LEFFLER GARDEN
The Leffler Garden provides an opportunity on the Cathedral Campus for parishioners and community members to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers in an urban neighborhood. Through planting, we can connect more deeply with one another and the land while sharing and enjoying what we grow. The garden can also be a place to think, breath and appreciate greens space!
What's Growing Now
Members of the 20s/30s group, with the assistance of other parishioners, have been working to revive the beautiful garden beds developed by Keiko Maruyama several years ago.
Here’s what is growing now:
- Squash and zucchini
- Heirloom tomatoes
- Herbs: basil, fennel, cilantro, mint, rosemary
- Radishes, carrots and parsnips
- Beans and peas
- Onions and leeks
- Red potatoes
- Microgreens, arugula, collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach, butter lettuce, water cress
- Broccolini and broccoli, Brussel sprouts
- Red beets and golden beets
- Stay tuned for information on harvesting what’s growing—including a farm to table dinner in July.
Get Involved
Interested in being part of a team caring for the Leffler Garden? Contact Else: elsectb@gmail.com
Resources
- Composting and Worm Bin Workshop – In 2023, Saint Mark’s hosted a Composting workshop with the City of Seattle and Nurturing Roots Farm. Check out these videos to learn about composting basics.
- Urban Birding Day at the Cathedral
Special Connections
- Olive Tree for Peace – Planted in 2014 by the Mideast Focus ministry, the olive tree was planted in honor of a Palestinian farm, Tent of Nations, known internationally for their peace efforts.
- On Goodness and Sanctuary – From 2019 to 2022, Keiko Maruyama lived with her husband and son on the property of Saint Mark's Cathedral in Seattle. During this time, Keiko spent time building healthy soil and a pollinator friendly environment. She collaborated with the Bee ministry to cultivate connections with nectar and pollen. “They [pollinators and insects] help us harvest fruit and honey, and we can help them thrive within urban environments in return by creating hospitable space,” said Keiko. Watch this brief video to learn more.
- Birdbath - The Leffler Garden was recently blessed with a birdbath donated by parishioner Gretchen Cook. Gretchen generously spent time assembling, leveling, and sanding the bird bath, bringing it to the garden, and finding a spot for the birds to enjoy.
Saint Mark's has launched a seed library to make it easy for the community to share, take and grow seeds to enjoy vegetables, herbs and flowers while learning more about the land on which we live, move and have being in Seattle. Learn more here.