In the heart of Kirkland, Washington, a small but mighty garden is quietly transforming lives. What began in 2020 as a one-time Girl Scout Silver Award project has grown into a vibrant community space—one that nourishes not only bodies, but also relationships, resilience, and hope.

The State Street Community Garden was originally built to grow vegetables. But thanks to a $1,400 Ignite Kirkland grant in 2024—funded by donors through the Kirkland Community Foundation—it’s now growing something far deeper: connection.

A Seed of an Idea

The garden’s roots trace back to a group of Girl Scouts who wanted to address food insecurity in their neighborhood. Partnering with St. John’s Episcopal Church, they envisioned a space where fresh produce could be grown and shared with those in need. Their goal wasn’t just to plant vegetables—it was to create sustainable change.

With the help of parishioners, volunteers, and local gardeners, the team cleared raised beds, enriched the soil, and planted a variety of crops. The effort was hands-on, collaborative, and deeply intentional.

From the beginning, the garden was designed to be more than a food source. It was imagined as a place where neighbors could gather, learn, and give back—a living symbol of community care.

Fueling Growth With Ignite Kirkland

The Ignite Kirkland initiative, sponsored by the Kirkland Community Foundation, empowers nonprofits and grassroots projects that serve the local community. The $1,400 grant awarded to the State Street Community Garden provided a critical boost—allowing organizers to expand planting areas, purchase tools and materials, and host events that build awareness and engagement.

With this support, the garden has begun to evolve into a true gathering place. Neighbors are organizing work parties, dreaming up ways to make the space more inclusive, and exploring long-term partnerships that will sustain the garden for years to come.

The grant didn’t just fund supplies—it sparked momentum.

Nourishing the Neighborhood

One of the garden’s most meaningful impacts is its partnership with St. John’s Episcopal Church, which operates a little free pantry on the same block. This no-questions-asked resource serves dozens of neighbors daily, including seniors and those facing food insecurity.

Fresh produce from the garden now helps stock the pantry, offering healthy, homegrown options that are shared with dignity. Together, the garden and the church are modeling a powerful form of mutual aid—where giving and receiving are part of a shared ecosystem of care.

A Place to Learn, Grow, and Belong

The garden is also becoming a space for education and inclusion. Organizers hope to impact at least 50 households in Kirkland through direct participation in gardening activities, educational events, and the provision of fresh produce.

It’s a place where people of all ages can learn about sustainable gardening, environmental stewardship, and the power of community. Children dig in the soil alongside elders. First-time gardeners learn from seasoned pros. And everyone contributes to something larger than themselves.

To make the space more welcoming, organizers are exploring ideas like multilingual signage, accessible pathways, and culturally relevant crops that reflect the diversity of Kirkland’s residents. There’s talk of hosting potlucks, storytelling nights, and seasonal celebrations—events that invite people to share not just food, but traditions and memories.

The garden is becoming a canvas for collective creativity.

Building Together: The Power of Work Days

One of the most beloved aspects of the garden’s growth has been the community work days. These events bring together volunteers to build, plant, and beautify the space. There’s something deeply satisfying about working shoulder to shoulder with neighbors—sharing tools, swapping stories, and watching something tangible take shape.

This fall, another work day is planned, and anticipation is already building. Volunteers will gather to install new beds, refresh pathways, and prepare the garden for the next season. But more than that, they’ll be nurturing the spirit of togetherness that defines the space.

These gatherings are a reminder that community isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we build, one scoop of soil at a time.

Growing Awareness, Growing Impact

Because the garden is still relatively new, organizers are focused on building community awareness and engagement. With grant support, they’re planning events to draw attention to the garden, recruit volunteers, and cultivate long-term partnerships.

The goal is to develop a base of supporters who will help sustain the garden—through time, talent, and resources. Organizers are also seeking donations, sponsorships, and collaborations with local organizations to secure additional funding and expand programming.

As awareness grows, so too will the garden’s impact.

Voices From the Garden

The garden’s true value is best understood through the voices of those who tend it. One volunteer shared, “I moved to Kirkland during the pandemic and didn’t know anyone. Coming to the garden gave me a sense of belonging. Now I have friends, and I feel part of something bigger.”

Another neighbor reflected, “I come here to help out, but I also come here to heal. There’s something about being in the soil, surrounded by people who care—it’s medicine.”

These stories underscore the garden’s deeper purpose. It’s not just a place to grow vegetables—it’s a place to grow community.

Looking Ahead: What’s Possible

As the garden continues to evolve, its stewards are dreaming big. They envision a space that’s not only productive but also beautiful—a sanctuary where people can gather, learn, and celebrate.

Plans include pollinator-friendly plantings, art installations, and seating areas that invite reflection and conversation. There’s also interest in forming a formal garden committee to steward the space long-term and ensure its sustainability.

With continued support from donors, volunteers, and local organizations, the garden’s future looks bright. And while the vegetables keep growing, so too will the relationships, ideas, and possibilities that make the garden truly special.

Neighbors helping Neighbors. Launched in fall 2024, the Kirkland Community Foundation’s inaugural Ignite Kirkland campaign united residents, nonprofits, and businesses to fund 28 impactful local projects—granting $45,000, empowering 26 organizations, and igniting a lasting spirit of generosity and collaboration across the community.