Glory Community Garden

Mission: “To improve health, foster community collaboration, and share the love of God.”

Glory Community Garden is located at 200 W. Davis St. in the Doyle District (Parson’s Addition) neighborhood in Kerrville TX.  The land was willed to Barnett Chapel United Methodist Church in 1984.  The former pastor, Rev. Allen Noah, envisioned using the land to benefit the neighborhood, which was identified as a “food desert.”  He asked for help from Hill Country Master Gardeners as well as other community organizations.  A steering committee was formed in 2013; groundbreaking took place December 21, 2013.  The community responded with financial and in-kind donations.  Water lines and deer-resistant fencing were installed, and 32 raised cinder block beds were built.  A local architect led the construction of a 22x19 Garden Center structure for equipment storage, and later built a 38x20 Pavilion.  Several grants have provided for building materials, rainwater catchment tanks, tables and benches, a walking path and landscaping.  Members of the community began renting and maintaining garden plots in 2015.  All beds are in use and a waiting list is maintained.  Hill Country Master Gardeners awarded scholarships allowing several Glory Gardeners to become Master Gardeners.  The Garden has also become a popular site for activities and celebrations for children and adults, encouraging “community” among gardeners and other area residents.  Special emphasis on growing and eating healthy foods, outdoor activities and exercise have inspired the community and provides a successful blueprint for others to duplicate.  You can find musicians entertaining in the Pavilion, community partners offering their services, seasonal celebrations like the Cowboy Breakfast, local school groups touring and learning…Visit our Facebook page to stay up to date on all the fun.  Like and Follow us!  https//facebook.com/GloryCommunityGarden/ to learn more about how you can become involved. Contact us through FB or email Pam Umstead at pam@umstx.net.     

In 2023, a new grant provides funds for construction of a second building with an ADA restroom. Additional funds will be used for re-construction of the raised beds in the Fall of 2024. 

GCG ACGA Houston Sep 2023 – We’re always learning!  Three members of the Steering Committee attended the annual American Community Gardening Association convention in Houston, September 2023.
GCG Emergency Preparedness 2023 – Master Gardeners, including Anne Brown and Pam Umstead, advised attendees to learn to grow their own food in September 2023.
GCG Girl Scouts badge – Master Gardener Rae Raiford helping Girl Scout Troop 672 earn their Girl Scout Gardener Badge in October 2023.
GCG Hunt Garden Club – Hunt Garden Club came to visit May 2024.

Tom Daniels Elementary School students visit.
GCG TD school bus – Here come the Tom Daniels Elementary School First Graders!
GCG TD Charlie – Charlie the African Tortoise is big and strong, because he eats his vegetables and fruits!
GCG TD Water lesson – Where does our water come from and where does it go?
GCG TD who lives I my garden – Who else lives in my garden?  The kids learn from the experts.