Over the past two years, Taya and Tony Flores — the garden’s owners — have dedicated their time to transforming it into a true embodiment of its name. Situated near Logan’s downtown, the garden is exceptionally accessible, catering to a diverse range of individuals from every background imaginable.

Taya explained that refugees, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, veterans, food-insecure individuals, low-income families and other various members of the community all find support within the space.

Currently, the garden supports 25 families, with 38 out of the 52 available plots being utilized. Taya emphasized that the Flores Family Community Garden warmly welcomes individuals from all walks of life, serving as a nurturing haven not only for those who tend to the land but also for students, volunteers, and anyone seeking a sense of belonging within a diverse community setting.

“We’re really trying to create an environment where people feel free to just come and take it in and just sit,” Taya said. “You don’t have to have a plot here to be here.”

Taya and Tony have set ambitious goals for the garden to become a hub of socio-economic opportunities. However, despite their strong desire to see their vision come to life, they currently face a hurdle: the lack of necessary funds for everything they envision to come to fruition.

Providing support to those at ‘socio-economic crossroads’

Taya and Tony always envisioned purchasing land together, but they never anticipated their dream would take place in the center of Logan City.

Tony, who grew up in Grantsville, was immersed in the agriculture world from a young age. He was always hearing of the adventures and stories that took place on his grandfather’s farm — sparking his interest in growing crops of his own.

In addition to his agricultural background, Tony also experienced periods of food insecurity during his upbringing. Moments where he didn’t know where his next meal would come from shaped his perspective. Now, as a veteran and dedicated gardener, Tony has a desire — driven by gratitude for those who supported him throughout his life — to give back to his community.

“There is always somebody at crucial times in your life that may open doors or assist you,” he said. “This garden, to us, is just an opportunity to say to those people that helped us that it was a worthwhile effort on their part — that now we can turn around and give back to others.”

At the time the couple purchased the property two years ago, it was primarily being used by Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection — a local nonprofit that provides resources for the valley’s refugees and immigrants. While the garden still supports mainly refugees and immigrants, according to Taya, new communities of people have recently started gardening.

Because the garden primarily supports food insecure families and disabled veterans, Tony and Taya want to eventually implement classes and other educational opportunities for the gardeners, such as lessons on canning and storing food. The pair also hopes to eventually create a small fruit and vegetable stand where gardeners can sell the produce they grow in the garden.

“The individuals that are utilizing the spaces are often at a socio-economic crossroad,” Tony said. “When you’re at a socio-economic disadvantage, the first thing you have to give up when you’re buying food are things like vegetables and fruit because they’re expensive. We want to help them improve their socio-economic standing by creating opportunities for them.”

Last week, more than 70 volunteers helped the couple plant 30 fruit trees, donated by the Rotary Club of Logan, of different variations for the gardeners to harvest from to eat fresh, as well as store for later.

The pair has also applied for various grants to allow the construction of a community pavilion, raised garden beds for disabled gardeners, additional piping and two commercial greenhouses for the gardeners to use throughout the whole year. But according to Tony, seeking funding sometimes gets put on the backburner as the present needs of the gardeners take full priority.

“Unfortunately, all of our goals take a lot of money,” he said. “We could have all the good intentions in the world, but if we can’t get the money to do it, we can’t do it the right way.”

A ‘profound’ sense of community

Although Taya does not have a background in agriculture, she holds her own motivations for being actively engaged in the garden. One significant reason is the profound sense of community it fosters — something she resonates deeply with.

Growing up Taya attended four different elementary schools and multiple junior high schools. As she was raised in a family that was constantly moving, she was extremely interested in the idea of having a space where family and community was important.

“This garden is very grounding and peaceful for me,” she said.

Now, Taya has a family that goes beyond blood. Sometimes, she said, the children of gardening families will call her “auntie.” The garden acts as an extension to her family, she said. Others who have visited the garden would agree.

One family who started gardening at the Flores Community Garden a little under a month ago, moved to Logan from Nigeria in 2015. The family currently has two 10- by 20-foot plots of land where they are growing tomatoes, corn, basil, okra, kale and cucumber.

The father of the family, who asked not to be named for personal reasons, said the garden is not only a great place to teach his children where the food they eat comes from, but is also a place to socialize with community members.

“We have been able to socialize and tap into people of diverse backgrounds,” he said.

According to Tony, the purpose of the open space garden is to allow for people part of different communities within Cache Valley to socially intertwine.

“Our goal is to really create a space where community can truly become community,” he said.

Taya and Tony said they encourage youth groups and others looking for volunteer opportunities to check out the community garden. Eventually, the pair want it to be a gathering space for small community events, as well as a place where parents feel children are welcome.

Tony also emphasized that as the leaders of the community garden, they want to create the opportunities that the public are searching for.

“We want to help others do what they want to,” he said, “so it’s not just a one-sided relationship. We want people to feel like they benefit from their time here.”

Because many of the people who have plots of land suffer from PTSD, Taya said she hopes they can soon implement a meditation space in the garden for individuals to relax and socialize.

“We truly want this to be a fun, safe space for all people to enjoy,” she said.

Taya said that she would utilize the meditation area herself, as managing the community garden is no easy task. As they have day jobs alongside their commitment to the garden, Taya and Tony immediately dive into their gardening responsibilities as soon as they arrive home in the evenings, often working until dusk. Most of their weekends, Taya said, are devoted to the upkeep of the property, as well as helping gardeners as they tend to their respective plots.

Although, the hard work is therapeutic, Taya said. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a complete 180 from what we do all day long,” she said. “It’s rejuvenating.”

Those who wish to get involved, or who want a plot of land in the garden, can contact Taya at taya.flores@floresfamilycommunitygarden.org.