Morning at the Community Garden

On Saturday morning, Mia walks to the community garden. The sky is pale blue, and the path is still wet from a light rain. She unlocks the small gate and breathes in the fresh smell of mint and soil. She waves to Mr. Lewis, who grows sunflowers, and to Asha and her young son. They all meet by the tool shed and pick up watering cans. Today, the sign says: plant seedlings, pull weeds, and check the compost. Mia kneels beside a garden bed. She makes a small hole with her hands. She sets a tomato seedling into the warm soil and presses the earth around it. Nearby, Asha pulls a long weed and laughs when she finds a ladybug hiding under a leaf. Mr. Lewis shows the boy how to water slowly so the soil drinks the water. They move to the compost bin. It is full of dry leaves, fruit peels, and grass. Mia explains that compost turns old plant parts into food for the soil. They mix the pile and watch tiny worms wiggle. After an hour, they take a short rest on a bench. They drink water and share sweet strawberries from last week’s harvest. The sun is higher now, and the city noises grow louder behind the fence. Before she leaves, Mia picks two bright tomatoes and a bunch of basil. She puts them in a basket to share with a neighbor who is sick. As she locks the gate, she feels calm and proud. The garden is a small place, but it helps them grow food, help others, and feel like they belong.