United Methodist Church of Atascadero is proud of the beautiful, community-building, organic Paloma Community Garden. The garden is located on the back of the church property just across from Paloma Creek Park on Viejo Camino. The church installed water and some raised beds, which are $60 per year for an approximately 9-foot by 18-foot bed. The Garden Club meets periodically to discuss organizational issues.

The garden has been a stop on the Atascadero Water Company’s annual Garden Tour. In 2011, members of the Atascadero High School Green Hounds program spent much of the morning helping lay out sheet mulch and then plant many wonderful natives donated by Bay Laurel Nursery, Miner’s Hardware, Educated Gardener, Growing Grounds and Native Sons. Madrone Landscapes donated the landscape plan and Semmes and Company Builders, Well-Seen Signs and Dan Robinson put together the donor appreciation sign.

Gardeners from all around town, of every level of ability and experience, are active in the garden. Head Gardener Barbara Rose is always ready to give help and reassurance to those who ask. If you are interested in trying your hand at growing and harvesting your own healthy vegetables and pesticide-free flowers, call the church office at 805-466-2566 or drop by for an application form.