It was a beautiful sunny day for the recent 2026 opening of The Garden of Giving, 3.5 beautiful acres tucked away off Route 715 in Saylorsburg.

Now in its 16th season, the all volunteer organization helps plant and care for fresh produce and eggs that are distributed to food pantries in Monroe County. Flowers are also grown to give out to bring joy to people.

President and founder Tammy Graeber was given the land by her late mother and wanted to help the community by providing healthy food choices.

While at a food bank herself, Graeber noticed, “There was candy, dented cans, expired goods and nothing nutritional.” Her goal is to “honor God and glorify her mother.”

The garden’s mission is to “provide programs and services that improve the quality of life for Monroe County residents and enhance the awareness and importance of using vegetables for health.”

The Quezado family from Albrightsville had all five family members digging in. Mother Amanda noted, “We wanted to get out of the house and do something other than video games and TV.”

Seventeen-year-old Lena will earn community service hours toward Future Leaders of America and the National Honor Society.

Girl Scout Troop 50664, East Stroudsburg, was hard at work learning about planting onions.

Co-leader Lorna Davis said, “Co-leader Gloria Bolden, 18, started the troop for her own Gold Award for the Girl Scouts. We do community service as it’s a good way to help the local food pantries. It gets the kids outside, gives them knowledge and we get to give back.”

Volunteers were busy pulling weeds, raking, planting and preparing the site for the new season. Strawberries and onions were part of opening day preparation. Graeber saw a video online that grew strawberries on raised pyramids made from concrete blocks.

Six hundred strawberry plants were planted that way.

Five-year-old Raelyn Masker noted, “You need pyramids to plant them.” Volunteer Abbey David explained,

“Growing the strawberries vertically prevents animals from getting to them, the water falls down and it keeps the plants in the soil.”

Raking the soil for planting, 13-year-old Joey Demaio said, “I love Tammy and helping out. I like seeing how it comes along.”

Alison Logan, East Stroudsburg, returned for her second year, bringing some friends along. She loved last year and used what she learned in her own garden.

The farm will provide corn, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, flowers and more to come. New this year, seeds will be available for purchase. Packs of seeds are $1 and $1.50 for organic seeds.

Time to roll up your sleeves and get dirty to help our community.

Volunteers can contact Graeber or just show up at the garden Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed for the garden and office work, including grant writing. Graeber is in need of three new board members. Churches, Scouts and other organizations are encouraged to assist.

The Giving Garden is located at 2556 Rising Hill Drive, Saylorsburg.

Its website is thegardenofgiving.org.

To donate to The Garden of Giving, contact Tammy Graeber at gardenofgiving@gmail.com.