Old Town Community Garden

OTCG Fall Festival

2010-09-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

OTCG Upcoming Event

2010-08-11T12:32:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, August 14th at 9a instead of a meeting we are going to have a blessing and ribbon-cutting for the Old Town Community Garden's new sign!

Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate our new sign!

No July Meeting

2010-07-08T15:34:00.002-05:00

The garden is looking great!

There will NOT be an ALL-GARDENERS meeting in July.

Thanks,
The Old Town Community Garden

Guest Speaker on May 15th

2010-05-05T11:32:00.002-05:00

Gardeners --

We have been contacted by an entomologist with the Texas AgriLife Extension, Kim Schofield. She is going to give us a presentation about Good and Bad Bugs.

We will be meeting at the CCA at 10a on Saturday, May 15.

You can visit Kim's blog http://exoskeletonexpress.blogspot.com for information about bugs and pests!

See you there!

Fall Festival

2009-08-19T22:10:00.003-05:00

It's that time of the season ... time to celebrate the fabulous season that we've had at the Old Town Community Garden! On Saturday, October 3rd at 9:30a at the OTCG we're going to have a potluck breakfast to celebrate!

Please bring a breakfast dish to share and a recipe for the garden cookbook!

See you there!

Recipes Needed

2009-08-12T10:15:00.002-05:00

The OTCG is trying to put together a garden cookbook!

Please send your recipe submissions to Amanda.

Thanks!

OTCG Upcoming Event

2009-08-12T10:12:00.002-05:00

There is an ALL-GARDENERS MEETING on TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 at 6:30p at the CCA.

All gardeners are encouraged and welcome to attend!

Please come share your opinions and thoughts about the OTCG!

See you in the garden!

OTCG Upcoming Event

2009-05-06T20:04:00.002-05:00

There is an ALL-GARDENERS MEETING on TUESDAY, MAY 19 at 6:30p in the OTCG GARDEN! You might want to bring something to sit on!

See you there!

OTCG Upcoming Event

2009-04-10T21:04:00.002-05:00

There is an ALL-GARDENERS MEETING on MONDAY, APRIL 20 at 6:30p at the OTCG. You might want to bring something to sit on!

All gardeners are welcome to attend.The gardens are looking great!

Spring Kick-Off Party

2009-03-17T17:35:00.003-05:00

OTCG Upcoming Events

2009-02-12T17:17:00.000-06:00

There is an ALL-GARDENERS MEETING on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 at 6:30p at the CCA. All gardeners are welcome to attend.

The gardens are looking great!

Beginning of a New Season

2009-01-20T20:02:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season and that the New Year finds everyone safe and happy!

With January also comes the time to start planning for what you want to plant and preparing the soil.

January also starts the various Texas Home & Garden shows, check their website: http://www.texashomeandgarden.com/ for more information!

Also, check out the various websites we have links to and you can find helpful information.

Happy New Year. See you in the garden!

OTCG Upcoming Event

2008-11-17T19:53:00.001-06:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING OTCG MEETING:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 at 6:30p at the CCA

ALL-GARDENERS MEETING
Any and all gardeners are welcome to come

See you in the garden!

Come See What's Growing at the Old Town Community Garden

2008-11-17T17:00:00.000-06:00

There have been some amazing developments at the OTCG, thanks to the generosity of the Lowe's in the Metroplex.

Come and see all of the changes that have taken place!

OTCG Upcoming Event!

2008-09-29T15:09:00.000-05:00

OTCG Upcoming Event -- CANCELLATION

2008-09-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

The OTCG ALL-GARDENERS MEETING on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 at 6:30p has been CANCELLED.

There is not any information for a rescheduled meeting. Please check back for updates.

Thanks. See you in the garden!

OTCG Upcoming Events

2008-08-13T18:00:00.002-05:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING OTCG MEETING:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 at 6:30p at the CCA

ALL-GARDENERS MEETING
Any and all gardeners are welcome to come
There have been some interesting developments for the garden, come to the meeting and learn all about them!

See you in the garden!

OTCG Upcoming Events

2008-06-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING OTCG MEETING:

TUESDAY, JUNE 17 at 6:30p at the CCA

ALL-GARDENERS MEETING
Any and all gardeners are welcome to come
Please bring a potluck dessert to share with the other gardeners!

See you in the garden!

Upcoming OTCG Events

2008-04-09T17:06:00.004-05:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE OTCG!

Thursday, April 10 at 6:30p at the OTCG

ALL-GARDENERS MEETING
in the garden
Please bring something to sit on

Saturday, April 19 at 10a at the OTCG

the OLD TOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN SPRING KICK-OFF
an Education Session on Small Space Gardening and Vegetable Varities for Texas starting at 10:30a
a Hot Dog Lunch, and
a Raffle at 11:30a

All gardeners are welcome to attend the ALL-GARDENERS MEETING on Thursday and everyone is invited to the OLD TOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN SPRING KICK-OFF!

See you there!

OTCG Spring Kick-Off

2008-04-07T15:07:00.001-05:00

Texas Home & Garden Shows

2008-02-26T21:51:00.002-06:00

Hi Gardeners!

This weekend there are two Texas Home & Garden shows. One in Arlington and one in Dallas. Go to www.texashomeandgarden.com to find out information about these shows and to print off a coupon to save on the admission fee!

These shows are a good place to find a plethora of information and to pick up some freebies and ideas.

OTCG Upcoming Events

2008-02-21T14:01:00.002-06:00

Hi Gardeners!

On Saturday, February 23 at 10a there is going to be an ALL-GARDENERS workday at the OTCG!

We are going to be building new plots, planning the flower beds, and doing maintenance on the garden to prepare for the upcoming season!

Any and everybody who can help is appreciated!

See you in the garden!

Upcoming Events

2008-02-03T11:15:00.000-06:00

Hi Gardeners --

Here are the upcoming events for the OTCG:

Saturday, February 9 at 9a

ALL GARDENERS workday
Any and all who can come out and help are greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30p

ALL GARDENERS MEETING
Any and all are welcome to come share their ideas, opinions, and suggestions for the upcoming season at the OTCG!

Texas Home & Garden Show

2008-01-29T15:43:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone --

Just wanted to let everyone know that this weekend is the Fort Worth Home & Garden Show at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The show is open Friday through Sunday.

For more information go to: http://www.texashomeandgarden.com/ for directions, hours, and more information. Coupons for discount admissions are available at Tom Thumb grocery stores.

This show is an excellent time to speak to different vendors about their products and to also pick up some samples.

OTCG Upcoming Events

2008-01-22T15:15:00.000-06:00

Hi Gardeners --

On Saturday, February 9 nat 9:00a there will be an ALL-GARDENERS workday at the OTCG!

We will be continuing preparations to the gardens for the upcoming season!

Any and all hands who can help will be appreciated!

See you in the garden!

Helpful Hints 2 from Al Kirchhoff

2008-01-22T15:06:00.000-06:00

20 January 2008

Helpful Hints

Welcome to a new gardening year. The “off season” seems to have gone by quickly. Hope you each had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Now we start off fresh and rested into a new gardening season.

It is always good to start with a quick review of the previous season. What did you learn during your previous year’s experience? Did you learn the importance of timing in soil preparation, fertilizing, planting, spacing and harvesting? I’m sure you now realize more than before that gardening is more than putting seeds and plants in the soil.

In the previous Helpful Hints we gave you some planting considerations, i.e. planting timing and sequence, variety selection, crop cultural considerations. Some crops recommended for small gardens are beets, broccoli, bush squash, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, green beans, onions, peppers, radishes, tomatoes, spinach and lettuce. Crops such as cantaloupe, watermelon, pumpkins, potatoes and corn require large areas to produce meaningful harvest and while they certainly can be planted they are not recommended for small plots. Today we will add a couple more considerations.

Now think about what you can do with the space you have to maximize your harvest without crowding your plants. One such thing is choose plants and varieties that are heavy producers for the space they require, have plant form, shape, that minimizes the area required. What about cool season vs. warm season crops? Can you gain space by mixing these? Have you ever heard of pole vs. bush, determinant vs. indeterminate, vining vs. bush? First I was referring to beans,second tomatoes, and finally squash types.

Careful advanced planning will help maximize the production in our 60 sq. ft. plots. It is good to start with a scaled drawing of the plot and lay out the row plan, then label in the crop for each row. Let me give you a for instance. Suppose I want my garden row spacing to be 30”, recommended for most crops, and to run the shorter distance, 72”. This will give me only three 6’ rows or 18 ft of row length. But by adding rows to give just 15” spacing and alternating warm and cool season crops I can have seven rows for a total of 42’ row length. The cool season crop will be harvested and gone before the warm season crop requires the space. ‘That’s just one way to “gain space”. Some crops can be planted closer than 15” for instance onions, just stop by the garden and see what the Wallace’s have done with theirs. Personally I have gone to sowing my carrots and radishes or sometimes planting two rows just 8” apart. Sometimes I will plant full rows of beets or carrots where I plan on putting tomatoes and when it is time for the tomatoes to go in I just sacrifice the short row distance necessary to put the tomato plant in the ground and let the remaining cool season crop grow along with the tomato. There are other options for you to discover and try, One consideration doing these techniques is the water and fertility demand will go up.

Finally, seeds can be expensive, especially if you use only a small portion of several different packets. You may want to cooperate with your garden neighbors and share your remaining seeds or you buy one crop and he or she buys a different crop. The packets typically tell how much row length it will plant.

We certainly have the fixin’s for a great year in the Old Town Community Garden. I can hardly wait for you to get the seeds and plants in the ground. If you have any questions refer to the website http://www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ or feel free to call me and I will get you and answer.

Your fellow gardener, Al

Helpful Hints from Al Kirchhoff

2008-01-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome gardeners,

You all worked hard this past season growing a productive garden while overcoming several tough obstacles --- Soil conditions, drainage problems and lots of rain to name a few. With the new
raised beds and planting soil in place, compost "working" in the bins and soon to be, if not yet completed, aisles refreshed with wood chips, you should all be excited about the next growing season.

A sample of our "ready to plant" soil mix was sent to the Texas A&M soil labs to be analyzed. We have the result and recommendations back. Not surprising it is devoid of nitrogen and needs some phosphorus but less than a pound of each for the size plots we have. The soil also tested a pH of 7.2 which is slightly alkaline, desired is 6.5. The soil delivered to us is largely sand and not as much fertile top soil we had expected. That being the case we will be adding organic matter and fertilizer according to the soil test results/ recommendations. Don't worry, Gary and Al will be available to interpret the test results and answer any questions. There are a number of simple ways to amend and rapidly improve the soil. You will have a very good growing soil and with the help of Mother Nature a very productive garden.

For now here are several things you can look at and think about for next year’s garden.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Now is the time to gather ideas for the garden next year.

planting space allotment per crop
direction of rows, i.e. N and S or E and W
interplanting of crops, planting early maturing crops between rows of longer maturing crops
sequence of planting for dates of planting different crops

Seed selections

gather seed catalogs from suppliers such as Burpee, Gurney, Park. Just Google "vegetable garden seed catalogs" or the "' company name' seed catalog" to order.
- Use the catalogs to help plan what you want to plant and chose varieties
Don't rush the planting season. Remember the average date of last freeze in our area is March 18, we are in growth zone 8.
Garlic is one of the few crops you can plant now, in fact, garlic needs 30 days of 32-50˚ temps to induce bulbing so winter or early spring planting is desired. Most other crops, however, are adversely affected if not killed by too early planting.

A very good source of information is the web site of Texas A&M. The sequence I suggest is www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu then click in sequence in succeeding windows "gardening", "home gardening", "tx extension vegetable publications", "vegetable resources", "vegetable crop guides". Select the vegetable of choice and educate yourself about the plant.

That should keep you occupied for a month or two. There is a multitude of resources available to help you plan your garden. Have fun. After all that is what this is all about. FUN!

We'll give you a new list of HELPFUL HINTS in January. For the immediate future have a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

Al

Meet the New Communication Coordinator!

2008-01-16T15:19:00.000-06:00

Returning gardener, Marisol Espinal accepted the Communication Coordinator position in the OTCG Executive Committee!

Thank you, Marisol.

OTCG Upcoming Events

2008-01-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

Hi Gardeners!

On Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30p there will be an ALL GARDENERS meeting at the CCA.

All gardeners are welcome. Please come and share your comments, concerns, and ideas for the OTCG.

See you there!

OTCG Workday

2008-01-10T15:11:00.000-06:00

Last November the gardeners of the Old Town Community Garden gathered from a workday full of moving wheelbarrow loads of soil to the newly built raised beds.

The day was filled with friends and laughter. And also gave the gardeners a chance to reminisce about the past season and to discuss plans for the upcoming season.

Come by the garden and see the results of all the hardwork!

Executive Committee Update

2007-11-14T16:25:00.000-06:00

At the Tuesday, November 13th meeting of the OTCG we had two positions of our Executive Committee filled.

Jeff Jekel took the Chair position. And Gary Wallace took the Treasurer position. Both have been actively involved in the garden and both will bring a new perspective to the OTCG.

Thank you both for filling these postions!

OTCG Upcoming Events

2007-11-12T22:00:00.001-06:00

Hi Gardeners!

On Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30p there will be an ALL GARDENERS meeting at the CCA. All gardeners are welcome.

Please come and share your comments, concerns, and ideas for the OTCG.

See you there!

OTCG in the News

2007-11-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

In this weekend's NeighborsGo! section of the Dallas Morning News is the story about the inaugural season of the OTCG that Alva Logsdon-Cranford wrote!

Thanks Alva!

OTCG Calendar of Events

2007-11-08T14:38:00.000-06:00

Here are the upcoming events for the OTCG:

Saturday, November 10 at 9:00am
-- the new soil will be spread to the raised beds
Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30pm
-- ALL GARDENERS meeting at the CCA
-- All gardeners are welcome, please come and share your concerns, comments and ideas!

See you in the garden!

OTCG Workday

2007-11-04T11:42:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, November 3, the OTCG Gardeners met for a morning of hard work to assemble the frames for the raised beds.

The morning was also filled with laughter, friendship, memories, fun and fulfillment.

Here are some pictures from that morning. Don't forget to come by the garden and see the completed frames!

Thanks everyone for your hard work and the laughs!

OTCG in the News

2007-11-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

Look for the NeighborsGo! section of the Dallas Morning News this Saturday, November 3 to read the story that Alva Logsdon-Cranford submitted about the inaugural year of the OTCG.

The story can also be found at:
http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/7033.

Thanks Alva for writing a wonderful story about the OTCG and our inaugural year!

Upcoming Events at OTCG

2007-10-28T14:46:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone -

Here is the upcoming calendar of events for November at the OTCG:

Saturday, November 3 at 8:00am
-- the frames for the raised beds will be built by the gardeners
Saturday, November 10 at 9:00am
-- the dirt for the raised beds will be spread by the gardeners and volunteers
Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30pm
-- ALL GARDENERS meeting at the CCA

See you in the garden!

OTCG: In the News...

2007-10-19T10:31:00.000-05:00

Watch for the Saturday, October 27 of NeighborsGo! (Southern Denton County) for an OTCG End-of-Season article.

Thanks everyone--it's been a great first season!

Community Garden Celebrates Inaugural Year!

2007-10-16T00:12:00.000-05:00

In less than 12 months, community volunteers, came together to turn an old, rugged parking lot into a community garden. Strangers became friends as the shared passion for the outdoors, gardening, and making a positive impact on the community brought a diverse group of individuals together. More than 290 pounds of vegetables were donated to Christian Community Action.

"CCA operates a medium-sized grocery store for poor families in our community," says Maureen Cummings, CCA Garden Liaison. "The pantry assists over 550 families each week. 30% of the people served by the CCA’s food pantry are diabetic. Many times the food available at the pantry is not always the best choices for diabetics. The surplus portion of the produce grown was donated to the food pantry to provide the much needed fresh vegetables for our families."

A brief look back...

Transforming an old parking lot...

A name is selected and a logo created

Developing garden plots.

Adding Irrigation

Creating Walkways

Gardeners Purchase Plots

A boy scout in pursuit of the rank of Eagle Scout designs and builds a compost bin

The Garden Blessing

Adding Beauty

An Arbor is Added

Amazing Grace Chimes Donated

Grand Opening

Gardener T-Shirts

The First Donation

Compost Education Session

Compost Heats Up

The Garden Grows

End of Season Soil Prep

Thanks for a great inaugural season everyone!

October 6 End of Season Garden Party

2007-10-13T22:58:00.001-05:00

Look for an article to appear in an upcoming issue NeighborsGo! (Southern Denton County edition). The story covers our End of Season Garden Party and Work Day.

Lazara Arriola's Salsa!

2007-10-07T14:01:00.000-05:00

Fellow Gardener Lazara Arriola and her husband enjoyed the inaugural year in the Old Town Community Garden! They grew tomatoes and jalapeno peppers for homemade salsa.

Lazara shares her delicious recipe with everyone!

Ingredients:

5 ripened tomatoes
3 medium size yellow onions
12 small to medium size jalapenos
5 garlic cloves
1 bunch of cilantro
1 T cumin
1 1/2 T of salt
6 C of water

Instructions:
1. Cut up the ripened tomatoes and yellow onions into small pieces (nickel size) and place them in a large skillet.

2. Cut up the jalapenos into small pieces (to look like dime size thin rings and play with color! Jalapenos come in all colors!) then spread them over the tomatoes and onions. That's both fun and colorful! (Make sure you wear disposable gloves when handling jalapenos! or you will be painfully surprised)

3. Smash the 5 fresh garlic cloves and scatter them over the tomatoes, onions and jalapenos.

4. Separate the cilantro leaves from their stem and use only the leaves. Chop the leaves into small pieces and add them to the tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and garlic. (Throw away the cilantro stems. If you add the stems this will give the salsa an unpleasant texture and a bitter taste.)

5. Mix all of the above, then add the condiments of Cumin & Salt.

6. Toss all the ingredients well.

7. Add 6 cups of water (which should cover all the ingredients.)

8. Cook at medium high for about 45 minutes (stir a few times while cooking).

9. Lower the heat to a low-medium for about 10 minutes while you smash all the ingredients in order to obtain the right Salsa consistency (still chunky, but not lumpy)

10. Stir the Salsa and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes on low heat. After that, turn off the heat and smash the Salsa again for a few minutes.

Take out the chips out and Enjoy! The Salsa is now ready to eat! Remember: HOT is best!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

2007-09-23T18:37:00.000-05:00

An update from the "All Gardener" meeting held Tuesday, September 18:

For the 2008 Garden Season, we will have raised beds and improved soil and drainage. To do that, we are ending the 2007 inaugural season at the end of September.

If you wish to maintain your garden through October, you will be responsible for spreading organic material and preparing your plot. When the frames are built, the frame will be placed around the existing garden, regardless of it being in use or empty. The frame should not interfere with the existing garden if there is one.

Saturday, October 6 at 8:00am
Garden Workday & End-of-Season Garden Party
Join us for a pot-luck continental breakfast, fellowship, and a little bit of work! Please bring something to share with the gardeners. Remember that there is no electricity at the garden, please keep that in mind!

If you do not plan to have a Fall garden, all summer garden materials should be removed by Friday, October 5 if you want help spreading the soil compost. On Oct 6, we'll be spreading and tilling organic matter into each plot. Bring a wheel barrow if you have one. Any plot that has not been cleared will not have organic material added to it or be tilled.

Tuesday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m.
All Gardeners Meeting â€“ CCA, Board Room

Saturday, October 20 at 8:00am
Garden Workday: Frame Building--WE NEED YOUR HELP! Both Gary & Al will be out of town, so we need all hands on deck to help! The frames for the plots will be built for all the plots hopefully. (If an additional workday is needed, it will be Saturday, October 27 at a time to be determined.) If you have one, we'll need a powerless screwdriver/drill with 1/4inch drill bit.

All plots need to be emptied by Wednesday, October 31 so that when the soil is delivered it can be distributed amongst the plots.

November
Soil
Friday, November 2, the soil will be delivered

Saturday, November 3, soil will be distributed by volunteers, hopefully!

If the weather doesn’t cooperate with our timeline, the dates will be pushed back by a week. An email will be sent out if that happens!

It’s been a wonderful first season! Let’s get the garden ready so that next season will be even better!

Can’t wait to see everyone at the garden!

Amanda Jekel
OTCG Garden Coordinator
www.oldtowncommunitygarden.blogspot.com

Welcome Amanda!

2007-09-06T15:59:00.001-05:00

Amanda Jekel (far right in the photo above) has assumed the position of Garden Coordinator for Old Town Community Garden. Jessica Trent led us in that role during our inaugural year but has had to step down due to added responsibilities at work.

Amanda has also been involved since the very first meeting, and has often served as the "go-to girl" for just about every project...meetings, the Garden Blessing, Grand Opening, composting, and just about all other pre-event activities. After a summer spent traveling Europe and Colorado, Amanda is ready for the role of keeping Gardeners informed and everything on track. While not working with the garden, Amanda attends her collegiate studies and enjoys her beagle puppy.

We thank Jessica for her hard work this year. And welcome Amanda Jekel to her new role!

Landscaping for Year Around Color

2007-09-06T14:35:00.000-05:00

Community Garden Harvest Friendships

2007-08-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

Community Garden Harvests Friendships and Community Support
by Alva Logsdon Cranford

Gary Janke and Al Kirchoff received the 2007 Guardian Angel Award from Christian Community Action (CCA) in Lewisville. The award is presented to an individual, organization, or business who has contributed a major impact to CCA or made a difference in the community. While both are men of humility and kindness, their individual and combined contributions have been like a pebble in a lake, the ripple effects flowing out in an ever widening circle positively impacting many lives for greater good.

The two men share many things in common, including a love for God, serving others, and gardening. Their respective interest in gardens took root at a young age for both.

"Gardening for me came as an extension of growing up on a farm," says Janke. "It was fresh vegetables in the spring and summer knowing that canned vegetables would follow in the fall and winter. A little work with the reward of rhubarb pie and ice cream for supper was a combination us kids could tolerate."

"I grew up on a farm in Iowa, where we always had a large garden and of course my mother canned and froze produce," explains Kirchoff. "I majored in general agriculture at Iowa State University. I joined the Air Force following college so my ag training was funneled into gardening. I developed garden sites, improving the soil from the typical tract home "soil" into productive garden soil."

Their friendship grew when Kirchoff joined Janke on The Lamb of God Lutheran Church Garden of Eatin' gardening team almost three years ago.

"The original group saw a need in the community food pantry for fresh vegetables and accepted the challenge to help fill the need," Kirchoff says. "They started with an old roadway that wasn't much better than what we started with in the Old Town Community Garden (OTCG) and have developed a 6000 sq. ft. garden of the best garden soil in Texas. Gary has been the main driving force on the project, planning, preparing, and coordinating the other activities. Others that regularly help are Irwin Jenke, Gary Summers, myself; several others who volunteer occasionally. The garden produces approximately 1,500 to 2,000 pounds of produce each year for the CCA food pantry."

Since retiring, Kirchoff has further developed his love of gardening by becoming a Master Gardener through the Denton County Master Gardener program this year. Along with Janke, he has been extremely instrumental in establishing the OTCG which was created for experienced and inexperienced gardeners. In transforming an old rocky parking lot into a garden, area residents now have a place to enjoy diverse community, garden, and donate much needed, fresh produce to the CCA Food Pantry, which serves Southern Denton County. In spite of unusual rains in the garden's inaugural year, the OTCG has already donated more than 100 pounds of produce to the Food Pantry.

Their volunteer work in the Old Town Community Garden is unparalleled. They spent months tilling and preparing the soil for spring planting, installing irrigation, teaching informal classes on gardening, composting, and bugs, building the bulletin board, and picking up where others either did not have experience or the time to assure the garden's success.

"Because of their dedication to a community garden, our parking lot is now a garden," says Maureen Cummings, CCA director of programs and garden liaison. "They inspire other gardeners with an upbeat attitude and willingness to share time and knowledge."

A look at the lives of these two men is an inspirational reminder of the far-reaching impact one life can have, enriching the lives of others and making difficult times, a little less so.

This story was published in the August 11, 2007 edition of the DMN Neighbors Go! (cover story).

Reap the Benefits of Gardening

2007-08-16T10:56:00.000-05:00

Reap the Benefits of Gardening
Burn Serious Calories and Prevent Cancer
-- By The American Institute of Cancer Research

Bend, twist, reach, and pull.

While this may sound like an intensive aerobics class, these are actually movements you do while working in the garden. Researchers estimate that gardening burns an average of 300 calories per hour, while heavy yard work can burn more than 600 calories per hour! Engaging in regular physical activity like gardening is also an excellent way to lower your risk of some cancers.

Here’s the Dirt
Gardening is an ideal form of exercise because it combines three important types of physical activity: strength, endurance and flexibility.

Spending time in a garden is also believed by many to have physical and emotional healing effects. According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, gardening can benefit people who are recovering from physical illness by retraining their muscles and improving coordination, balance, and strength. In addition, simply spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and relieves muscle tension.

But the cancer-protective benefits of gardening don’t end there. Studies show that gardeners eat a wider variety of vegetables (rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals), and have a higher overall intake of vegetables than non-gardeners.

The Old-Fashioned Way Is Better
To reap the maximum health benefit from your gardening, labor intensively. Turn off your leaf blower and pick up a rake. Use manual clippers, trimmers and lawnmowers if possible.

Try to stick to a regular "garden exercise" routine. Rather than saving up your outdoor work for one marathon weekend session, schedule at least 30-60 minutes of gardening two or three times per week. If you’re away from home during the day, early mornings and evenings are ideal
gardening times.

Work at a steady, constant speed, but be sure to change positions every 10 minutes or so to avoid overusing a particular muscle group. If you start by bending down to pull weeds, stand to prune the hedges next. Also alternate which side of the body you use. Pull with your right hand, then with your left.

Find a Row to Hoe
Even if you don’t own an acre, a small yard can provide ample opportunity to dig, plant, and weed. You can also look for a local garden on the American Community Garden Association’s website. Although your workout will be more limited if you garden on a balcony or patio, you can harvest a good crop of nutritious vegetables in a space as small as 16 square feet.

After your physician gives you the "green thumbs up," keep these tips in mind:

* To prevent muscle soreness, back pain, and repetitive strain injuries, warm up before starting and cool down after you are finished by walking and stretching.
* Use steady, smooth motions to avoid injury.
* Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
* Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if the temperature and humidity are high.
* When picking up tools or lifting bags of soil, bend your knees and keep your back straight.

Happy Gardening!

Fall Gardening: Dallas Home Improvement Magazine

2007-08-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

The August issue of Dallas Home Improvement, available now, has an article on Fall Gardening. In the story, Al Kirchoff, OTCG Co-Coordinator Soil, shares tips for successful fall garden planning.
CLICK HERE TO READ ONLINE.

CLICK HERE TO FIND A PRINT COPY NEAR YOU.

Garden Donations to the CCA Food Pantry

2007-07-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

To date, Maureen reports that more than 100 pounds of produce has been donated to the CCA Food Pantry from the OTCG!

In spite of unusual rains that have presented various garden problems, that is a wonderful contribution!

Thanks Gardeners!

Nelda's SUN Report (AND REMINDER)

2007-07-05T10:38:00.000-05:00

Thursday - 7/5/07: Finally 24 hours without rain. The sunshine yesterday afternoon was really nice to see. I hope everyone got out to enjoy it. I picked 3 tomatoes and 2 squash this morning and if we get some more sunshine we should have more tomatoes ready to pick in a day or two.
JULY TOTAL: 2.2 inches

-----

***REMINDER***
If you can not get out to check your garden, please ask someone else! Some of the veggies are ripe and need to be picked! Please don't let the produce waste! If you do not want it, please see that it is donated to the CCA Food Pantry where it will help those who cannot afford nutritious foods at conventional grocery stores!

Nelda's Rain Report: Wednesday (Happy 4th of July!)

2007-07-04T15:09:00.000-05:00

Wednesday - 7/4/07: A short walk to the garden this morning showed that we received 1.2 inches of rain yesterday afternoon and it looks like we are going to get more today. Hopefully everyone will be able to get to their garden sometime soon because many people have some produce that needs picking.

Short disclaimer for those who ask: The rainfall that I report is from 7:00 am to 7:00 am; so it may not match with the official DFW rainfall which goes from Midnight to 11:59 pm. -- I'm too lazy to go to the garden every night at midnight to check the rain gauge.

JULY TOTAL: 2.2 inches

Nelda's Rain Report: Tuesday

2007-07-03T07:43:00.000-05:00

Tuesday - 7/3/07: A light rain fell around 8:00 pm last night but only brought a trace of rain to the garden. This morning's walk to the garden was quick because the mesquitoes have returned. Garden A/1 has a nice crop of tomatoes on the vines. Hopefully we can get some sunshine soon so they can ripen.
JULY TOTAL: 1 inches

Nelda's Rain Report: Monday

2007-07-02T13:24:00.000-05:00

Monday - 7/2/07: Another night of rain brings us .8 inches since Sunday morning. Although a little soggy now, if we can get some sunshine, I think everything will spring back up. The sunflowers are really beginning to open up. I noticed this morning that Dana (B4) has 3 sunflowers on one stalk. Also Andrea's (B1) row of sunflowers are blooming and will be open soon.
JULY TOTAL: 1.0 inches

Sunday - 7/1/07: This morning the sun was shining when Gary and I walked to the garden. We took a few minutes to sit on the new picnic benches and enjoy the birds singing in the trees nearby. During the night, we received another .2 inches.
JULY TOTAL: .2 inches

Nelda's Rain Report: Saturday

2007-06-30T18:07:00.000-05:00

Saturday - 6/30/07 - We didn't get much of a drying out, but the sun did shine for a little while on Friday; however by 6:30 p.m. Friday night the rains were back with us. We had a hard rain during the night and when I checked the rain gauge this morning, we had gotten 1 inch of rain.
TOTAL 5.3 inches since 6/25/07

Friday - 6/29/07 - Only at trace of rain fell between Thursday and Friday morning.
TOTAL 4.3 inches since 6/25/07

Nelda's Rain Report

2007-06-28T07:47:00.000-05:00

Thur - 6/28/07 (7:00am) - We finally got a little break in the rain. Yesterday's 24 hour total was only .5 inch. Carlene's sunflower is really amazing. It is the size of a dinner plate. I think it is the only thing in the garden that loves all this rain.

TOTAL Rainfall: 4.3 inches since Monday 6/25/07

Rainfall in the Garden

2007-06-27T13:37:00.001-05:00

Nelda and Gary Wallace have a rain gauge in their garden and are reporting the amount of rain we're receiving.

Since 7:00am Monday, June 25, we've had a TOTAL 3.8 inches of rain.

We received 3.4 inches of that total between 7:00am Tuesday, June 26 and 7:00am Wednesday, June 27.

Zapping Mosquitoes!

2007-06-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

Howard Garrett has this article, Cinnamon Oil Kills Mosquitoes, posted on his website, The Dirt Doctor.

Click here to read!

Helpful Garden Bugs

2007-06-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jeff Jekel for providing this great link!

Helpful Garden Bugs

The Neighbors GO! for Southern Denton County published a story with photos on the Garden Grand Opening in the June 9th edition.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS: Spinuzzi Family

2007-06-10T21:45:00.000-05:00

Gardener Name(s): Lewisville Fire Department c/o Michael and Diane Spinuzzi and our children, Madilyn and Connor.

I grew up in CO and have lived in the area since 1995. I am a Paramedic Driver/Engineer for the Lewisville Fire Department. My hobbies include cooking and photography as well as all kinds of music. My wife is originally from Long Beach, CA and has been here since 1993. She is a Loan Officer.

I grew up in a family that grew everything. All of my grandparents as well as my parents had lush gardens. I can always remember having every type of fresh vegetable available during the summer. It was often a friendly competition amongst the family to see who had the better garden.

The Lewisville Fire Department (LFD) was approached with the opportunity to manage a plot. The members of LFD always try to give back to the community in any way we can. Growing food for the local food bank is just another way the LFD can share and grow with the community.

I grew up pulling weeds and watering gardens. I am still learning so much about organic gardening and I have had some pretty good success. Work with the Texas soil though has been more of a challenge than I expected though. And while I do have success with vegetables and flowers, I can't keep an herb garden alive to save my life. Aren't those supposed to be the easiest things to grow? HA HA

The LFD OTCG has cherry tomatoes, slicing tomatoes, chillies, red bell peppers, cucumbers, squash and cantaloupe.

I want to grow enough vegetables that we can provide an abundance back to the CCA Pantry as well as spread some of the harvest through the fire stations.

The Spinuzzi Family can be found tending plot #A2; stop by and get to know them!

Mark Your Calendar: June 19 Garden Party!

2007-06-08T08:24:00.000-05:00

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS: Beverly Michelson

2007-06-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

My name is Beverly Michelsen.

My hobbies besides gardening are reading, camping, and sewing. I love my church and my church family, and now my new friends from OTCG are pretty special.

Originally I heard about the OTCG meeting in our water bill back in January. I decided to see if there was a trick to gardening in TX because it's a big challenge! I was raised on a farm in southern MO and even through we had lots of rocks our soil was very good.

I have tried for over 15 years here in TX to garden and some years are good and some were very sad!

I have two plots and in them I have several kinds of tomatoes (and worms), peppers, yellow squash, cucumbers, and flowers.

I am hoping to be able to supply CCA with a lot of veggies as well as my own family.

I have learned a lot about TX gardening from everyone especially Al and Gary. Also I was happy to learn about composting.

Beverly also serves on the OTCG Executive Committee as Historian. Stop by and get to know Beverly; her two garden plots are directly behind the arbor.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Carlene Stewart

2007-05-31T10:08:00.000-05:00

Gardener Name: Carlene Stewart

I've always loved to garden but for some reason before this garden I had only attempted to grow flowers.

I got a flier on my door announcing a meeting to discuss the garden. It sparked my interest to see what it might be about.

I just got caught up in the whole project and wanted to be part of it, initially I was intimidated and was not going to get a plot, I'm so glad I changed my mind.

I had experience in flower gardening, I had never grown vegetables so in this regard I am a real novice. Going into this I just tried to listen to those that had more experience and I followed whatever suggestions were offered, and my garden has been doing great. I try to visit the gardens every day and that seems to help a lot.

Cantaloupe, yellow squash, 3 different kinds of tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, yellow bell pepper and marigolds. Oh, and now I think we can all be sure, two HUGE sunflowers. My daughter suggested a hummingbird feeder and I put one up last week. While I was there a couple of nights ago one came to feed so they have found it!

Learning to grow vegetables has been a great accomplishment already. I've met wonderful people that give freely of their time and knowledge to help others and that has been a great bonus.

Stop by and meet Carlene at Plot A5!

Education Opportunities

2007-05-29T16:35:00.000-05:00

Mark Your Calendar for JUNE Education Opportunities!

Offered by North Haven Gardens...

Saturday June 2nd 1:30pm
"Agaves, Yuccas, & Succulents in the Garden" by Peter Schaar, Native Plant Society of Dallas.

Sunday, 6/3 1:30pm
"Conservation: The WaterWise Garden" Fern Hardin, Dallas County Master Gardener. Learn to keep a lush garden through summer without draining your water bill!

Salsa Sunday! June 10
Prizes given for the best salsa recipes! Put those tomatoes herbs you so tenderly cared for all season to good use! Use fresh veggies, herbs and even fruit to create your very best salsa! Rules and entry form online.

1pm: "Salsa Demo" by Whole Foods Market

2pm: "Vegetable Gardens" by Gregory Clopton, First Men's Garden Club of Dallas, Clopton's Garden of Dalas

3pm: "Prepare Cool Summer Dishes with Tomatoes & Herbs" by Susan Gregory, Dallas Organic Garden Club. Leave your oven off this summer by serving wonderful summer dishes that will keep you cool!

Sunday, 6/23 1:30pm
"Conservation: Herbs in the WaterWise Garden" Barbara Gollman, Dallas County Master Gardener.

CLICK HERE to learn more!

North Haven Gardens
7700 Northaven Road
Dallas 75230
P: 214/363.5316

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Alma & Harry

2007-05-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

Gardener Name(s): Harry Maynard with my assistant, Alma Maynard

I fish, hunt and read. I grew up in Fort Worth but have lived in Lewisville since the mid 70s. I work at Texas New Mexico Power and have for the last 28 years.

I learned of the garden through my assistant Alma who works at CCA.

Our yard is not very sunny. I haven't had good luck with my home garden so when I heard of the opportunity to garden with the advice of master gardeners, I couldn't pass up the chance.

How experienced are you in Gardening? Inexperienced.

What is growing in your garden? Tomatoes and squash at OTCG (peppers and tomatoes at home).

What do you hope to accomplish this year in the Garden? More knowledge of gardening. Fresh vegetables for the CCA food pantry as well as my table.

Everyone is so friendly. I have met many new people that I enjoy.

Stop by and visit us at plots A3 & B3!

Gardener Tip Share...

2007-05-25T07:37:00.000-05:00

Laura Preston found these two great resources for gardening and wanted to share with everyone!

CLICK HERE TO SEE Texas Gardener Magazine - "Make Room for Melons"

CLICK HERE TO SEE Early Blight in Tomatoes from TAMU

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Garden Grand Opening...May 19

2007-05-22T12:58:00.000-05:00

Our new arbor.

Al, Beverly, Amanda, and Dave prepare for the festivities.

Carlene, Jessica, Crystal, Gary, Lin, and Dana enjoy the fellowship of the morning.

Amanda has nicknamed Gary (shown above) and Al (shown below) The Bug Guys --in honor of their helpful knowledge of identifying good and bad bugs-- and made them these great looking buttons.

Eileen adds last minute prep to some of the gardens.

Amanda organizes the T-shirts and Door Prizes.

Scott welcomes gardeners and guests and shares the vision of the garden.

Diane and Michael, our newest gardeners.

Lori, OTCG Chairman, introduces the garden executive committee.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Lisa, Kelly, and the invaluable/hard-working/fun-spirited Maureen-our CCA garden liaison.

Kelly enjoys the morning fun.

Carlene's first year at gardening is off to a great start! She is applying all the tips she's learning from the experienced gardeners; and her garden is proof that even a beginner can have an awesome garden!

Julie and Laura survey their garden.

Dave and Alva...known for the 'come back' garden and the one week miracle that happened after they applied the garden tips Al gave them in a training session.

Al, Amanda, Dave, and Gary model the new garden t-shirts.

Jeff announcing the winners of the raffle prizes.

The compost pile is cooking at 160 degrees!

Connie Smith and Jessica...working on the Girl Scout's plot -- 15 hours to go for that Bronze patch!

CCA Chaplain Paul, Dennis and Beverly Michelson.

Amanda and Lisa tour the garden; Lisa has been an invaluable asset for us in working with and understanding city ordinances!

The CCA refrigerated truck that makes runs between the food bank and CCA food pantry spreads the word about the garden, as seen in the photos shown here (above and below).

Jessica and Crystal organic gardening friends sharing two plots.

Going green....the Maynards don their new garden Ts.

Madison helps Lori harvest tomatoes.

Final Prep for the Grand Opening!

2007-05-18T13:41:00.000-05:00

Crystal, Jessica, and Laura planting in prep for the Grand Opening.

Gary (not shown) and Al led us in a Composting Class; Connor assisted by applying water to each layer.

Michael, with son Connor, says his uniquely designed garden is inspired by his creative/competitive spirit as a Fireman.

Crystal recruited her employer, Skinner Nurseries, to donate the beautiful trees and other softscapes that now decorate our garden. Seen here hauling a plant almost as big as she is only confirms the rumors that she has super hero powers and has been known to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Okay, maybe not, but we all really appreciate her super contributions to the garden!

Gary and Al...they've collectively and individually provided so much so we can all have a garden. They willingly share their time, talents, knowledge, and perspiration. They also share their wit; as this photo was being snapped, they had a suggested caption. Ask them...

Happy Gardening!

Scenes From the Wednesday Nite Garden Prep

2007-05-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

x
Our very first donation to the CCA Food Pantry, one pound of tomatoes from Lori Taylor! (photo submitted by Maureen)

The following photos from Wednesday Nite's Garden Prep were submitted by Al...

Our new arbor has just been completed, by the gracious donation of the Firemen Fence Company.

Maureen (above) and Lori (below) hauling mulch for the trees donated by Skinner Nurseries.

Alva takes advantage of the fertile soil, donated by The Home Depot, to mix into the garden. For healthy plants, the soil needs ongoing nutrients, air, and moisture.

An unwelcome visitor! Al and Gary, affectionately dubbed "The Bug Guys" by Amanda, are helpful at diagnosing "good" bugs from "bad" bugs. This little guy, sadly, is a bad bug, a menace to our healthy harvest.

Scenes From the Garden

2007-05-14T07:21:00.000-05:00

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Troop 621

2007-05-10T21:58:00.000-05:00

L - R. Breann, Natalie, Joanne-Troop Leader, Kaylee, Jessica, and Jessica.
There are 12 girls total in Troop 621.

Troop leader Joanne tells us about these amazing young gardeners...

Troop 621 is a Junior Girl Scout Troop composed of 4th and 5th graders from Lewisville schools. Junior's are in between Brownies and Cadettes. There are 5 levels of girl scouts from Daisies to Senior girls. Some of our girls have been in scouts since 2nd grade. Others just joined our Troop this past August.

A Girl Scout is a girl who honors the 3 parts of the Girl Scout Promise that guide their values. They work on projects that are fun, and help people in their communities. Girl scouts also learn skills that help them become better people and future Leaders. Scouts go on field trips, go camping, and work together as a group toward a common goal. They also earn badges for the projects they have completed. Our Troop has completed arts and crafts, cooking, fitness, making jewelry, child care, swimming, math whiz, etc., and we sold over 1200 boxes of cookies this year!

I (Joanne) personally have made a hobby of gardening since childhood. Some of the girls have gardens at home some do not.

I decided to start gardening with OTCG because it was a great opportunity to grow fruit and veggies with my girls to not only earn badges and a Bronze award, but to give to others the most basic necessity of food. We are also getting to experience the joy of planting and watching things grow. Of course, the real reward will come later when we get to eat what we harvest.

The best thing so far is spending time with my Troop and my kids and watching them learn how difficult and rewarding gardening can be.

When not gardening, I am a really hooked on any kind of Arts and Crafts project.

Stop by and meet the Gardeners from Troop 621!

Education Opportunities

2007-05-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

Mark Your Calendar for Education Opportunities!

Offered by North Haven Gardens...

Saturday June 2nd 1:30pm
"Agaves, Yuccas, & Succulents in the Garden" by Peter Schaar, Native Plant Society of Dallas.

Sunday, 6/3 1:30pm
"Conservation: The WaterWise Garden" Fern Hardin, Dallas County Master Gardener. Learn to keep a lush garden through summer without draining your water bill!

Salsa Sunday! June 10
Prizes given for the best salsa recipes! Put those tomatoes herbs you so tenderly
cared for all season to good use! Use fresh veggies, herbs and even fruit to create your very best salsa! Rules and entry form online.

1pm: "Salsa Demo" by Whole Foods Market

2pm: "Vegetable Gardens" by Gregory Clopton, First Men's Garden Club of Dallas, Clopton's Garden of Dalas

3pm: "Prepare Cool Summer Dishes with Tomatoes & Herbs" by Susan Gregory, Dallas Organic Garden Club. Leave your oven off this summer by serving wonderful summer dishes that will keep you cool!

Sunday, 6/23 1:30pm
"Conservation: Herbs in the WaterWise Garden" Barbara Gollman, Dallas County Master Gardener.

CLICK HERE to learn more!

North Haven Gardens
7700 Northaven Road
Dallas 75230
P: 214/363.5316

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Eileen Graziano

2007-04-29T13:05:00.000-05:00

My name is Eileen Graziano, and I have lived in Lewisville for 22 1/2 years. I used to garden when I lived in Connecticut, where the soil is beautiful, but was frustrated trying to get anything to grow in Texas clay.

I first heard about the garden through an insert in our water bill a few months ago, and decided if someone else was going to do all the major tilling, I would like to grow something other than houseplants again.

I guess I would consider myself an average gardener. I love working in the dirt, and it is fun getting to know the others in the garden.

I have planted in my garden, at the present time: cantalopes, cucumbers, pole beans, grape, cherry and slicing tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, red and green bell peppers, yellow and red onions, yellow straight neck squash, marigolds, nasturtiums, cilantro, parsley, basil and rosemary.

I'm just hoping I can beat the summer heat on my plants, and for a harvest big enough to share with the pantry.

Stop by and get to know Eileen!

Congratulations Al Kirchoff!

2007-04-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Al recently completed the Denton County Master Gardener program where he logged a total of 70 classroom training hours covering plant anatomy, physiology, pathology, soil characteristics and chemistry, entomology, landscape design, and plant selection. Upon completion of an additional 70 hours of work in volunteer garden projects, Al will obtain the Master Gardener designation.

Al, along with Gary Janke, serve as the OTCG Soil Coordinators, also coordinate the Lamb of God Lutheran Church Garden of Eatin’ which donates 1500-2000 lbs. of produce to the CCA Pantry Annually.

“I love nature and the life sciences, the miracle of birth and life, seed germination and plant development being parallel in the plant world," Al says. "I see the incredible productivity of the soil, the plant response to preparation, planting, caring for, and the harvest of the crop. I love working with my hands outside. There is a lot of hard work involved, but to me it is therapy for the mind and soul. It is so peaceful and rewarding. And I enjoy fresh veggies.”

"I hope the gardeners participating in the OTCG this year enjoy their experience and do not become frustrated and discouraged if the garden doesn't produce as they expect. We have a very undeveloped piece of land that we will see develop into good garden soil, but this first year will be challenging and require a lot of patience and practice. Please ask questions and learn as much as possible from fellow gardeners and any other resource available. Even with my years of experience I still have failures and bug and disease problems that keep me going back to the books."

Al, thanks for the hard work you pour into making our garden a reality, and caring enough to learn, and share your knowledge!

Garden Education: Square-Foot Gardening

2007-04-21T11:29:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of Square-Foot Gardening?

One definition is: Square foot gardening is a uniquely, simplified method of gardening that produces 100% of the harvest in 20% of the space.

A GREAT idea for small garden plots!

The Denton County Master Gardeners Association is hosting a two-part workshop on square-foot gardening on Sunday April 22 and May 6, 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Bowling Green Park in Denton.

For more info call the Texas A&M Coop Extension Office at 940-349-2883.

Thanks to Jeff and Amanda for submitting this information; if you learn of a great class on gardening, please contact Alva so we can post here on the blog!

Garden Education Meeting April 21

2007-04-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

Our soil was carefully prepared for March planting. Al and Gary have advised that in order to assure bountiful crops, we must continue a fertilization process; if you are not familiar with this, please join us for the first education meeting. Gary and Al, along with other experienced gardeners will be on hand Saturday, April 21 from 9:00 - 11:00am to share soil maintenance insights and to answer any questions. Please join us for this informative session. Also, some gardeners have reported seeing the first surge of bugs, so it's a good time to talk more about how to win this war against those little creatures so they do not rob our baby crops.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Jeff and his daughters Amanda and Catie

2007-04-19T15:40:00.000-05:00

Gardener Name(s): Jeff, Amanda, and Catherine Jekel

Level of Gardener Experience: Seasoned Pro

Tell us something about you:
– Jeff: has lived in the DFW area for the last 22 years and is a programmer,
Gig'Em Ags! I also serve as the Treasurer on the OTCG Exec Committee.

– Amanda: attends Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch and plays with her 4 1/2 month old beagle

– Catherine (Catie): lives in Colorado with her mom, will graduate from high school in May, and will then go to UCCS in the Fall after spending the summer in Texas with her father and sister. (Not pictured here, but many met Catie at the Garden Blessing.)

Why did you get involved with the Garden?
We thought it would be fun and a good way to get involved with the community and to meet people. And for an added bonus we didn't have to tear up our backyard just as the grass was starting to grow!

What you are enjoying about the OTCG garden experience?
The people involved are by far the best part of the garden. It has been a pleasant surprise as to how well everybody has meshed.

What's growing in our garden?
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash and Zucchini, Cayenne Pepper, Jalapeno Peppers, and Bell Peppers, Eggplant, Cabbage (not Broccoli) Shallots, and various herbs.

Anything else you wish to add....We would like to see the garden continue to grow (pun intended) with more people and more plots. We hope that it continues to be a wonderful experience.

Stop by OTCG Plots A6 and B6 and say "Hi!" to Jeff, Amanda, and Catie!

OTCG: In the News

2007-04-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

The Dallas Morning News included a story on the Garden in the Sunday, April 15 edition.
CLICK HERE TO READ ONLINE.

Also, we made the cover of the DMN Southern Denton County Neighbors, Saturday, April 14. Photos and story appear on pages 20 and 21.

The Dallas Morning News included a story on the Garden in the Sunday, April 15 edition.
CLICK HERE TO FIND PICK-UP LOCATIONS.

Happenstance

2007-04-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes fun occurs when you least expect it!

Today...several gardeners' paths crossed as we showed up to tend our plots. First to arrive, Nelda and Gary Wallace two of the newest gardeners were busy at work planting their garden. Followed by Alva and Dave Cranford. Followed by Jeff Jekel, and his daughter Amanda. Followed by Eileen. Then, the unexpected.

Dru, who lives nearby and on her way home from buying groceries, stopped off to offer flowers she'd found discarded. With the ground outside the garden perimeter impossibly hardened soil, the group assembled a temporary Garden Entrance planting using bricks and top soil.

Dru prepares the entrance planter.

Eileen and Dru at work on Planter 1...

Nelda and Gary at work on Planter 2...

L to R: Nelda, Dru, Gary, Dave, Amanda, Jeff, and Nelda (with Alva behind the lens).

Discarded flowers given a 2nd chance at providing seasonal beauty.

It was one of those random afternoons of fun, laughter, and teamwork that happens just by chance. And one of the many reasons the Garden has fast become a passion of many people who not long ago were strangers to one another.

Weather Alert

2007-04-07T11:47:00.000-05:00

Keep an eye on the weather this weekend!

Neil Sperry sent this Frost Alert:
"For a late frost: Buds, flowers and tender new foliage are vulnerable to frost, which can form on cold, still nights, particularly if it is clear. Lightweight nursery fabrics will protect against frost damage and can easily be removed and stored for the next event. Secure them against winds that may accompany cold fronts. Since precipitation is expected with this cold episode you should provide stakes and other means of support to keep it from sagging onto your plants. The lightweight frost cloths do not readily absorb water, so they are your best option."

Read more from Neil...

Garden Blessing

2007-04-03T10:35:00.000-05:00

The Old Town Community Garden Blessing was held on Saturday, March 31. We were greeted with a beautiful sunrise after a rain soaked week.

CCA Chaplain Paul Lucido led us in prayer, as we dedicated the Garden to God, asking His favor for a successful year of abundant crops as well as new friendships. Gardeners, CCA Staffers, and others joined together for a wonderful kick-off and planting began.

We were joined by Shawn and Ricky a reporter and photographer for the Dallas Morning News. A story of our Garden will appear in the Sunday, April 15, edition of the Dallas Morning News, Metro section.

The following photos provide a hint of the fun, enthusiasm, and blossoming friendships that are also growing in the Garden!

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THANK YOU!

2007-03-28T12:39:00.000-05:00

Plants That Will Grow Well in our Zone

2007-03-26T12:22:00.000-05:00

What will grow well in your garden? The Garden Team has carefully researched the plants and veggies that grow well in our zone. They include:

• Asparagus
• Jersey Giant
• UC 157
• Basil
• Sweet
• Spicy Globe
• Beans, Snap Bush
• Blue Lake 274
• Top Crop
• Tendercrop
• Contender
• Tendergreen
• Derby
• Beans, Yellow Bush
• Goldcrop
• Improved Golden Wax
• Beans, Pinto
• Improved Pinto
• Beans, Snap Pole
• Blue Lake
• Kentucky Wonder
• Beans, Lima Bush
• Henderson Baby Bush
• Jackson Wonder
• Beets
• Pacemaker III
• Broccoli
• Spring Only
+ Premium Crop
+ Emperor
• Spring or Fall
+ Green Comet
+ Galaxy
+ Packman
• Brussels Sprouts
• Prince Marvel
• Royal Marvel
• Cabbage
• Early Jersey Wakefield
• Ace (wrinkled leaves)
• Cabbage, Chinese
• Jade Pagoda
• Michihli
• China Pride
• China Flash (Napa type)
• Cantaloupe
• Hybrid
+ Magnum 45
+ Ambrosia
+ Mission
+ Explorer
+ Caravelle
• Non-Hybrid
+ Uvalde
+ Perlita
• Carrot
• Royal Chantenay
• Burpee’s Toudo
• Park’s Nandor
• Danver’s 126
• Red Cored Chantenay
• Cauliflower
• Snow Crown
• Chard, Swiss
• Rhubarb (red color)
• Lucullus
• Fordhook
• Collards
• Blue Max
• Georgia
• Corn, Sweet
• Yellow
+ Golden Queen
+ Guadalupe Gold
• Bicolor
+ Sweet G-90
+ Honey & Pearls
• White
+ Silver Queen
+ Frontier
• Cucumber, Pickling
o Carolina
• Cucumber, Slicing
• Sweet Slice
• Burpless
• Dasher II
• Slicemaster
• Eggplant
• Florida Market
• Garlic
• Texas White
• Kale
• Dwarf Blue Curled
• Blue Knight
• Kohlrabi
• Grand Duke
• Leeks
• American Flag
• Lettuce, Butterhead
• Buttercrunch
• Lettuce, Leaf
• Salad Bowl
• Black Seeded Simpson
• Red Sails (red color)
• Lettuce, Romaine
• Romaine
• Mustard
• Florida Broadleaf
• Southern Giant Curled
• Tendergreen
• Okra
• Lee
• Emerald
• Clemson Spineless
• Onion, Bulbing
• Yellow
+ Texas Supersweet
(Grano 1015Y)
+ Yellow Granex
• Red
+ Red Granex
+ Burgundy
• White
+ Crystal Wax
+ White Granex
• Onion, Bunching (Scallions)
• Beltsville Bunching
• Parsley
• Moss curled
• Plain (Italian)
• Peas, English
• Little Marvel
• Wando
• Peas, Edible-Podded
• Spring Only
+ Sugar Snap (bush)
• Spring or Fall
+ Sugar Ann (bush)
+ Sugar Pop (bush)
+ Super SugarMel (vine)
• Peas, Southern
• Blackeye #5
• Mississippi Silver
• Purple Hull
• Zipper Cream Crowder
• Colossus Crowder
• Pepper, Hot
• Hungarian Yellow Wax
• Long Red or Slim Cayenne
• Jalapeno
• TAM Mild Jalapeno
• Pepper, Sweet Bell
• Big Bertha (green)
• Jupiter (red)
• SummerSweet 860 (yellow)
• Pepper, Sweet Salad
• Gypsy
• Sweet Pickle
• Cubanelle
• Potato, Irish
• Red
+ Norland (early season)
+ Red LaSoda (midseason)
• White
+ Kennebec (late season)
• Potato, Sweet
• Jewell
• Centennial
• Vardaman
• Pumpkin
• Connecticut Field
• Spirit
• Small Sugar
• Autumn Gold
• Jack Be Little (ornamental)
• Radish
• Red
+ Inca
+ Champion
+ Cherry Belle
• White
+ White Icicle
+ Snow Belle
• Rutabaga
• American Purple Top
• Spinach
• Melody
• Coho
• Fall Green
• Squash, Summer
• Multipik
• Dixie
• Sun Drops
• Burpee’s Butterstick
• Squash, Summer Pan-Type
• Yellow
+ Sunburst
• Green
+ Peter Pan
• Squash, Winter
• Early Butternut
• Sweet Mama
• Table Ace
• Table King Bush Acorn
• Cream of the Crop
• Squash, Zucchini
• Green
+ Senator
+ President
• Yellow
+ Goldrush
• Tomatoes
• Spring Bush
+ Celebrity
+ Carnival
+ Surefire
+ President
• Tomatoes (continued)
+ Merced
+ Heatwave
• Spring Vine
+ Champion
+ Quick Pick
+ Simba
+ First Lady
+ Superfantastic
+ Park’s Whopper Improved
• Fall Bush
+ Surefire
+ Heatwave
• Tomatoes, Small-Fruited (Vine)
• Porter
• Cherry Grande
• Sweet 100
• Turnip
• Spring or Fall
+ Tokyo Cross
+ Royal Globe II
+ White Lady
• Turnip cont’d
• Fall only
+ Just Right
• Watermelon
• Regular
+ Crimson Sweet
+ Sugar Baby
+ Royal Sweet
+ Orange
• Triploid or Seedless
+ Jack of Hearts
+ Supersweet 5032
+ Tiffany

Happy Gardening!

Garden Planting Schedule

2007-03-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

The Garden Team has researched the planting schedules for our area. When planning your garden, consider the following schedule:

SPRING

February 1 – April 1
• Rutabaga

February 5 – May 1
• Radish

February 10 – February 25
• Leeks (seed)

February 10 – March 5
• Onion (transplants, current year)
• Parsley

February 10 – March 10
• Swiss Chard
• Greens
• Kale
• Turnip

February 10 – March 15
• Lettuce, Leaf
• Lettuce, Romaine
• Lettuce, Butterhead
• Spinach

February 10 – April 1
• Collards

February 15 – March 1
• Asparagus (crowns)
• Broccoli (transplants)
• Cabbage (transplants)
• Chinese cabbage
• Cauliflower (transplants)
• Kohlrabi (transplants)
• Potato, Irish (seed pieces)

February 15 – April 1
• Mustard

March 20 – April 20
• Beans, Snap Pole
• Beans, Lima Bush
• Beans, Lima Pole

March 20 – May 1
• Beans, Snap Bush
• Beans, Yellow Bush
• Beans, Pinto
• Corn, Sweet
• Cucumber, Pickling
• Cucumber, Slicing

March 25 – April 15
• Tomatoes (transplants)

March 25 – May 1
• Squash, Summer
• Squash, Summer Pan-Type
• Squash, Winter
• Squash, Zucchini
• Watermelon

April 1 – April 20
• Pumpkin

April 1 – May 1
• Pepper, Hot
• Pepper, Sweet Bell
• Pepper, Sweet Salad

April 1 – May 20
• Peas, Southern

April 5 – May 1
• Cantaloupe
• Eggplant

April 5 – June 1
• Okra

April 15 – May 15
• Potato, Sweet-slips
FALL
June 15 – July 1
• Eggplant (seed)
• Cantaloupe
• Watermelon

June 15 – July 15
• Pumpkin, large

July 1 – July 25
• Eggplant (transplants)
• Pepper, Hot
• Pepper, Sweet Bell
• Pepper, Sweet Salad
• Tomato

July 1 – August 1
• Peas, Southern

July 1 – August 10
• Squash, winter

July 15 – August 10
• Potato, Irish (seed pieces)

August 1 – August 15
• Beans, Snap Pole
• Broccoli (seed)
• Brussels Sprouts (seed)
• Cabbage (seeds)
• Cauliflower (seeds)
• Corn, Sweet
• Cucumber, Pickling
• Cucumber, Slicing

August 1 – August 25
• Kohlrabi (seed)
• Squash, Summer
• Squash, Summer Pan-Type
• Squash, Zucchini

August 1 – September 1
• Beans, Snap Bush
• Beans, Yellow Bush
• Beans, Pinto
• Collards
• Swiss Chard

August 1 – September 10
• Mustard

August 1 – October 1
• Parsley

August 1 – October 15
• Rutabaga
• Spinach

August 10 – September 1
• Cabbage, Chinese

August 15 – September 1
• Lettuce, Head

August 15 – September 5
• Carrot

August 15 – September 10
• Lettuce, Butterhead

August 15 – September 15
• Lettuce, Leaf
• Lettuce, Romaine

August 20 – September 15
• Broccoli (transplants)
• Brussels Sprouts (transplants)
• Cabbage (transplants)
• Cauliflower (transplants)

August 25 – October 1
• Greens
• Kale

August 25 – October 15
• Turnip

September 1 – September 15
• Beets

September 1 – October 1
• Peas, English
• Peas, Edible-Podded

September 10 – October 1
• Leeks

September 1 – November 1
• Radishes

Bugs in the Garden

2007-03-25T20:46:00.000-05:00

What bug was that???

Not all bugs are bad. In fact, quite a few are considered “beneficial insects” for the garden. They can eat other “bad” bugs, pollinate your flowers, plants, and trees and much more. The following is a short list of the good or beneficial bugs you can feel comfortable with in your garden and the “bad” bugs to watch out for.

GOOD BUGS:

Ladybug (or ladybird): feed on aphids, chinch bugs, whiteflies, and mites, as well as many other soft-bodied insects and their eggs. There are more than a hundred ladybug or “lady beetle” species. These insects are normally purchased as adults and released into the garden. Each adult may consume as many as 5,000 aphids during their adult life.

Praying Mantis: is a general predator of most pest insects, mites, eggs, or any insect in reach. It is the only known insect that can turn its head and look over its shoulder. Mantis lie in wait for their food and when close enough, snap it up with a lightning movement of their strong forelegs. feed mainly on small and large insects. These ferocious-looking praying mantises actually make great pets. Some will even eat raw meat and insects from your fingers. With plenty to eat they usually will not stray far. If handled properly they don’t bite.

Green LaceWing (or Aphid Lion): Adults are poor fliers, active at night and feed on pollen, nectar and honeydew (the exudate of aphids and other sucking insects). The larvae, called “aphid lions”, are extremely carnivorous and predaceous on many soft-bodied insects and mites, including insect eggs, thrips, mealybugs, immature whiteflies and small caterpillars.

Beneficial Nematodes: Though they are harmless to humans, animals, plants, and healthy earthworms, beneficial nematodes aggressively pursue insects. The beneficial nematodes can be used to control a broad range of soil inhabiting insects and above ground insects in their soil inhabiting stage of life. More than 200 species of pest insects from 100 insect families are susceptible to these nematodes. After a single nematode finds and enters an insect through its skin or natural openings, the nematode release a toxic bacteria that kills its host, usually within a day or two. Beneficial Nematodes are very easy to use. Mix with water and spray or sprinkle on the soil along garden plants or lawn.

Trichogramma wasps: Tiny parasites that attack the eggs of over 200 species of moths and caterpilars. They are extremely small - 4 or 5 will fit on the head of a pin. The wasp larvae kill pests before they damage plants by consuming their eggs.

True bugs: These are very aggressive predators. They stab their prey piercing the insect to inject digestive enzymes before sucking out the contents. True bugs include assassin bugs, damsel bugs, and the minute pirate bug. They prey on spider mites, aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, and caterpillars.

BAD BUGS (and their natural enemies):

Ants: A natural predator of these is the beneficial nematodes.

Common Aphids: A natural predator for these is the ladybug.

Cucumber Beetle: A natural predator is the beneficial nematode.

Cutworm: Predators for these are the nematodes and pirate bugs.

Leafhopper: Ladybugs are the natural predator for these bugs.

Grasshoppers:

Mealy Bugs: Natural predators include the ladybugs and green lacewings.

Squash Bugs: Beneficial nematodes help get rid of these pests.

Colorado Potato Beetle: Ladybugs are natural predators of these.

Garden Plots Still Available!

2007-03-21T15:55:00.000-05:00

Garden Plots Still Available!

Join other gardeners, experienced and non-experienced in the Old Town Community Garden. Located in Lewisville behind the CCA offices at 200 Mill Street, 6’ x 10’ plot sizes are available for a $10 rental fee.

All gardeners receive a packet that provides helpful tips on gardening including plant selection, planing schedules, and good and bad bugs.

This is an awesome opportunity to build community, make new friends, and learn from each other as we all share our love of the outdoors and gardening! Join us for the fun, education, and fellowship experiences!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30pm at the Christian Community Action offices located at 200 Mill Street, Lewisville.

The Garden will be blessed by Reverend Paul Lucido on Saturday, March 31 at 9:00am; light refreshments will be served.

To sign-up for a garden spot, contact Jessica Trent, Garden Coordinator email: trentjn@verizon.net or phone: 972/315.8265

Chemicals and Organic Gardening

2007-03-20T21:24:00.000-05:00

Here are a few do’s and don’ts about “chemicals in the garden” whether you choose to be organic or not:

Compost and Mulch:
• Both store bought or homegrown are fine as long as nothing has been chemically treated or sprayed with chemicals (bug killer, etc.)

Fertilizers:
• Natural or “organic” ones can range from animal manures, green manures, fish emulsion, compost tea, seaweed/kelp solutions, and earthworm castings. There are a lot of fertilizers on the market that list themselves as “organic” now so it is easy to pick up a good one from a garden center.

If you want to use a commercial fertilizer, ALWAYS use a slow release blend in the proper amounts. Knowing what your soil test is (acidic to alkaline) along with the label on the package will help you determine the appropriate amount.

DON’T: The important thing about fertilizing divided gardens (like the community garden) is that the “non-organic” group doesn’t overfertilize! The excess nitrogen washes away easily into the water and soil systems and contaminates nearby area gardens.

Pesticides:

• Natural deterrents include pyrethrum, diatomaceous earth, garlic sprays, pepper sprays, insecticidal soap, fine horticultural oils, and BT for catapillars.

Use beneficial bugs such as ladybugs, praying mantis, beneficial nematodes and predatory wasps. The problem with using beneficial insects in a mixed garden is the sprays used by the non-organic gardeners are using will wipe out your good bugs also.

DON’T: use non-organic broad spectrum pesticides if possible, but if you do follow the label closely. These chemicals can transmigrate to the other garden plots.

Weed Control:

• The best methods are pulling, mulching, and diluted vinegar solutions. Roundup can be used per label instructions, as it becomes inert when contacting soil and will not transmigrate.

DON’T: ever use any commercial herbicide containing 2–4-D or MSMA!

Disease Control:
• There are some organic solutions such as diluted milk spray for powdery mildew and corn gluten or baking soda for fungal control.

If you are going to use a commercial product, use as labeled.

DON’T: use any systemic chemicals.

Garden Packets Available!

2007-03-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

The Garden Packets are now available for all Old Town Community Gardeners. Jessica and the Committee have put together a comprehensive set of materials including: Chemicals and Organic Gardening, Donating Fruit & Veggies to the CCA Pantry, Plants That Grow Well in our Zone, Planting Schedule and Guide, Garden Plot Master Plan, Backyard Composting, a nifty "I Love Lewisville" clip, and Restroom Access. Shown below is a sample bag, although they are available in a rainbow of colors.

They are available at the CCA office. If you wish to have a Garden Plot but have not yet signed the forms and paid your garden fee, you will want to do so soon. Only a few plots are left!

WE HAVE WATER!

2007-03-17T13:59:00.000-05:00

Eileen lays a section of irrigation pipe.

Shannon's son, Grayson, is a Supervisor-In-Training!

Gary prepares the irrigation pipe for the sprinkler head.

Amanda installs a sprinkler head, as Dad Jeff, and Grayson look on.

Carlene takes a moment to survey how much work the volunteers are completing so quickly.

WE HAVE WATER!!!

According to the Master Plan

2007-03-17T13:52:00.000-05:00

Young and "not as young," Longhorns and Aggies, experienced and inexperienced, volunteers came alongside one another making new friendships, having fun, and bringing the Community Garden to life according to the Master Plan. What a beautiful morning to spend a few hours outdoors with excited anticipation of our new Garden!

Volunteers prepare the Garden walkways.

Shannon's son, Ty, proves no job is too small, nor any volunteer too small to make a big contribution!

Shannon spreads the walkway mulch.

Carlene creates another needed pathway!

Master Plan

2007-03-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Garden Plots are being assigned!

The Master Plan of the Community Garden comes to life as plots have been staked out, walkways established, and the irrigation pipes laid! Al (shown here) and Gary, have been working on average 25 hours a week, along with other volunteers to make our garden dream a reality!

Treasurer's Report

2007-02-26T07:50:00.000-06:00

The OTCG has 33 6x10 (60 square feet) individual garden plots. The annual fee for each plot is $10. If a gardener decides to "adopt" more than one plot, the annual fee drops to $5 for each additional plot. If all plots are adopted, we hope to net approximately $300 annually.

No firm decisions have been made on how the money will be used. The money may be used to purchase supplies (e.g. seeds, plants, hoes, rakes, shears, etc.) that could be shared amongst the gardeners. Some of the money may be used to purchase educational supplies to aid gardeners in learning more about gardening. Another option is to use some of this money to cover the fees for those individuals who are less fortunate. As soon as a decision is made, we'll post an update on the Blog.

We hope the garden will provide a positive environment for experienced and inexperienced gardeners to work together, build community spirit, and provide fresh produce for those who are less fortunate. Since this is the Old Town community Garden's first year, we are still trying to determine what is needed and the direction we want to take the garden. We welcome all those who wish to participate in gardening or help the garden "grow." If you would like to join in the fun, contact the CCA or any of the Old Town Community Garden Executive Committee members for an application.

~Jeff Jekel
Treasurer, Old Town Community Garden

A Warm Thought on a Cool Day

2007-02-23T16:33:00.000-06:00

A Parking Lot Becomes A Garden: 02

2007-02-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Alan Kirchhoff and Gary Janke skilled gardeners at work preparing the soil for Spring planting.

A Parking Lot Becomes A Garden: 01

2007-02-21T19:59:00.000-06:00

A photo journal of the transformation of a parking lot into a garden!

Check back often for more photo updates!

Garden Update

2007-02-19T21:43:00.000-06:00

The Site and Soil Planning Committee is hard at work developing the Garden. Important target dates are:

March 9: Tilling to be completed

March 10: Start building Plots and Walkways

March 10: Eagle Scout to build Compose Bin

March 12: Irrigation begins

March 31: Garden will be ready to plant

Each Garden plot is 6 ft. X 10 ft. for a total of 60 sq. ft. The rental period is from April to December. The annual rental fee for a plot is $10; a secondary plot is $5.

The Community Garden is open to everyone in Southern Denton County and plots will be rented on a first-come, first-served basis.

Executive Committee Established

2007-02-15T13:32:00.000-06:00

At a recent Community Garden meeting, the following executive committee was established:

• Chairperson: Lori Taylor
• Secretary: Kelly Barber
• Treasurer: Jeff Jekel
• Historian: Beverly Michelson
• Site Planning & Soil Coordinators: Alan Kirchhoff and Gary Janke
• Garden Coordinator: Jessica Trent
• Communication Coordinator: Alva Logsdon

There is a high level of enthusiasm for the development of the Community Garden and many volunteers are joining committees and assisting in the planning. It's exciting to see it all coming together!

Bookmark this blogsite and checked back often. If you have any suggestions, simply post them in the COMMENTS link; if you need someone to contact you, include your email address (it will not be published).

The Birth of a Community Garden

2007-02-06T18:04:00.000-06:00

"I'm really getting excited about one of our newest projects at CCA--a Community Garden! For several months, we have been working hard in the field just East of our Mill Street campus to get a good-sized plot of land ready for what we believe will be the first community garden in the Lewisville/Flower Mound area," says Scott Orr, CCA President. "Local gardeners interested in the project will be allowed to "adopt" a small plot in which they will be able to grow whatever plants, flowers and vegetables they choose. All we ask is that a portion of the produce each gardener grows be donated to our food pantry to provide much needed fresh vegetables for our families in need."

For a website describing this concept, check out this link at:
http://www.communitygarden.org/

"I'm thrilled about having a community garden of our own for several reasons," says Orr. "One is obviously the good food for our families who use our pantry. But even more than that, I'm excited about the idea of a place that will bring together garden lovers throughout our community. Where else but in a garden can you have people working side by side from all demographics--race, socio-economic level, age or religion--with one common purpose: A love of the soil and the miracle of growing plants that God has so generously given us."

Watch our website, www.ccahelps.org, and the local papers for more information about this exciting concept. We will be holding community meetings beginning in January to help organize the governing structure of the garden. We truly want this to be a project that the community "owns." The ground is ready (it's been tilled, weeded and nourished and it is beautiful!), the irrigation will be installed soon and we plan to put in our first crops in March. If you love growing things, but for some reason have never had the space or ability to have your own garden, we hope you'll join our team.

If you're interested, please contact Maureen Cummings at programs@ccahelps.org and she'll be sure to put you on our mailing list, so you don't miss any of the details.