Thanks to the Green Thumb Spring tree clearing; Roy’s insistence: and Mike’s ingenuity, it was shown that more gardening space could be created on the South side of the garden. This area is generally shaded; but morning sunlight does enter. We have a young volunteer who likes to dig holes. With his Mother and Grandpa’s permission he comes in from time to time to work off some energy. We will fill these holes with plant debris, food waste etc.: another kind of composting. As the contents of these holes decompose; they will make for richer planting pockets.
I am hopeful that those who’ve expressed a interest in Herb and Vertical gardening will come together and use the new space next year. So, Anyone else who needs to work off some extra calories; should consider digging a hole or two: the more the better.
I want to acknowledge the good work done; in finally getting the Stage area nearly returned for its designed use.
The decent Tool Shed is a huge step forward. I felt pretty bad during the Spring Clean -up; because my body wasn’t allowing me to participate. Nonetheless, agret showing by other members chipped in a big dent into what had become a boneyard of discarded or unused items. Now this month a force of members have come and moved the clean-up near to completion. What is really nice:is that participation included the range of members from the oldest to the newest: in age and time. If I start to name people; I’ll leave someone out: so let’s just say from Marta and Ivy to Emily and Jen. And work continued; after that big push. The prickly brush pile is gone: Eren and John recently cleared the final bramble along with the area around the stage platform.
The materials stored for unstarted projects were evaluated by ” Auditors” Michelle and Marta: and what wasn’t able to be justified for retention (by the hoarders, like me) was consigned to the trash heap. It should be noted that Garland Roberts has been working hard to clear dead plants, and to stake and fertilize those still with a chance to produce: all over the garden.
But you still are urged to reinforce my conversation with him; about communicating to other members; when you plan to do something that will affect their enjoyment of the garden.Yes, the actual cleaning up would have been faster; if not for Garland’s noxious brew of fermenting Cow Manure. That was a pain !! However; as Roy opined ; it will pay a big dividend next year, when we are trying to farm for marketable production.Though nasally objectionable; people need to recall the puny quarter load of compost we received; as our individual gardener ranks swelled from twelve to thirty-five, this 2010 season. We need to optimize our capacity to enrich our soil. Donations are welcome; but we must always be willing to: Do For Self; to keep this garden going in the right direction. Marilyn and I both arrived: just under the wire to the GT Workshop for Composting and Soil sign-up.
With permission of Harold Paynter; Operations Manager: We were allowed to order a full two loads of soil and a load of compost for Spring delivery. Now: I am working to touch base with Lillian Reyes; the Outreach Coordinator covering District 10 Gardens for Green Thumb. She may be able to schedule us for use of a Chipper /Shredder to address the Compost mess. I’ve also submitted an application for the garden to be a Bagged Leaf gathering site. This will take place on Saturdays in November; when public hours have ended; giving us first choice of compostable leaf material from the area. I will also ask her about new signage, so we will be fully in compliance with GT regulations, as we begin this next chapter.
Eren is working with Lady K and Amelia to finalize arrangements for a ceremonial installation of the new mural boards.
October celebration coming soon: let Eren know if you’ll help. email: erennyc@aol.com
Volunteer needed:
If anyone has time late mornings; we could use a regular pick-up of coffee grounds from the local Starbuck’s. The Manager has always been willing to accommodate us this way; but, we need to be consistent about pickups. Once someone steps up on this;I think we should post a placard showing Starbuck’s support for neighborhood greening. Coffee grounds don’t need composting; just worked into the soil. And, they release a good smell: not like rotting crab and cow dung. Worms really get hopped up on them; and everyone should know how good worms are for soil. I’ve been going to so many meetings; that its taken away from my actual gardening time. We need more meeting attendees!!!! And I mean soon.
Garden T-shirt templates available: (image coming soon) If you like it; as I did, I’ll run you off an iron-on transfer for a buck. Or you can have one professionally made at Kev’s Print shop for $ 9.00 . Send comments and order requests to Marilyn at: stonesoupnews117@yahoo.com. .
Carrie McCracken TRUCE Community Garden 