. Emanuel Johnson, the congregation’s then pastor, Waugh Chapel opened its back yard to community members who needed a space to grow healthy, affordable food.

That generosity and support has continued, helping Cambridge Community Garden grow to 52 raised beds.

On Saturday, April 27, seasoned gardening veterans and eager first timers will bring their collective green thumbs to Cambridge Community Garden’s ninth annual planting day.

A limited number of free plants and seeds will be available on planting day, and bed rental for the season is $5.

“There should be about 5 - 7 beds open for new gardeners this year,” Burtman said.

Approximately six gardeners have been with the garden from the initial 2015 season on, as have its leaders, Dorchester County Master Gardeners Kathy Burtman and Robin Herman.

The two have provided expertise, encouragement, and unstinting time and effort to maintain the space as well as guide and nurture those taking part.

“The gardeners are a diverse group with many retirees and new-comers to the community. We also have several families. There is no need for gardening experience. We will lead you,” Burtman said, adding that “the goal of the garden is to build community through gardening. It provides a place for people to grow healthy food, meet their community members and experience the joy of gardening."

“We will be going into our fourth year at the garden,” said member Jude Brown. “We look forward every year to being able to get our garden going again. It is a sign of spring and renewal.

"We love learning and talking to the other gardeners and figuring out what is going to work best for what season. We love seeing what other people are growing and how they take care of their ‘crops’. This year I am more excited as I picked up some seeds in Amsterdam this year...let's see how they grow in Cambridge, Maryland. This garden is the true definition of community.”

Member Marie Anderson couldn't recommend the experience highly enough.

“If you’re looking for solace, a get-away, time away from the hustle and bustle, come to the garden! Plant your favorite vegetables and watch them grow. The pride you feel gives you a sense of accomplishment. You will experience a joy in your soul!” she said.

One of the 52 beds is dedicated to herbs for use by all the gardeners. Another is dedicated to perennial pollinator plants. Each year, any unclaimed beds, usually averaging about three, are planted for local food banks.

The garden has been supported by the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Choptank. Habitat has assisted in building the garden’s attractive lemon yellow shed which contains shovels, rakes, a wheelbarrow, towels, hoses, and other gardening tools free for all members to use.

Habitat also helped construct the three compost bins as well as a matching yellow gazebo in honor of Shirley Jackson, a longtime Waugh Chapel member who delighted in assisting with the garden, whatever the weather, despite being in her 80s. Jackson passed away in December 2022.

To rent a bed or for more information, email Burtman and Herman at communitygardenwaughchapel@gmail.com.