WSU Pierce County
                                                                                                                                                                        Master Gardener

In February of 2010 an idea was born from the Light of Christ Lutheran Church Care Ministry to build a community garden on a corner of the church property.  At the time the area was filled with blackberry thickets and maple trees.  By September 2011 a groundbreaking was held and the land cleared.  On March 10, 2012 the central cross was raised at the Light of Christ Community Garden site.  The 24 foot cross is the centerpiece of the garden and marked the beginning of the construction phase.

By June of 2012 produce was being harvested from the garden.  Though the garden was still under construction, approximately 700+ pounds of food was grown and we were able to offer fresh, organic produce to 15 families, 3 food banks and a food program for the homeless. Today, between 5,000 - 7,000 pounds of food is grown and distributed to a variety of programs and needful families in the Federal Way community.

There are now 51 garden beds.  One quadrant of the garden is built for those with special needs.  In this quadrant there are eight garden beds built 33 inches high to accommodate people in scooters, walkers or have trouble bending.  Two beds are built specifically for wheelchair access.   

The garden is ten thousand square feet and is a community effort of friends, neighbors, fellow church groups, social and professional organizations, city and businesses.  The garden has thirteen wonderful Eagle Scout projects.  

Many kinds of “seeds” are being planted at the community garden as it helps fulfill the mission of the Light of Christ Lutheran Church to share the light of Christ with those who do not know him.

Fun Facts!

  • 10,000 Sq. Ft, English Style, organic,  potage style garden
  • Four quadrants, one dedicated to special needs
  • 51 Raised garden beds, each with individual controlled irrigation
  • The Cross is 8 x 8 treated wood; 24' high, buried 6' in 1 yd concrete
  • Anticipated harvest:  > 5,000 pounds - all donated to needful persons
  • Thirteen Eagle Scout Projects
  • ​16+ volunteer groups, all have repeated volunteer sessions
  • > 1000 Individual volunteer days
  • > 25,000 volunteer hours
  • > 450 pounds of organic fertilizer
  • > $120,000 raised for construction of garden, greenhouse & cottage
  • 1,400 ft. of underground irrigation pipe; fully automated
  • 3/4 mile of drip irrigation lines
  • 2,300 ft. of 110v underground electrical wiring
  • 95 cubic yards of brush and debris removed
  • 90 cubic yards of topsoil added
  • 30 cubic yards of compost added
  • 85 cubic yards of gravel for pathways & special needs
  • 120 cubic yards of wood chips - pathways & edging
  • Supporting 18 families in transitional housing; 50 families / individuals in various care ministries; 40+ individuals in senior housing project; 3 homeless centers / projects
The experience of building the garden, community outreach, fellowship and providing food for needful persons - PRICELESS