CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – When the Jubilee Community Garden started 17 years ago behind Community of Hope First Nazarene Church, it was a simple project to grow fresh vegetables for those in the community who needed them. Over the years, that mission has grown.

The garden, located behind the church just off Richview Road, still provides fresh produce to anyone in need, but it has expanded far beyond its early days and continues to rely on volunteers to keep everything running. The garden is partnered with Community of Hope First Nazarene Church, Radical Mission, and Montgomery County Master Gardeners.

(Video by Wesley Irvin/Clarksville Now)

Phil Hall, who launched the project, wanted a place where people with limited resources could pick produce directly from a garden rather than relying only on canned goods. A couple of years after the garden opened, volunteer Renee Janacek became a significant helping hand.

She had grown up around gardening; her mother liked landscaping and her grandmother kept a vegetable garden. At first, Janacek focused mainly on weeding and planting and kept to herself. “I was super shy at the time,” she said.

About seven years into her volunteer work, Hall moved away and asked Janacek to take over the garden. She agreed, and for the past 15 years she has cultivated the land. The garden is near Radical Missions, which operates inside Community of Hope First Nazarene Church and provides weekly food assistance. While visitors to Radical Missions are welcome to stop by and collect fresh vegetables, the garden is open to anyone who wants to pick fresh vegetables.

Janacek said the garden’s mission centers on building relationships and pointing people toward Jesus. She explained that the space is a place where people feel comfortable opening up, asking for prayer, and talking about their faith.

Some visitors ask her to pray with them right there, while others come back later to share the good things God is doing in their lives. Many people also tell her they’ve never seen certain vegetables actually growing on a plant before, and that the experience feels peaceful. “If they take the time to walk through it, their whole demeanor changes,” she said.

Volunteers needed to keep garden thriving

The garden relies heavily on volunteers, and Janacek said the need for consistent help is one of its biggest challenges. Most of the work – planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and basic maintenance – is done by volunteers, and the number of people available changes from season to season. She said even a small, steady group makes a major difference in keeping the garden productive.

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“Some weeks we have plenty of help, and other weeks it’s just one or two of us trying to keep up,” Janacek said. She added that volunteers do not need gardening experience to participate. Most tasks can be learned quickly, and many people simply enjoy being outside and working alongside others.

Janacek said flexible scheduling is available for anyone interested in helping. People can volunteer during regular harvest hours, come by in the evenings, or reach out to coordinate a different time. The garden is also able to accommodate individuals, families, church groups and students who need service hours.

Those who want to support the garden but cannot volunteer can donate financially or with supplies, such as tools, soil or seeds. “Everything we do is supported by donated time and donated resources,” Janacek said. Those who cannot volunteer can support the garden through financial or material donations. “Any amount helps keep everything running.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, donating, or visiting the garden, can reach out through the Jubilee Garden Facebook page.

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