The Carman Community Garden has unveiled a brand-new sign as part of its ongoing efforts to grow and beautify the space, which has become a permanent and valued part of the community.
With funding from the Carman Area Foundation, donations from the public, and leftover proceeds from last year’s successful raffle fundraiser, the committee was able to purchase the new sign, designed and built by Beukema Pneumatics of Carman.
“We really feel the garden is a permanent, needed venue for our town—so what better way to acknowledge that we’re here to stay than by having a beautiful permanent sign,” said committee member Pat Veldman. “Beukema Pneumatics was as excited about the idea as we were. They’re a local company and were happy to support another local initiative.”
While the new sign will welcome gardeners and guests alike, the garden plans to keep its original hand-painted sign by Liz deWit, which still bears the garden’s motto: “Grow your food, feed your soul.” “It’s a beautiful piece that needs a bit more upkeep, but it still represents the spirit of what we do,” Veldman added. “Nothing beats an hour in the garden.”
In 2024, the garden also added a new shed with help from a Carman Area Foundation grant and generous pricing from local businesses. Volunteer hours and public support helped cover remaining costs.
The Carman Community Garden began in 2018 as an initiative of the Carman West Canadian Church, designed to bring neighbours together, promote the joy of gardening, and offer a peaceful place for community connection.
It has since grown from a ¾-acre lot with 30 plots to a thriving 2.2-acre space. This year, 72 gardeners are tending 99 plots filled with vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
“Our hope and prayer is that this continues for the next 100 years,” said Veldman.
The garden’s continued success wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Town of Carman, the Carman Area Foundation, local businesses and countless volunteers.
