86° and Sunny
Image
“The garden is both helpful to the health of the mission residents, and a metaphor for a flourishing future.” –Ken Good., Transitional Housing Program Director
Niagara Falls, New York—Saturday, August 13, Niagara Gospel Mission, 1317 Portage Road in Niagara Falls. NGM (Niagara Gospel Mission) has launched a new gardening program for its residents.
The Mission Garden was established in 2024 by resident Tim Flagler. He had an abundant harvest of tomatoes in year one and set out to expand in 2025. Mission accomplished!
Flagler (a current NGM resident) along with one of our program directors Ken Good officially launched a gardening program in 2025 for all residents willing to participate.
The garden has brought cucumbers, beans, squash, radishes, turnips and cilantro.
Soon, basil, peppers and a boatload of tomatoes will arrive. In addition, asparagus, blackberries, grapes and rhubarb have been planted with 2026 in mind.
The vision for the garden is to provide vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers for the Mission Kitchen and for the residents of Niagara Falls. In April, 7 residents came together and planted seeds in trays. It was a late start, and next year the group plans on starting the seeds under lights in late winter.
Tim was assisted by two other residents in tilling the ground. Several Youth Groups from the organization YouthWorks assisted in the effort of preparing and planting. Other residents and those who require community service for their housing have also helped with watering and shaping the tomato plants.
One especially gratifying moment came in the recent NGM "Meat & Greet" event. Corn and Tomatoes were harvested on site. What is better than a fresh tomato sliced onto a hamburger? For some, it was the grilled corn on the cob! These simple summer treasures were enjoyed by the dozen NGM residents in attendance.
“The garden is both helpful to the health of the mission residents, and a metaphor for a flourishing future” said Program Director Ken Good. Perhaps in coming years, lots can be used throughout the city and in conjunction with other interested gardeners. May the abundance and fullness modeled by a thriving vegetable come to the city of Niagara Falls! For more information, photos and interviews, use the contact information above or visit niagaragospelmission.org.
