Bracketts Farm Charitable Garden
Educational Program & Farm-to-Table Fresh Produce Donations

The Bracketts Farm Charitable Garden is a collaborative effort between the Louisa Extension Master Gardeners (LEMG) and the Elisabeth A. Nolting Charitable Foundation at Bracketts Farm. Its mission is to provide fresh, locally grown produce to Louisa County residents experiencing food insecurity, as well as to educate the public on sound vegetable gardening practices.

Management and Support:

• Managed and maintained by LEMG volunteers

• Supported by the Elisabeth A. Nolting Charitable Foundation and local community members

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Charitable Garden’s Impact:

• Produce is donated to the Louisa County Resource Council’s (LCRC) food bank

• Unsuitable produce is given to Hooves & Paws Animal Rescue

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Context and Results (2022-2024):

• Rising food prices, inflation, and supply chain disruptions have increased demand for LCRC’s services, highlighting the garden’s importance

• The garden yielded over 6,500 pounds of produce for LCRC

• Over 1,000 pounds of produce were donated to Hooves & Paws

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Charitable Garden Funding:

• Supported by donations from individuals, businesses, and grants

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Future Goals:

• Enhance agricultural practices

• Increase annual donations to better support the community

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THE CHARITABLE GARDEN TEAM

The Garden Team consists of certified Master Gardeners who:

• Are certified through the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)

• Have completed additional training through various seminars and educational programs

• Training and Education include:

  • Workshops hosted by VCE, a multi-day seminar through Virginia State University, a one-day seminar hosted by the Piedmont Landscape Association, and training from the National Association for Advanced Technology in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture & Armed to Farm program

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JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM - Let’s grow together!

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Benefits of Volunteering:

• Provides hands-on experience with sustainable gardening practices while working on a meaningful project and supporting a strong community

Education Opportunities:

• The garden team offers hands-on learning during regular staffed hours (Mondays and Thursdays, 8:00-11:00 a.m., March through October).

• Volunteers learn key agricultural practices such as soil health, pest management, crop and companion planting, harvesting, safe food handling, and composting.

• Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome to join and learn about vegetable gardening.

• For additional information, please contact us at LEMGGivingGarden@gmail.com.

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** UPCOMING EVENTS **

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• June 5, 2025 9AM - 11AM – Garlic Harvest & Volunteer Social

Get your hands dirty as we harvest the garlic planted in October 2024! We’ll demonstrate proper techniques for harvesting, cleaning, and drying garlic—whether for home use or donation—and share tips for storing it for the long term.

 

• August/September 2025 (Date TBD) – Planning a Fall & Winter Garden & Volunteer Social

Prepare for cooler weather with a workshop on selecting cold-hardy vegetables, improving soil health, optimal spacing, companion planting, and more. Learn how to extend your growing season and keep your garden thriving into the fall and winter months.

 

• September 2025 (Date TBD) – Garlic & Onion Planting & Volunteer Social

Join us for a hands-on planting event where we’ll cover the steps for separating and preparing garlic and onions, proper spacing and planting depth, watering techniques, and overwintering and protection strategies to ensure a healthy crop for next year.

GRATITUDE FOR OUR DONORS

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The Bracketts Farm Charitable Garden extends its heartfelt thanks to the generous donors who make our work possible. Your support—whether through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or volunteering—enables us to grow fresh, healthy produce for those in need in Louisa County. Together, we are sowing the seeds of hope, reducing food insecurity, and fostering a sense of community. Your kindness and commitment are vital to the success of our mission, and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership in this important endeavor.

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BRACKETTS FARM - The Elisabeth A. Nolting Charitable Foundation

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The Elisabeth A. Nolting Charitable Foundation honors the memory, vision, and enduring spirit of Elisabeth Nolting, who spent many years in her family home at Bracketts Farm. The farm, which is over 200 years old, is located within the Green Springs Historic District in Louisa County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information,  please visit their website at www.bracketts.org.

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PHOTO GALLERY - Click here to see the Garden Photo Gallery

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HELPFUL VEGETABLE GARDENING LINKS - Click here to view recommended vegetable gardening resources.

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