Maya and the Community Garden - Reading Exercise

Reading text: Maya moved to a new neighbourhood three months ago. Every Saturday morning, she works with her neighbours in a community garden behind their apartment building. The garden has six raised beds. In spring, the group planted tomatoes, lettuce and beans. Maya waters the plants with rainwater collected in a large barrel. The children help by making signs for each row, while the older residents teach them how to care for the vegetables.

Last week, heavy rain made the paths wet, but the group did not cancel its meeting. Everyone met in a small shed and planned a day for sharing recipes. The gardeners do not sell the vegetables. They share them among the volunteers and donate the extra food to a local centre for older people. Maya enjoys the garden because she is learning about plants and meeting people who live near her.