There’s something deeply hopeful about planting a garden.
Every seed tucked into the soil carries a quiet act of faith — faith that with enough care, sunlight, and patience, something beautiful and nourishing will grow.
This year’s Garden Gala will celebrate exactly that spirit.
Our 2026 theme, Garden Gastronomy, will highlight the incredible work happening in the Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden and the powerful connection between gardens, food, and community. We’re dreaming of an evening where guests experience a true garden-to-table dinner — a meal rooted in the very gardens that inspire and sustain so much of what we do.
And to make that vision possible, we need a little help from our gardening community.
Don’t worry—we’re not asking for a whole extra garden plot.
Not acres of produce.
Just a little extra.
An extra row of tomatoes.
A few more pepper plants.
A little more basil than you might normally grow.
Because when many gardeners each contribute a small abundance, together we can create something extraordinary — enough to help feed 250 guests while showcasing the beauty and generosity of our gardening community.
We are currently hoping for help growing:
Vegetables
- Tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, slicers)
- Zucchini
- Summer squash
- Bell peppers
- Winter squash
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
Herbs
- Basil
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Mint
Fruits
- Peaches
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
If you’re interested in growing a little extra for the gala, you can sign up here:
One of the things I love most about gardens is that they naturally teach us abundance. A single tomato plant often produces more than one person could ever eat alone (though every season I think I’m up for the challenge). Herbs spill joyfully over their containers. Zucchini somehow appears faster than anyone can keep up with it.
Gardens remind us that growth is meant to be shared. This gala is becoming a beautiful reflection of that idea.
Over the coming months, we’ll also be looking for sponsors, supporters, and guests to help bring Garden Gastronomy to life. Ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.
If you would like to grow a little extra produce for the gala — or if you know someone who might be interested in sponsoring this special evening — we would love to hear from you.
Sometimes building something remarkable doesn’t require one person doing something enormous.
Sometimes it simply looks like a community, each offering one extra row.
