John Paul's passing was much too soon, but his connection to plants and people continues to live on.

As a Temple University Horticulture student, John Paul developed and carried out the idea of a community garden plot, whose harvest of tomatoes, beans, potatoes, and greens, goes entirely to families in need. In his memory and honor, family and friends have come together to support his vision and continue the work that he started.

Vision: The JPE Donation Garden envisions a world where everyone has access to local, organic produce with opportunities and motivation to learn about nature, nutrition, and cultivation while strengthening their communities.

Mission: The JPE Donation Garden is an education and volunteer based community vegetable garden. The organic crops which are grown and harvested are donated to local food cupboards providing greater access and understanding of nutritious and organic produce.

Located within the research gardens of Temple Ambler, the JPE Donation Garden is bolstered and supported by Temple Ambler’s faculty, staff, interns, and students. Linked to coursework, the garden is sprouted each year in the spring by student classes. In the early spring, we award the John Paul Endicott Summer Internship to a student who holds the responsibility of managing the garden during the summer months. Throughout the growing season, volunteers tend the gardens as a group during organized volunteer days as well as individually, whenever they might have free time. Produce is harvested, weighed, and donated weekly to local food cupboards and organizations including Mattie Dixon and Philabundance. Events are scheduled to come together and celebrate John Paul, the garden, and each other!

We are seeking dedicated friends family, students, teachers, donors and members of the community to aid us in the continuation of John Paul’s work within the Temple Ambler Garden. Together, we can build upon John Paul's foundation and create a vibrant garden and community.

Our Work

Internship: The John Paul Endicott Summer Internship is an annual internship for a Temple Ambler student to manage the garden, volunteers, and help with events. Welcome our New Intern: Julie D'Agostino 2012 Summer Intern. Julie is a junior who is full of enthusiasm and energy and we look forward to working with her. Please join us in welcoming Julie! Julie will be recognized at the Academic Awards and Special Achievement Ceremony. Coming soon - Julie's Garden blog.

Donations: In the peak summer growing season, weighed donations of produce are given to local food cupboards and food donation organizations. Current partners are the Mattie N. Dixon Community Food Cupboard in Ambler and Philabundance.

Events: Community events and celebrations are held in the garden. Past events have included a Garlic in the Garden festival, Garden Harvest festivals, JPE Birthday events, and National Public Garden Day events. Coming up:

Welcome Back to the Garden!
Spring Potluck
April 26: 5:30 - 9:00 pm
Temple Ambler Greenhouse

Volunteer Work Days: Volunteer events are held to bring together volunteers to work together in the garden. During the growing season, volunteer events are held at least once a month.