In the aftermath of recent hurricanes, our friends at the Apollo Beach Community Forest Garden faced devastating losses. Their entire garden was washed away, destroyed by relentless winds and saltwater intrusion.

The resilience of a garden often mirrors the community behind it, and this was no exception—when a call for help went out, VISTA Gardens answered.

Our dedicated Compost Committee, co-chaired by Becca and Rolfe, stepped forward with a generous offer: four full trash cans of cured compost, affectionately known as Black Gold.

This nutrient-rich compost, created through the hard work of VISTA’s volunteers, is essential for restoring soil health and ensuring a successful rebuild for any garden.

In December, VISTA Board Member Keshia Arlinghaus delivered this special gift to the Apollo Beach team. It was a symbol of collaboration, support, and the power of community gardens to lift one another up in challenging times.

Compost: A Gift of Renewal

Compost does more than nourish plants—it restores soil life, improves structure, and helps retain moisture. For Apollo Beach, this donation marks the first step in bringing life back to their space. It also represents the shared mission of gardens like ours: to grow not just plants, but relationships, knowledge, and resilience.

We extend our gratitude to Becca, Rolfe, and the entire Compost Committee for their work in making this gift possible. Your efforts remind us all that gardens are stronger when we work together.

Here’s to the recovery and rebirth of Apollo Beach Community Forest Garden—may their soil, and their spirits, thrive once again.