Not exactly your Community Gardeners--but close enough!
The End of Year 2
Expert gardeners and landscapers say that it takes about 5 years for a garden to have that "wow!" effect on people who casually pass by. We haven't achieved 'wow' yet, but as we finish our 2nd year of community gardening we saw some beginning signs of it--and we have great hopes that by the end of next year (our 3rd year) we'll start hearing a few "Well, not too bad" assessments.
Like the Beverly Hillbillies above, some of the gardeners had a lot to learn about navigating through an entirely new culture. For example, they found out that Japanese beetles are not really insects but ugly assassins with superhuman powers that only laugh when even the most prodigious quantities of "organic" ivory soap and chewing tobacco are sprayed on them.
Yes, friends, while the gardeners remained true to their noble organic principles, they also failed to produce a single edible squash. On a positive note, some of the beetles developed a yen for Red Man Chewing Tobacco and experienced acute nicotine withdrawal when we stopped spraying them with it.
Not all was lost, however. One great learning was that spinach and lettuce can be grown very late in the season, as can snow peas. We hope that you enjoyed the bountiful greens--thanks to Kari Keever--that were provided after services this fall. Your gardeners also grew impressive numbers of tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, the dreaded okra, and yard long (inedible) cucumbers. These vegetable delights where framed by Jennifer Hudspeth's wonderful zinnia, coxcomb, and sunflower beds.
Final Harvest
A bale of Hyacinth beans
One notable garden victory was the beautiful and splendid hedge of hyacinth beans that graced the wire fence surrounding the garden. This marvellous vining plant produced a grand pallet of various shades of green all summer long and then, quite suddenly one July morning, became profusely decorated with three inch bean pods of an astonishing purple hue.
Interestingly, the Hyacinth bean is a plant from Southeast Asia--called dai van in Vietnamese--that is highly regarded as a soup and salad ingredient. We tested a few early in August--and then gorged ourselves because they are so delicious. The photo above is of a bale of the remaining hyacinth vines, replete with bean pods. We have made this 'final harvest' available to anyone who would like to gather beans for replanting at home this spring. Just visit the garden and pluck the pods off the bale. It will remain there until about Christmas and then will be composted.
Plans for Next Year
In January of this year (2010) the Church Board approved an expansion of the garden that, due to time and chance, was delayed until this fall. Yet, expand we will. This fall, trees were removed to open an area to the sunshine, post holes were dug, and materials and equipment donated by Hanby Lumber and Worely's Equipment rental were acquired to allow us to approximately double the amount of space available for production. Over the winter a fence will go up and raised beds will be put in place. We will probably plant a few more fruit trees as well.
This new space will be a 'Children's Garden' and, like all gardens, will take about 4 or 5 years to look like much. There is no expectation that the children will actually work in the garden~~although it would be wonderful if they did~~but we want to give them a place to pick flowers for their mothers, to decorate the church, and to gather vegetables for Loaves and Fishes if they are so inclined.
The garden's Godfather, Bill Hudspeth, will trench in a waterline sometime this winter so that the garden can have a separate water meter. It is important to the gardeners that the garden be at least 'budget neutral' and have no negative impact on our church's finances. Bill's dirt work will make this possible~~for which the gardeners heartily thank him! We may also put in a more sophisticated irrigation system to replace our current drip system.
Things We Need
If anyone can donate old 1 inch lumber that can be recycled into fence pickets, that would be a good thing. We will also appreciate donations of rail road ties, and of 2x8 inch treated or cedar boards suitable for raised bed construction.
We will also be grateful for the donation of fruit trees. Perhaps you would like to donate a tree in memory of a loved one?
Finally, we would LOVE to have more gardeners. If you would like to reserve a spot in the garden for the 2011 growing year~~and have 3 or 4 hours a week during the growing season to spend minding it~~we will be EXCITED to have you participate. Please let us know and we'll reserve you a spot.
Thank You!
Your Community Gardeners are mindful of the gift of land and resources that the Board, Elders, and Members of the First Christian Church have given them. Please know that we are grateful and promise to be good stewards of the gift that you have given us. Thank you, so much.
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