by Staff Writer
The Hampstead Community Garden is inviting volunteers, families, and community members to join the First Annual Turn Down Event on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM as they prepare the garden for winter after an incredible first year. Throughout the season, more than 50 volunteers visited the garden over 1,000 times, and together—with generous donations from the community—they provided over 700 pounds of fresh produce to local neighbors.
The Turn Down Event will include cleaning garden boxes, removing debris, topping off soil, and mounting the community-decorated plaques created by residents. The event is family-friendly and offers service hours for students and organizations. Attendees are encouraged to bring gloves, rakes, shovels, and garbage bags to help with the work.
Jennifer Lleras, community organizer and garden coordinator, said, “This event is a wonderful way to close out our first year together. The Hampstead Community Garden has become a symbol of collaboration, kindness, and local resilience — and this is our chance to thank everyone who made it possible.”
The family-friendly event invites volunteers of all ages to participate, with service hours available for students and organizations. Attendees are encouraged to bring gloves, rakes, shovels, and garbage bags. The garden is also seeking local sponsors to provide water and lunch for volunteers.
Media representatives are welcome to attend, take photos, and celebrate the community spirit at this event, which will be held behind Crossroads Church of Hampstead at 1041 South Carroll St., Hampstead, MD.
