Caliente community grows together through seeds, soil and shared vision

A seed swap hosted in Caliente this spring has blossomed into a broader community effort to promote sustainable gardening and connection. 

“I was inspired by the Seed Savers Exchange and their dedication to preserving heirloom seeds in the U.S. for the past 50 years,” said organizer Tatyana Timerson. “It’s an all-American, non-GMO company, and their mission really resonated with me.”

The event brought together passionate local gardeners, creating a welcoming space for exchanging seeds, sharing tips and learning about what thrives in Lincoln County’s climate. 

“It wasn’t just about seeds,” Timerson explained. “It was about collaboration, community and passing on knowledge.”

The swap was hosted at the Methodist Church in Caliente thanks to Rick Phillips, and Anna Perkins helped spread the word by advertising the event on the local bulletin board. During the gathering, Timerson floated the idea of applying for a seed donation from the Seed Savers Exchange. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

With support from the Lincoln County Conservation District and help from Maggie Orr and Keith Larson, Timerson applied for the donation. 

“There were a lot of hurdles,” she said, “so I was shocked and thrilled when the seeds actually arrived. I knew then we had something really special to share with the community.”

The donated heirloom seeds were distributed at the Caliente Community Garden, located near the farmers market. Timerson credited Kathy LeFevre and Bonnie Smith for helping support the project and getting things organized. Then came the hands-on work, tending the soil, planting, watering and watching tiny green sprouts emerge. Timerson offered heartfelt thanks to Pamela Jackson, Barbara Rohde, Kathryn Hanna and her children, and others who helped bring the garden to life. 

“Bonnie and Kathy even helped install the waterlines. It was a real team effort,” she said.

The goal behind the project, Timerson emphasized, is simple but powerful. 

“I want to help people in our community learn to grow their own food, save seeds that are suited to our local environment and connect with each other through kindness and generosity.” 

In the garden, a variety of vegetables have been planted, from peas and radishes to corn, squash and watermelon, alongside flowers like marigolds, larkspur, cosmos and sunflowers to attract pollinators. 

“We planted these for beauty, yes,” Timerson said, “but also for the bees, hummingbirds and butterflies that help our gardens thrive.”

The garden is open to anyone who wants to help and learn. Community members are welcome to join in planting and caring for the seedlings every Monday and Saturday at 8 a.m. 

“We’d love to have anyone, no matter your age or gardening experience. Come be a part of it and enjoy the harvest,” Timerson said.

The effort didn’t stop with vegetables. Donated flower seeds were also planted at Kershaw-Ryan State Park with the help of Ethan Mower, whom Timerson praised as “an exquisite connoisseur of local flora and fauna.” Robbie Jackson assisted with planting. “These flowers will add to the biodiversity of the park and ensure that it stays beautiful for generations.”

Timerson also shared seeds with the beautification committee, which requested that flowers be planted at Clock Island in front of Dolan and Edwards Insurance office. Betsy and Keith Comella, Tina Taylor, Dub Miller and his grandchildren Ivy and Lily all helped, along with Barbara Rohde, who generously shared her wildflower seeds.

“None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our community,” Timerson said. “I hope more people will join us at the community garden, at Kershaw-Ryan or just by starting something in their own backyard. This is about building something meaningful together from the ground up.”