Healing from the ground up
From soil to food… from a garden to a community!
New Garden Community brings Black Hills food producers and local gardeners together — to grow good food, share it, and put down roots in the place we live.
It starts with the soil.
We are Earth Keepers coming together to offer change and healing through regenerative gardening — beginning with Earth Mother, the soul and foundation of all life. By healing our soil, connecting, and working together, we provide safe, healthy food at healthy price points — and food sovereignty for the community we call home.
We are in this together.
Bringing food producers and local gardeners together
Seasonal Planting
Planting calendars, seed swaps, and hands-in-the-dirt help, tuned to real Black Hills seasons (zones 4b–5a) — what to sow, when, and how to keep it alive through a South Dakota summer.
Marla's Apothecary
Herbs, remedies, and plant knowledge grown and gathered close to home. Learn what the garden can do beyond the dinner plate.
Group Dinners
A wonderful place to meet new gardeners, share the bounty, and make new friends. Come join us for our monthly gathering — and bring some friends too!
Workshops & Events
Gardening workshops, producer meetups, and food-access conversations for anyone who wants in — beginner to market grower.
Who's behind this
Michael Melius
Michael has been growing and selling organic produce for nearly 50 years in and around the Rapid City area. In the 1980s he helped start the Black Hills Farmers Market, and he was a founding member of the Breadroot Coop in Rapid City in 2001. A true "back-to-the-lander," he has lived off grid since 1982. He and Marla are currently remodeling the foundation headquarters for New Garden Community.
Marla Cooley
Marla is a visionary with lots of energy. She has started and operated successful businesses including a restaurant and horse breeding and training stables. She currently works alongside Michael producing herbs and plant medicine, and has been involved in food production much of her life.
Every garden needs both.
I grow food
Farmer, market gardener, backyard grower, or beekeeper — tell us what you raise and we'll keep you posted as the producer network takes shape.
I eat food
Want local meat, produce, and pantry staples without guesswork? Join the list and be first to hear about dinners, workshops, and harvest shares.