Community Garden Newsletter — August 20, 2026

News and Announcements

Strawberries

Strawberries have been ripening one by one. Make sure the whole berry is red, or it might be a little sour — and wash it with water before you eat it!

Watermelon

The watermelons aren't ripe yet, but you'll know they're ready when there's a yellow spot where the melon rests on the ground, the stem starts to dry and turn brown, and the skin is dull (not shiny).

Garden Pickles

Kari has been enjoying homemade pickles made with cucumbers from our garden! Jess used leftover pickle juice to make them — easy and delicious.

Sharing the Harvest

With each harvest, we love to share with our clients in the lobby. This week we have cucumbers, tomatoes, and radishes to share, and there's plenty to go around.

What's Coming Up

Volunteer Garden Day — Saturday, August 22, 10am – 2pm. Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen! Questions? Email garden@family-solutions.net.

Our Vision

Cultivating calm: Our therapeutic garden plans at Family Solutions are designed in phases to create restorative outdoor spaces for healing, community connection, and nature-based wellness programming.

Our next big project: a year-round hoop house (Phase 1) that will extend our growing season and therapeutic programming. This vision is coming to life thanks to the generous volunteers, community partners, and families who have invested their time, labor, and hearts into creating this healing space.

Recipe Spotlight: Raspberry Leaf Tea

• Harvest: Pick the young, smaller, bright green leaves — don't take too many! Leave them in the sun to dry or use a dehydrator.
• Tea: Steep for 4–5 minutes and enjoy!

Thank you to Kali Doubledee for the recipe!