New Community Garden Opens in Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC is buzzing with excitement as the Joseph S. Azar Community Garden officially opens its doors at T.S. Martin Neighborhood Park! This new garden isn’t just about plants; it symbolizes the heart and spirit of the local community. With the support of both children and seniors, city officials and residents have come together to create a beautiful space that promotes growth, learning, and togetherness.
A Dream Realized
City of Columbia Councilman Ed McDowell shared his enthusiasm at the opening ceremony, saying, “This garden represents not only the concerted efforts of seniors and children, but it also represents who we are as a community, and as a city. As we continue to grow and bloom and blossom in ways that are necessary for fruitful living.”
The garden is not just a place to grow vegetables. It aims to educate students from nearby schools like W.A. Perry Middle School and C.A. Johnson High School with the inspiring slogan, “You can only harvest what you plant.” This is a wonderful way to instill a sense of responsibility and the importance of nurturing the environment among young people.
A Legacy of Service
One of the most touching aspects of this garden is its dedication to Joseph S. Azar, a beloved local figure who made significant contributions to the community before he passed away in 2019 from cancer. His daughter, Tommye Martin McMillan, expressed how her father and his friend would have been thrilled to see this garden come to life. “Oh they would just be overjoyed because they were both people-persons,” she reflected. “Mr. Azar started a reading program, and my daddy always committed his life to serving kids.”
Indeed, Azar was known for his deep involvement in community service and education. He had a hand in initiating a program at the University of South Carolina and continually sought out ways to help children and families thrive. His legacy of volunteerism stands strong with the opening of this garden.
A Community Together
Azar’s cousin, William Akel, shared insights on his character, saying, “One of the things about Joseph, you know they always say you don’t get involved in too many things, unfortunately, he did. He had a hard time saying no, but that’s where he was coming from. It came from the heart. He just wanted to give.” It’s a testament to the spirit of the garden and the people it seeks to benefit.
What’s Next for the Garden?
Located at 2700 Edison Street, the Joseph S. Azar Community Garden welcomes all community members to participate in its journey of growth and learning. The garden will host educational events, allow people to volunteer, and even grow fresh vegetables that will nourish local families. It’s an exciting new chapter for Columbia, blending education, nutrition, and community spirit in one initiative!
As the garden gets started, residents are eager to see what blooms next. The importance of community engagement and the joy of working together are the foundations of this project, making it a fantastic addition to Columbia. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just curious about how vegetables grow, this is a wonderful opportunity to get involved and plant some seeds!
Stay tuned for more updates and events from the Joseph S. Azar Community Garden, where together, we can cultivate not just vegetables, but a vibrant and nurturing community!
