Garden Collaboration
Established in 2016 in partnership with Seton Hill University
May 2016: The first crop of potatoes planted, yielded 800 lbs. of harvest.
The Inception of Harvest
Born from eleven months of conversation, research, planning, and prayer, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill Garden Collaboration was initiated by nine sisters inspired during a June 2015 retreat in Emmitsburg. Titled “Cosmic Symphony of Love Unfolding,” this retreat sparked the idea of fostering a deeper connection with the beautiful landscape of Caritas Christi. This project unites the Sisters of Charity, Seton Hill University staff, and students in the joy of cultivating food for our tables and the Westmoreland County Food Bank.
On October 12, 2016, we celebrated our first harvest of 800 pounds of potatoes, marking a fruitful re-connection with the sacred land.
Enhancing our Land
- Wildlife Support: We have installed a bat house and created a butterfly garden with nectar flowers, milkweed, stones, and birdbaths to support the monarch butterfly population.
- Greenhouse: A new 12’ x 14’ greenhouse will be assembled in summer of 2024, funded by a Foundation Grant.
- Winter Wheat: Our first acre of winter wheat, planted in November 2023, will be milled into flour by Brother Anselm at St. Vincent Archabbey.
- Harvests: Every two years, 500 lbs. of potatoes are planted, yielding 1400 lbs., along with 400 lbs. of onions.
- Solar Panels: Installed in June 2023, these panels power garden shed lighting, tools, and a refrigerator.
- Electric Fencing: Installed in May 2021 to protect our gardens from deer.
Volunteer and Community Support
- Darren Achtzehn: Our dedicated volunteer Garden Manager since 2015.
- Student and Community Volunteers: Annually, 25-30 Seton Hill University students, local neighbors, and Pitt University staff support our gardening efforts.
- Catholic Sisters Week: Sisters plant seeds for the vegetable garden each March.
- Local Gardeners: Provide tomato and green pepper plants, fostering community relationships.
- Blackberry Bush Donation: Twenty-one bushes were donated in April 2024 for our project.
Sharing Our Harvest
We share 1/3 of our produce with the Westmoreland County Food Bank, 1/3 with the Sisters of Charity dining room, and 1/3 with Seton Hill University. So far, we have donated 500 lbs. of potatoes, 150 lbs. of onions, and 200 lbs. of various vegetables to the food bank.
Join us in celebrating the beauty and bounty of our garden, and experience the joy of caring for our Earth and community.
