Our community garden is going strong in its third growing season! Clare Gardens was launched in the spring of 2015 as a way to bring fresh, organically-grown produce and experiential engagement to our residents and the broader community. We now offer shares to five other retirement communities, as well as the Riverwest Food Pantry. Our residents have shared some amazing food and experiences through the past few years, and we’re grateful for all the support this project has received from the Franciscan Friars and our many community partners!

This year, our farm staff plan to enter some of our produce in the Racine Country Fair. They’ve entered 25 open class categories of vegetables and flowers including tomatoes, carrots, green beans, cosmos, and cabbage.

“I know a few other farmers in the area and wanted to participate in friendly competition with them and get to know the grower community of Racine County a little better,” said Clare Gardens staff member Anna Metscher. “It’s fun to weed and maintain crops when you think about how one day they’ll be in a competition like this against dozens of others. Who wouldn’t want the bragging rights of Blue Ribbon garlic?”

Stay tuned for the results of the competition!

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