If the leafy heads of cabbage and towering flowers are any indication, the green thumbs at Helfand Farm Community Garden were undeterred by the harsh winter and dry spring.

“It’s been a terrific growing season. There’s been a little drought in the spring after that cold, but now there’s sun and then enough rain to help things grow,” said Marlene Holohan, a board member of Helfand Farm.

On July 17, the farm hosted a family fun night complete with a potluck dinner and activities for kids. A large part of the evening was spent wandering through the gardens, now fully in bloom.

The 4-acre farm opened to the public three years ago, and anyone can rent out a small plot of land on the farm to grow produce or flowers. Holohan said that this year marked the first season that the farm community scheduled multiple events throughout the growing season.

“We did have a few workshops last year. We hope for it be ongoing,” she said.

Lauren Miller-Donnelly, who manages two plots with her husband, led a family through a tour of her gardens. One was designed for food production and the other she described as a pollinator garden complete with 20-odd milkweed plants to attract monarch butterflies. She said at most, she’ll tend to her gardens for two hours a week.

Bob Amancio said that after working as a machine operator all his life, he’s just learning how to garden. Prior to starting his plot, the 71-year-old took night courses to learn the basics.

“We got a good crop this year,” said Amancio, adding that he’s already harvested plenty of zucchini and squash. “And tomatoes! I made a mistake. I grabbed what I thought was big tomatoes — they’re cherry tomatoes. Oh my god, we’re loaded with ‘em!”

He said he tends to his patch every other day, usually in the afternoons. He brings his dog, a 13-year-old Cockapoo named Copper, during the afternoon when there’s only one or two other gardeners around. Copper loves to cool down beneath the shade of his towering cherry tomato plants.

Caroline Felix came from New Bedford to check out Helfand Farm with her husband, Jonathan, and their three children. One of her friends who keeps a plot at the location told her about family night. She said she hadn’t visited the farm before, but was likely going to start her own plot.

“Maybe this year we’ll take to learning and coming to the workshops so we’re ready for next year,” said Caroline.

She said she has a friend who’s approaching his 80th birthday and is excited by the prospect of joining them in the gardens.

“He's got a green thumb,” said Jonathan. “He’s a widower, and we’re looking forward to getting him out of the house. He’s like our surrogate dad.”

“I told him and he’s getting the seeds ready for next year,” Caroline added.

She said there was another generation excited about starting up a garden: her young children.

“We have a lima bean plant and strawberries at home, and they are checking it all the time to see if it’s growing. It’s a great way for kids to eat vegetables,” she said.

After perusing the produce and running around the field chasing bubbles, the families gathered around a small campfire to roast marshmallows. Holohan hopes all the activity around the farm will entice others to start up a plot.

“Hopefully next year, because we’ve had more events, we’ll expand more,” said Holohan.