Simple Gifts
Community Garden
Garden updates
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New Pollination Paradise Page
Check out our new, completely-refreshed page about our beautiful pollinator plants and the beneficial insects they attract! Thanks to Penny and Anne for bringing us a fresh, new view of this important part of our sustainable and beautiful Simple Gifts Community Garden.
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Recycling plastic film at the Garden
Beginning in March 2025, the Garden and Apex UMC are partnering in collecting polyethylene films (plastic film and overwraps) to be recycled into Trex decking and outdoor products. Of course, avoiding plastic is the first, best option, but if you do have these products, recycling them is a much better alternative than sending them to the landfill. There will be one bin in the shed at the garden and 2 bins at the church, one…
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Remembering a kind and gentle gardener…
We are so sorry to share with you the passing of David McGowan one week ago today. David was a gentle, kind soul with a passion for plants and helping others. He came to the old garden frequently and we were all so happy to see him again at the fall dinner just a few months ago. A few of us visited David where he worked with native plants at Cure Nursery and we realized…
Volunteer opportunities
In addition to our garden work on scheduled garden workdays, including soil prep, planting, watering, weeding etc., there are other important supporting tasks that make the garden go. See some examples below. If you would like to sign up to help with any of these on particular dates, please go to our sign-up sheet by clicking the button below. Many hands make light work!
Compost Turning
Expired Produce Pickup
Pollinator plant wish list
Our vision
- Living example of sustainable local food production
- Learning center for gardening and natural resource conservation
- Abundant, high-quality organic produce for those in need
- Inspiration and inclusive engagement of the Apex area community
- Youth motivated to help others and the environment
Core values
- Welcome all people to participate
- Garden organically
- Feed the food-insecure via local food banks
- Educate about sustainability and conservation
- Support pollinators and the ecosystem
What we do
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Feed the Hungry
Collective effort to bring fresh organic produce to local food banks
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Build Inclusive Community
Working, digging, sweating, and laughing together . . . all are welcome!
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Encourage Community Service
Youth groups, teen service hours, community service hours, corporate volunteers
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Educate about Sustainability
Learn by doing – we all learn together and share the knowledge freely
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Support Nature
Using sustainable practices, including organic gardening, diverse pollinator beds, and support for native plants and wildlife
Current garden hours
- Closed for the season
Duty roster
| Location | When | Summary | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 24, 2026 | Compost WWCM – McAlisters | ||
| February 28, 2026 | Lowes Foods – LeighAnne | ||
| March 3, 2026 | Compost WWCM – Rob | ||
| March 7, 2026 | Produce pickup – Ron E. | ||
| March 7, 2026 | Leader – Anne |
Simple Gifts Community Garden 