Growing Community at the Ag Center
December 26, 2025
By Bridget Micieli-Martinez
When their senior neighbors invited MaryJane Brennan and Van Kaplan to share a community garden plot at the Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm four years ago, the couple had no idea they were stepping into a meaningful weekly ritual. Curiosity and enthusiasm quickly turned into commitment once they realized the garden was just a short walk from home.
“They are in their 90s and still love going over to the plot,” MaryJane and Van shared with a smile. “We now refer to the Ag Center as the fountain of youth.”
Community garden visits have since become part of their daily rhythm — a place of learning, connection, patience, and friendship. What began as a simple invitation has grown into a powerful reminder of community spirit and the joy found in tending the land.
The couple was immediately captivated by their neighbors’ passion. These seasoned gardeners spoke endlessly about the Ag Center, shared their knowledge freely, and often gifted vegetables from their abundant harvests. It didn’t take long for MaryJane and Van to be hooked — especially once they discovered they could bike to the gardens in just a few minutes.
“The experience has been enlightening, rewarding, humbling,” they said. “You start with a blank canvas and create a technicolor patch of vegetables and flowers. Gardening is an exercise in faith and gratitude.”
Today, they can’t imagine their lives without it.
New Lessons with Every Season
Each growing season brings fresh discoveries. Their plot is a vibrant mix of garlic, lettuces, peppers, bok choy, peas, dahlias, and more. Some crops thrive; others arrive simply to teach lessons in nature.
The 2025 season was no exception. A soggy, lingering spring slowed early growth, followed by an almost summerlike autumn that kept tomatoes ripening well into November. Pests, persistent as ever, tested their patience — but humor, netting, and determination helped them stay on track.
Bridget Micieli-Martinez
Senior Marketing and Events Manager
bmartinez@peconiclandtrust.org