Maggie Lile, features editor

With a quick glance around campus, it is clear we are near the heart of the city. With traffic lights lining the streets, buses coming and going, and the towering buildings of downtown illuminating the night, it may feel like the concrete walls are caving in. But fear not; the Augsburg Community Garden offers a simple escape from our urban environment.  

Originally started in 2007, the Community Garden really grew into what it is today in 2013. Made up of 63 personal plots and three communal plots, the garden currently hosts various fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, raspberries, asparagus, peppers, and much, much more. 

Coming into her second year as the Community Garden coordinator, Greta Klawiter-Lein aims to strengthen the entire neighborhood’s connection with the garden. With a childhood growing up on an organic farm and a degree in psychology, Klawiter-Lein understands that communal gardens are rooted in something much deeper than just growing plants. “This is not only my job, but […] also my passion,” she shared in an interview. “I am deeply fulfilled by this work of fostering a community around a shared goal of growing food. I think it is very important that we have third spaces-somewhere that is not work or home-that we can meet others to celebrate, learn, share or just relax in.”

The future of the Community Garden does not just rest in Klawiter-Lein’s hands; students also play a major role. With the brand-new establishment of the Community Garden Committee, Klawiter-Lein opens the garden to all. “This new Garden Committee is an invitation to interested students, faculty, staff, gardeners, and other community members to be a part of a group that works collaboratively to plan the future of the garden,” she said. As of now, the Community Garden Committee is looking to host 90-minute meetings once a month to talk about all of the ideas, needs, hopes and dreams of the Community Garden. 

Wishing she had spaces like such when she was younger, Klawiter-Lein urges everyone to step outside and experience the magic of the garden. “The Community Garden at Augsburg is a special place and something worth investing in,” she stated. “…the garden is always open, whether that is just strolling through to see birds and butterflies or joining the committee to help plan the future of the garden. There is tons of room for everyone in the garden; come see how gardens grow more than food!” 

Representing more than just the garden alone, being a part of this committee would support community goals established long before its time and plant seeds for the future. Time commitment is not an issue; whether you can come to every meeting or only a few, all participation is valuable in establishing a collaborative community around this garden. If you are interested in joining the Garden Committee, please reach out to Klawiter-Lein at klawiter@augsburg.edu!