There are few things as homely as a garden as it drags itself out of winter and shakes off the fallow cold of November and the months through March. But it is April and things are beginning to happen!
One thing happening is that a sprightly lemon balm plant popped out of chilly earth and forthrightly called out "Howdy!" This beautiful perennial has an astonishing aroma that can be enjoyed when steeped in hot water or emulsified into soap or a lotion.
Thirteen of the 15 blueberry plants made it through the winter and have begun to leaf out. Our two "failures" are a result of AWOL: where they went nobody knows...but if you see them wandering about town tell them that all is forgiven, and to head back to the garden!
This week, the Stice Family has busted sod for a melon and squash patch for the kids, Garden Manager Kari Keever has planted tomatoes and other good things, and the Hudspeth family has hauled in dirt, amended poorly performing beds, and also planted flowers. We are also glad to see that potato and onion plants are popping up and performing pretty well.
Because of really excellent mulching and over-wintering practices, our Community Garden should be virtually weed-free this year. Weeding, as we all know, is an enthusiasum killer and your Community Gardeners have largely succeeded in booting them out. If you're interested in having a bed contact Kari Keever for more information.
Next week's update will record and describe the installation of our new irrigation system. Believe it or don't...this is exciting stuff!
Way to go Gardeners!
ReplyDeleteThe Prodigal Blueberry Bush???
ReplyDeleteI crush lemon balm leaves and put it in my bath water (in a little bag). It is NICE.
ReplyDeleteWe're all proud of the community garden, and very grateful to those who are doing all the work.
ReplyDelete