The History of Sophia Garden
The Dominican Sisters of Amityville have a long history of farming on Long Island. The sisters came to the Island in 1875. They fed themselves and the orphans in their care from their own fields. The root cellar where they stored their vegetables is listed on the National Historic Register.
To read more about the history of the Amityville Dominicans and the historic buildings on the property of the Motherhouse go to:
http://www.amityvilleop.org Click on the link Rosary Hall Now National Historic Registry Site
In August 1996, the Dominican Sisters of Amityville, returned to their roots. Acting on a Chapter directive, the Sisters approved the recommendation from the assembly to begin an organic garden in the orchard of the Motherhouse. This garden was seen as a concrete way to live out their vision statement: to be responsible members of the universe.
The Garden was named after Sister Sophia who, for so many years of her religious life, cared for and nurtured the land surrounding the Motherhouse in Amityville. In Scripture, Sophia is the name given to the feminine face of God and relates to wisdom. Our experience at Sophia Garden is about connecting to the natural world and fostering wisdom-something greatly needed in our world today.
The Mission
Since the Garden's inception it has been about the vision of the Dominican Sisters and people on
Long Island who share in that vision: to be responsible members of the universe. To model a sustainable way of living on
Long Island is a way of living out that vision. To produce food in a sustainable way without the use of chemicals and in a way that cares about soil, water, wildlife and people is a witness to our beliefs.
At the heart of a CSA organic farm is the farmer. Community Supported Agriculture is about knowing not only where and how your food is grown, but who is growing it. The history of Sophia Garden is rooted not only in the land and vision of the people, but in the dedication, hard work and love the farmer and the member volunteers bring to the nurturing of the land and each other.
Sophia Garden Today
In 2007, Sophia Garden moved from its original home in the orchard to a 3-acre field on the Motherhouse property. A new shed was built to house our farm tools. 
Tom Mauro, a garden member, planted a flower bed filled with roses, a bird bath, perennials and bird houses.
In 2008, Sophia Garden dedicated Jim and Connie's Cottage a solar powered cooling shed donated in memory of Sister Margaret Galiardi's parents. A bed of perennial organic herbs was donated by Elizabeth and Christine Keihm in memory of their mother, Geraldine and her two dogs, Jackie and Willoughby.
Sophia Garden is thriving and growing. We look forward to 2009 to greet a new farmer, re-connect with old members and welcome new friends.
All of our events, outreach, and resources are made possible through the generous support of grants and individual donors.
If you would like to partner with Homecoming to further our mission of creating a mutually enhancing human/earth community
consider making a tax-deductible donation. Please contact Jeanne Clark for more information at 631-842-6000 x 307