October Recap
October brought the growing season to a close, giving the garden a chance to slow down after another busy year. While there wasn't much activity at the garden this month, there's still plenty to appreciate as we look back on the season and everything we've accomplished together.
As the garden settles in for winter, we're already looking ahead to what another year of growing, learning, and working together might bring.
November Events At A Glance
Our final garden gathering of the year is coming up! Join us as we put the garden to bed, tackle a few remaining projects, and prepare our shared space for winter. It's a chance to wrap up the season together and leave things in good shape for the year ahead.
Garden Cleanup & Winter Prep
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 9:30 AM 1:30 PM
Giving Thanks
November is a good time to pause and appreciate the people who make this community what it is as the holidays approach and the garden settles into its winter rest.
We're grateful for our gardeners, volunteers, neighbors, community partners, and local supporters who have helped Mid Shooks Run Community Garden continue to grow. Whether you've tended a plot, helped with a maintenance project, shared a resource, made a donation, or simply spread the word, you've played a part in making this garden a welcoming and productive place.
This year brought some exciting milestones. Our food forest continued to take shape, new infrastructure and equipment helped improve our shared space, and support from local organizations and businesses allowed us to invest in the garden's future. We've also seen tremendous interest in membership, with a waitlist for those hoping to join our gardening community.
None of this happens on its own. A community garden depends on people willing to share their time, knowledge, resources, and enthusiasm. We're thankful for everyone who has contributed in big and small ways, and especially for the continued support of our community beyond the garden gates.
As we head into the holiday season, we hope you'll take a little time to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of another growing season. We're already looking forward to seeing what we can grow together in 2027!
Other Announcements
End-of-Season Cleanup & Security Deposit Reminder
The 2026 growing season officially ended October 31. We ask all members to leave their plots in the same, if not better, condition than they found them. Only established perennials should remain, and they should be properly maintained for the winter.
Please remove all stakes, strings, poles, tomato cages, Wall-o-Waters, and other equipment or materials from your plot. Take these items home rather than leaving them behind for winter storage. Let's avoid adding to the tomato cage graveyard!
A reminder about the $50 security deposit: To remain eligible for a deposit refund, members must have fulfilled both end-of-season requirements:
Participated in at least one garden maintenance event during the 2026 growing season (or completed an approved alternative arranged with garden leadership).
Cleared and cleaned their plot by October 31, in accordance with the end-of-season cleanup guidelines.
Members who did not meet both requirements forfeit their security deposit. If you'd like to return for the 2027 growing season, you'll still be welcome to do so, but a new security deposit will be required as part of your renewal.
Thank you for helping us maintain a shared garden space that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.
This is a great example of what plots should look like after end of season cleanup is complete.
One Last Maintenance Opportunity
Our final maintenance event is Sunday, November 1. If you haven't yet participated in a maintenance event this year (or arranged an approved alternative), this is your last opportunity to fulfill that membership requirement. Please note that the October 31 plot cleanup deadline still applies. Attending the November 1 event does not extend the deadline for clearing your plot.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Growing Season
We'll reach out to current members about their plans for next year in January of 2027. If you're planning to return, we look forward to having you back! If your plans have changed and you won't be gardening with us next year, please let us know so we can offer your plot to someone on the waitlist.
Keep an eye on your inbox for renewal information and next steps in the new year.
Interested in Joining Us?
If you know someone who would love to garden with us, our waitlist is open! We're always happy to welcome new people into the community. Visit our website to learn more about reserving a plot and joining us for the 2027 growing season.
