Growing More Than a Garden
We have dedicated volunteers to thank for every beautiful garden space you see around The Rivi, from the containers you pass by at the front entrance to the colorful plantings along Illinois.
The volunteer effort to beautify our grounds dates back to at least 2004, when Members and Rivi staff rolled up their sleeves together for Saturday cleanups. Those weekends sparked something that is making an impact today well beyond our Club.
Volunteers still care for many of the Club’s planting beds while also supporting the health of our broader community. In March 2020, the Flower Power Group became the Riviera Garden Group as the volunteers established a community garden with two purposes: growing fresh food for neighbors and creating a place for children to learn.
A Small Garden With a Meaningful Mission
With 10 raised beds, the group grows fresh produce for St. Vincent de Paul’s Boulevard Place Food Pantry, serving our neighbors near 42nd Street and Boulevard Place. In the 2025 growing season, the gardeners harvested and donated a record bounty of more than 900 pounds.
The group works with the pantry to understand what its clients need and will use. Over time, they have adjusted their planting choices, said Master Gardener Carin Young, focusing on familiar vegetables that people can easily prepare and enjoy. This year, for example, they did two plantings of green beans.
Behind every delivery are hours spent planning, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. The work connects something these Members love to do with something their neighbors need.
“It’s important to provide access to good, nutritious food,” said Shirley Fry, a Garden Group member and Master Gardener. “I so enjoy giving back in a way I enjoy.”
An Outdoor Classroom
As an affiliated program of The Riviera Club Foundation, the community garden gives young clients from the Foundation’s partner organizations a place to explore, create and learn.
Children from Coburn Place, Big Brothers Big Sisters and other partner groups have participated in activities ranging from planting seeds and harvesting vegetables to creating a fairy garden. Past collaborations with Club chefs introduced children to making salsa and bruschetta, helping them discover the connection between what grows in the soil and what ends up on a plate.
Garden Group member Maggie Jordan recalled one especially rewarding experience. “A notable garden moment for me was when the Coburn Place kids came to harvest the tomatoes, lettuce and marigolds they’d planted and then we all ate chips and salsa and talked about the garden experience. It was a good day.”
For Shirley, those opportunities matter beyond the gardening lesson. “Being out in nature is restorative, and it’s imperative that they have the opportunity to learn that."
Experience Worth Sharing
Most of the group’s active gardeners are certified Purdue Extension Master Gardeners, bringing years of experience and continuing education to their work. Several devote 60 to 100 hours or more each year to the Rivi gardens.
Their dedication and expertise help the community garden thrive. Their willingness to share that knowledge makes the group a welcoming place to learn.
"I had gardened my whole life," said Master Gardener Elisa Deer. "After meeting the people, I thought it'd be fun to be a part of the organization. That was really my motivation."
Elisa eventually earned her certification, though she joked that she really "didn't want to go back to school and have to take a test."
You don’t have to be a Master Gardener to participate. Anyone willing to get their hands dirty is welcome. If you like to garden, want to learn or simply enjoy working outdoors, you can volunteer alongside experienced gardeners who are happy to teach and mentor you.
There’s friendship here, too. The group meets throughout the year, sharing monthly meals, planning for the next season and enjoying the connections that grow alongside the zinnias, tomatoes and green beans.
A Few More Hands Will Make a Difference
The group needs additional volunteers to continue its work. Opportunities include regular garden care, seasonal cleanup, the annual flower sale and specific projects. Members with limited time can help with individual tasks. Those who work during the week are encouraged to ask about opportunities to help on weekends.
Although the growing season is winding down and the gardens are being put to rest, now is a great time to get involved.
At its November meeting, the Garden Group will tour Boulevard Place Food Pantry to learn more about its work and discuss how future harvests can best support the people it serves.
Interested Members are encouraged to attend. It’s an opportunity to meet the gardeners, see where the produce goes and explore how you might participate before spring planting begins.
What began with caring for The Rivi grounds now helps care for our neighbors. More volunteers are needed to help that work continue.
To learn more or join the November 4 meeting and pantry tour, Rivi members are encouraged to contact Cynnie Halsmer.
