SALISBURY – Rowan Helping Ministries held a blessing ceremony for its new garden, “The Garden of Eatin’,” located at the corner of North Liberty and Long streets Monday.

The ceremony began with a welcome from Executive Director Kyna Grubb, followed by inspirational words and prayer by the Rev. Steve Combs. It ended with remarks by Erica Taylor, community relations manager of Rowan Helping Ministries, as well as special guests and volunteers.

“To really live life is to also be an ongoing new creation. The only way this creation continues is through community,” Combs said. “Every single one of you is a realization that we are part of that community.”

The new garden will grow crops such as collards, cabbage, red cabbage, kale and broccoli. Flowers may be planted this spring.

“We are keeping in mind providing food that will provide nourishment as well helping provide a healthy mind, body and spirit,” said Grubb.

The goal of the garden is for it to be used in all four seasons year round.

“We aim at having sustainability, maintaining the garden, and being able to give back,” Taylor said.

Taylor said she is looking forward to watching the garden grow and flourish.

“I thought today’s event was great. It was really powerful to see the community come together, from the volunteers to staff that came out to support and to the shelter guests participating,” Taylor said in an interview.

“Ultimately, I think just being a part of the process in the beginning, from grass, to soil, to plants, to large bushes with vegetables and also being able to give it back and donate is going to be really amazing to see,” she said.

Crops harvested from The Garden of Eatin’ will contribute to meals offered at Jeannie’s Kitchen, located at 217 N, Long St., and the food pantry at Rowan Helping Ministries.

The garden also signifies the beginning of a biweekly program Combs will lead through the New Tomorrows program of Rowan Helping Ministries.

The agency receives donations from local farmers and vendors such as Longhorn Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Panera Bread, and the farmers market.