Picking Produce From A.Y.’s Backyard

Picking Produce From A.Y.’s Backyard

How many people can say they spent their lunch break gardening in the backyard of their own place of work? Likewise, how many people can say that the fruits and vegetables they’re eating for dinner are from their work’s garden? Here at A.Y. McDonald, this is a reality for those who want it to be.

With the winter here in Iowa coming to a close, it’s time for our Health and Wellness team to focus their efforts on the outdoor garden. Complete with anything from fruit trees to asparagus and cabbage to strawberries, our various garden plots could probably feed the whole building. In fact, just last year the garden was expanded from one plot of land to three, leading to approximately 8,000 square feet. This expansion shows just how much of a success the garden itself has become at our facility.

The fruits and vegetables grown in the A.Y. garden are all-organic and kept very low-maintenance. In doing so, the Health and Wellness team accepts donations from fellow co-workers of items such as milk jugs, newspapers, plants, flowers, seeds, tomato cages, chicken wire, fence posts, straw, hay, and grass clippings. To further incorporate participation, one even has the opportunity to ‘adopt’ a row, tree, berry batch, pumpkin patch, etc. With the garden season falling as early as February until it’s cleaned up in October, there is a lot of help needed along the way. Each given year, roughly 20 employees play their part in tending to produce found in the A.Y. backyard.

The success of the garden is measured not only in the abundant harvest but also in the smiles and ‘thank yous’ that the employees offer when bringing fresh food home to their families. It is measured in the new little gardens that are sprouting up in our employees’ backyards and by the improved relationships made along the way.

Carrots, cabbage, strawberries, sweet potatoes, and raspberries. You name it, we’ve got it. With the help of our devoted garden committee, no one has an excuse not to eat his or her fruits and vegetables anymore. In addition, the physical activity necessary to keep the garden growing is also very good on one’s health. With the donations of items and people’s time, the garden is treated as a hobby and stress reliever for those involved. Who knew that by turning dirt and sweat into something beautiful we would reap so much more than a few vegetables?