On June 21, Catholic Garden Network (CGN) — a new national nonprofit supporting gardens in Catholic settings as living expressions of integral ecology, food justice, community, and spiritual renewal — hosted its first benefit event: the Blooms, Bubbles, and Bossa Nova Summer Garden Party. The celebration took place in Isidore’s Garden at Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia.
Julene Jarnot, executive director of CGN, shares a deep appreciation for the mission of Catholic Climate Covenant. “Our work at CGN resonates with the values CCC promotes — especially the call to care for creation as an essential expression of our faith,” she says. Since 2022, Jarnot has volunteered as coordinator of her parish’s community garden, which provides fresh produce to the OLQP Food Pantry and includes a native plant bed that supports pollinators. Inspired by her experience with the parish garden, she founded CGN to connect and support Catholic communities working to sustain and grow their gardens.
The garden party benefited both CGN and the OLQP food pantry.
Jarnot reflected on the evening:
“The event was a celebration of community and gardens, supporting local efforts in food justice.
“Guests enjoyed the lively rhythms of CantoSur, a Brazilian jazz band, which set the perfect tone for the summer evening. Garden-inspired appetizers and sparkling refreshments were served in reusable dishware, and festive tables adorned with fresh flowers added beauty and warmth. String lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm, inviting glow across the garden as the evening unfolded.
“Attendees toured Isidore’s Garden, learning about its role in supporting nearly 900 families each week through the OLQP Food Pantry. The garden’s native and pollinator-friendly plant bed was also on display, highlighting its contribution to local biodiversity.
“Five gardens from the Catholic Garden Network were represented at the event, including Marymount University’s Plot Against Hunger Garden in Arlington; the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, both in Washington, DC; Our Lady of Victory Community Garden in Baltimore; and Isidore’s Garden.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the evening possible—our sponsors, including Catholic Climate Covenant, as well as our many generous supporters, volunteers, and musicians. We look forward to continuing our mission of fostering human dignity, promoting the common good, and advancing environmental stewardship through sustainable gardens in Catholic communities. To learn more, visit catholicgarden.org.”
Julene Jarnot contributed to this blog.
