Nicole Goodman
Horticulture Agent
Spartanburg County
Nicole Goodman has fully stepped into her role as the Urban Horticulture Agent in our county. In addition to offering regular workshops on gardening topics (announced through our Facebook Page) and assisting residents daily, Nicole is dedicated to fostering broader community impact through the work of the local Master Gardener Volunteers.
One project particularly close to her heart is the Teaching Garden at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in Downtown Spartanburg. This initiative is designed to educate the community on growing nutritious food, practicing safe food handling, and promoting both mental and physical well-being.
Through collaboration with the clinic’s dietitian, JuliSu, and director Ms. Smith, the garden has become a thriving partnership. Monthly volunteer workdays continue to transform the property into a fully functioning edible and teaching garden.
Project Highlight
This season’s major milestone has been the beginning of terracing the steep east hillside of the property. Thanks to the enthusiasm of this year’s Master Gardener Volunteer students, the project is progressing smoothly. Volunteers—both experienced gardeners and community members new to the field—are not only learning about plants, but also about safe building practices that turn unusable slopes into productive spaces.
While tremendous progress has been made, the garden still requires the removal of several large trees to improve sunlight access and support the continued success of edible plantings.
For ongoing updates, follow the Teaching Garden’s Facebook page: Teaching Garden of St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic (green logo with three hands).
