Newsletter 09/27

Hello Gardeners!

I spent a couple hours down in the garden tonight just kind of hanging out and working on my plot because I’m going to be out of town the next two Fridays. Justin will be there in my place if you need help or have questions about anything, but also because every Friday night is an official / unofficial work night.

In walking around the garden, I have noticed that some of you have been kinda slacking. I have instructed Justin to put flags on any plots that are not cared for by this coming Friday and what I’d really like to see is those plots cared for before I get back. If they’re not tended… well, we’ll figure out what to do if they’re not tended.  There are a couple specifically on the side of the parking lot side of the fence, one in particular the weeds are as high as my shoulders, and you all know, I’m not a small woman. So please, tend your plots; it’s part of your contract.

Also there are still wood chips available to spread; weeding can be done in the kids’ plot (especially if you have kids, put ’em to work!) and in the terrace.

Now for nicety-nice news:

I have garlic for over wintering for those that want it; what is left over I will plant in the kids’ plot for next year’s seed. What I have this year is from last year’s leftovers, about 15 head, which should make about 60 cloves for planting. So I think we’re all good there. I will be bringing the bulk of it to the Harvest Party (shoutout: Thursday, October 20, 6pm, 32 Sheldon St., Portuguese-American Social Club).

We’re also planning a seed swap for February; last year’s was so much fun! At the seed swap, we’ll have sign-ups for greenhouse use. The board and I decided against charging for the use of the greenhouse; we figure those that really want space will be at the seed swap, so we’ll open up the sign up list there and then whatever is left over can go to the general garden. And there’s room in there now if you want to use it! Please do, in fact!

We will also be renewing plots at the seed swap. I can’t even begin to tell you how smoothly registration went this year. I mean, it was unbelievable.

I’m also going to try to get seeds from the URI extension like we did this year, but I don’t think they’ll be available in time for the swap which is fine because we’re building a pretty nice little seed bank in our shed. Which reminds me: if you’re collecting seeds, why not put some in the shed for other gardeners? But please, don’t save hybrids. You never know what you’ll get with those guys!

And finally, I want to remind you that we are part of the South Side Community Land Trust’s Grower’s Network. As part of the network all resident gardeners of Fox Point Community Garden are able to attend workshops without charge. So please take advantage of what they have to offer because I’m not sure if we’re going to join again next year. I’ll talk more about that at the Harvest Party.

Thanks to everyone who put such a sincere effort into making this one of the most beautiful years I have spent at the garden. It really has looked nearly perfect the whole season, and I can’t thank you enough for all that combined effort. (Don’t forget to sign in your work hours in the shed).

Warmly,
k!

(And let me express my apologies in advance if I need to write a couple more times before I leave. I’m not sayin’ it will happen, but I’m not sayin’ it won’t. 🙂 )

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