Community Members Gather for Educational Talk and Garden Planting Honoring Sister and Friendship Cities
Vallejo, CA — July 27, 2025 – On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Vallejo residents came together at Kyle’s Temple to “Cultivate Global Connections” through a special community event celebrating Vallejo’s Sister and Friendship Cities around the world. The afternoon began with a powerful presentation from Dr. Qayomi, a distinguished member of Vallejo’s Friendship City Parun, Afghanistan. Dr. Qayomi offered an enlightening look into Afghanistan’s culture, people, and natural resources, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and cultural understanding.
Following the talk, attendees rolled up their sleeves and took part in planting Vallejo’s Community Garden—a living tribute to its global ties. Volunteers of all ages worked together to build two new planter boxes and plant flowers representing each of Vallejo’s Sister and Friendship Cities. The garden not only adds beauty to the neighborhood but also serves as a symbol of the enduring relationships Vallejo shares across the globe.
As part of our community gathering, we explored the rich natural resources of our Friendship City, Parun, Afghanistan, gaining a deeper appreciation for its cultural and environmental heritage. We also constructed and prepared two new community planter boxes, which we then filled with flowers native to each of our Sister and Friendship Cities. Through this hands-on activity, participants learned about the unique floral heritage and cultural significance of each city, cultivating both knowledge and connection.
Featured Cities and Their Flowers:
- Bagamoyo, TANZANIA – African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata)
- Parun, AFGHANISTAN – Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana)
- Trondheim, NORWAY – Pyramidal Saxifrage (Saxifraga cotyledon)
- Baguio City, PHILIPPINES – Pine Tree (Pinus kesiya)
- La Spezia, ITALY – Olive Tree (Olea europaea)
- Akashi, JAPAN – Cherry Blossom (Sakura – Prunus serrulata)
- Jincheon & Muju, SOUTH KOREA – Rose of Sharon (Mugunghwa – Hibiscus syriacus)
- Rota, NORTH MARIANA ISLANDS – Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)
- Ensenada, MEXICO – Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)
This hands-on event was about more than just gardening—it served as a powerful way to bring the global community home to Vallejo. Through shared stories, cultural exchange, and collaborative effort, participants gained a deeper appreciation for the city’s international partnerships. Together, they helped create a vibrant and welcoming garden that reflects the spirit of unity and can be enjoyed by all.
People participated in this event to help strengthen Vallejo’s global relationships and celebrate its international connections. They were drawn by the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, engage in meaningful work alongside neighbors, and contribute to a project that fosters community spirit. Together, they helped create a lasting tribute to Vallejo’s diverse Sister and Friendship Cities—a symbol of unity, culture, and shared purpose.
