After a loooooong "mui caliente" summer, what an incredible fall season we are experiencing in our garden. If you haven't been out recently, please consider doing so to experience the glory and abundance of fresh air and new growth of our many fall plantings in God's creation of our garden. Our peppers are still popping, Swiss chard still in supply, sugar snap and snow peas are flowering, kale, Chinese cabbage, and romaine lettuce are looking lovely, our greens and salad mix are de-lish, turnips and beets are bulging, and the okra is still climbing. This past Sunday, the Concord/Saxapahaw UMC youth groups worked their service project by planting garlic and flower bulbs in the garden.
With the days shortening, so will our garden hours. Presently, we are still meeting Monday and Wednesdays from 5:30-7 until daylight saving time ends. :( We will continue to meet on Saturdays from 9-noon through November 20th. Still plenty of things to work on as we continue harvesting and prepare our garden for it's winter slumber. Next week we will be installing row covers for our lettuces to hopefully extend their fresh enjoyment when it is frozen outside.
We will continue composting (and begin vermicomposting!) through the winter so any kitchen waste/garden debris/grass clippings/leaves/shredded paper, etc. will be "wormly" welcomed!
Thank you everyone for all of your incredible support, time, donations, labor, encouragement, and prayers for our garden. It has been REALLY good! -Donna
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Meet on Monday
Eric Prenshaw! We have been blessed with an intern for The Garden of Concord through the entire school year! Eric is a third year Duke Divinity Student with a passion for the outdoors and working in the garden! Thank you God! He will be out at the garden tonight so please consider stopping by to meet him and maybe do a little gardening as well!
It WILL be good!
It WILL be good!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Come One, Come All
To our family, friends, and neighbors of the Eli Whitney
and surrounding communities, we invite you to our
2nd Annual Harvest Celebration
with
The Garden of Concord
Please join us to celebrate our second year of abundant harvests while we feast on delicious dishes
from“around the garden.” Enjoy an evening complete with entertainment, appetizers, pastas, and sides
with our garden veggies and recipes. Be sure to save room for dessert including a special performance by
Debbie’s Darling Dancers!
When: Friday, August 27th 6 - 8 pm
Where: Concord United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
4462 E. Greensboro-Chapel Hill Road
Eli Whitney, NC
Come grow with us! Come dine with us! It WILL be good!!
Donations to help us feed those in need in our community by “growing” together will be appreciated (but not required).
New Member garden applications will be available.
Contact Donna Poe, 512-7434 for more info or visit us at http://www.thegardenofconcord.blogspot.com/ and also on facebook!
and surrounding communities, we invite you to our
2nd Annual Harvest Celebration
with
The Garden of Concord
Please join us to celebrate our second year of abundant harvests while we feast on delicious dishes
from“around the garden.” Enjoy an evening complete with entertainment, appetizers, pastas, and sides
with our garden veggies and recipes. Be sure to save room for dessert including a special performance by
Debbie’s Darling Dancers!
When: Friday, August 27th 6 - 8 pm
Where: Concord United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
4462 E. Greensboro-Chapel Hill Road
Eli Whitney, NC
Come grow with us! Come dine with us! It WILL be good!!
Donations to help us feed those in need in our community by “growing” together will be appreciated (but not required).
New Member garden applications will be available.
Contact Donna Poe, 512-7434 for more info or visit us at http://www.thegardenofconcord.blogspot.com/ and also on facebook!
Recipes, Yum....
Grilled Corn with Crema and Cheese (Elotes Locos)
Copyright Sandra Gutierrez, 2008
Ingredients:12 ears of corn, 1 cup Mexican crema or crème fraiche, 1 cup
mayonnaise, 2 cups crumbled Queso Cotija (or Parmesan) Ancho chile
powder (to taste).
In a large pot of boiling water, place the corn and cook it briefly for 3-4
minutes; remove from the heat and set aside. Heat a grill until moderately
hot. Grill the corn turning them until they are slightly charred and tender. In
the meantime, in a measuring cup, combine the crema and mayonnaise; set
aside. Place the cheese in a shallow plate. When the corn is nicely grilled
remove them from the grill and wrap the bottom ¼ in aluminum foil (that’s
to make a handle so you can hold them). Dip them into the crema mixture,
rolling them well until coated; roll them in the cheese, to coat and top with as
much chile powder as you like. Serve immediately.
True Vanilla Ice Cream (Makes about 1 quart)
1 ½ cups whole milk, 1 ½ cups heavy cream, ¾ cup sugar, 1 vanilla bean,
split in half lengthwise and seeds scraped out (or 2 tsp vanilla extract) 4
large egg yolks.
Position a strainer over a medium bowl set in a larger bowl containing ice
water. Heat the milk, cream, ½ cup of the sugar, and the vanilla seeds and
pod in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break
up the vanilla seeds, until steam appears and the milk is warm (about 175
degrees), about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the yolks and remaining ¼ cup sugar in a medium bowl
until combined and pale yellow. Whisk half the warm milk mixture into the
beaten yolks, ½ cup at a time, until combined. Whisk the milk- yolk mixture
into the warm milk in the saucepan; set the saucepan over medium heat and
cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until steam appears, foam subsides,
and the mixture is slightly thickened or an instant-read
thermometer registers 180 to 185 degrees. (Do not boil the mixture, or
the eggs will curdle.) Immediately strain the custard into the bowl set
in the ice bath; cool the custard to room temperature, stirring it
occasionally to help it cool.
Cover and refrigerate until an instant-read thermometer registers 40
degrees or lower, at least three hours or up to 24 hours. Remove and
discard the vanilla pod from the custard (or add the vanilla extract, if
using) and stir well.
Pour the custard into the ice cream machine canister and churn,
following the manufacturer’s instructions, until the mixture resembles
soft-serve ice cream.
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, press plastic wrap flush
against the surface, cover the container, and freeze the ice cream until
firm, at least 2 hours. (The ice cream will keep for up to 2 days.)
Big Batch Mexican Roast (Use for beef burritos, with guacamole, Add to vegetable soups Roast beef sandwiches, Mexican
Pizza – Salsa, Beef, Corn, Monterey Jack Cheese
One 4-5 pound Chuck Roast
1T chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 T brown sugar
3 T cider vinegar
Two 14-oz can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cook like the French style pot roast…in dutch
oven at 300 degrees for 4½ to 5 hours. Turn roast over every 30-45 minutes.
Check Meat temp to see when it reaches approx 210 degrees. Keep on
cooking the roast for at least 1 hour once meat has reached internal
temperature of 210 degrees.
Pineapple Salsa
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cubed
1 cup loosely packed, coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Vietnamese chili paste
Coarse-grained salt
Place all ingredients except salt in a medium bowl. Toss to combine. Let
stand for 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste and serve. It will keep for
about 3 days in the refrigerator. Makes about 4 cups.
Pickled Onions
>
> 1 red onion, halved and sliced thin
> 1 cup red wine vinegar
> 1/3 cup sugar
> 2 jalapeno chiles, seeds and ribs removed, sliced into thin rings
> 1/4 teaspoon salt
>
> Place the onion in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring the vinegar, sugar,
> jalapenos, and salt to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high
> heat, stirrong occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Pour the
> vinegar mixture over the onion, cover loosely, and let cool to room
> temperature, about 30 minutes. Once cool, drain and discard the
> liquid. The pickled onions can be refrigerated in an airtight
> container for up to 1 week.
Eggplant Dip (no real recipe, just from my brother's head-Carla)
Place the eggplant in a dry pan on the stovetop over medium-high
heat. Keep turning it until all sides are black. Prick it so that it
releases the water (which can be bitter).
Chop the eggplant into pieces and place in a food processor or
blender. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a clove
of garlic. Add the following ingredients to taste: sundried tomatoes,
lime juice, cumin and coriander.
Blueberry Betty
6 Slices Pepperidge Farm Original White Bread
6 Tbs butter
8 Tbs brown sugar
4 Tbs lemon juice
4 Cups of blueberries
Cube bread. Melt butter in skillet, add cubed bread off heat. In a
buttered 2 qt baking dish, put 2 cups of berries, 1/2 of bread
mixture, 4 tbs brown sugar, 2 tbs lemon juice and repeat layering.
Bake for 30 min @ 350 and serve w/ vanilla icecream.
Donna's Salsa - Makes about 4 quarts
10 cups chopped roma tomatoes with skins removed.
4 cups chopped onions
4 Bell peppers chopped
4 Jalapeno peppers seeded and chopped.
3 chopped garlic cloves
1 cup sugar
2 Tb chili powder
3 Tb salt
1 1/4 cup vinegar
1 Tb paprika
2/3 cup cornstarch
Combine everything except the cornstarch in a large kettle and cook on low heat for 20
minutes. Take about 2 cups of the liquid from the mix and blend with the cornstarch until
smooth. Add cornstarch liquid back into the rest of the mix and cook until thick.
Poppers recipe:
Pillsbury crescent rolls (i like the kind with garlic)
Block of cheddar cheese and/or cream cheese
Jalapeno peppers cut in half and remove seeds
Bacon cooked (optional)
Divide and cut in half the crescent roll sections (small triangles). Place a 1/2 piece of jalapeno in the middle of each section, top with a slice of cheddar or cream cheese. Top with a piece of small piece of bacon. Wrap up the crescent by pulling up the corners and seal. Place the "package" seam side down on cookie sheet and bake till golden brown. Yum yum.
They reheat well so I usually make a bunch of them.
Cantaloupe Bread
Original Recipe Yield 2 - 9x5 inch loaves
Ingredients
·3 eggs
·1 cup vegetable oil
·2 cups white sugar
·1 tablespoon vanilla extract
·2 cups cantaloupe - peeled, seeded and pureed
·3 cups all-purpose flour
·1 teaspoon salt
·1 teaspoon baking soda
·3/4 teaspoon baking powder
·2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
·1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or nutmeg
Glaze:
1/2 cup butter
·1 2/3 cups brown sugar
·1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease and
flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and
cantaloupe. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda,
baking powder, cinnamon and ginger. Stir flour mixture into
cantaloupe mixture; stir to combine. Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into
center of a loaf comes out clean. Meanwhile, combine margarine and
brown sugar. Microwave for 3 minutes, stirring at 1 minute intervals;
mix in pecans. Pour sauce over warm bread. Let cool for 1 hour before
serving.
Copyright Sandra Gutierrez, 2008
Ingredients:12 ears of corn, 1 cup Mexican crema or crème fraiche, 1 cup
mayonnaise, 2 cups crumbled Queso Cotija (or Parmesan) Ancho chile
powder (to taste).
In a large pot of boiling water, place the corn and cook it briefly for 3-4
minutes; remove from the heat and set aside. Heat a grill until moderately
hot. Grill the corn turning them until they are slightly charred and tender. In
the meantime, in a measuring cup, combine the crema and mayonnaise; set
aside. Place the cheese in a shallow plate. When the corn is nicely grilled
remove them from the grill and wrap the bottom ¼ in aluminum foil (that’s
to make a handle so you can hold them). Dip them into the crema mixture,
rolling them well until coated; roll them in the cheese, to coat and top with as
much chile powder as you like. Serve immediately.
True Vanilla Ice Cream (Makes about 1 quart)
1 ½ cups whole milk, 1 ½ cups heavy cream, ¾ cup sugar, 1 vanilla bean,
split in half lengthwise and seeds scraped out (or 2 tsp vanilla extract) 4
large egg yolks.
Position a strainer over a medium bowl set in a larger bowl containing ice
water. Heat the milk, cream, ½ cup of the sugar, and the vanilla seeds and
pod in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break
up the vanilla seeds, until steam appears and the milk is warm (about 175
degrees), about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the yolks and remaining ¼ cup sugar in a medium bowl
until combined and pale yellow. Whisk half the warm milk mixture into the
beaten yolks, ½ cup at a time, until combined. Whisk the milk- yolk mixture
into the warm milk in the saucepan; set the saucepan over medium heat and
cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until steam appears, foam subsides,
and the mixture is slightly thickened or an instant-read
thermometer registers 180 to 185 degrees. (Do not boil the mixture, or
the eggs will curdle.) Immediately strain the custard into the bowl set
in the ice bath; cool the custard to room temperature, stirring it
occasionally to help it cool.
Cover and refrigerate until an instant-read thermometer registers 40
degrees or lower, at least three hours or up to 24 hours. Remove and
discard the vanilla pod from the custard (or add the vanilla extract, if
using) and stir well.
Pour the custard into the ice cream machine canister and churn,
following the manufacturer’s instructions, until the mixture resembles
soft-serve ice cream.
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, press plastic wrap flush
against the surface, cover the container, and freeze the ice cream until
firm, at least 2 hours. (The ice cream will keep for up to 2 days.)
Big Batch Mexican Roast (Use for beef burritos, with guacamole, Add to vegetable soups Roast beef sandwiches, Mexican
Pizza – Salsa, Beef, Corn, Monterey Jack Cheese
One 4-5 pound Chuck Roast
1T chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 T brown sugar
3 T cider vinegar
Two 14-oz can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cook like the French style pot roast…in dutch
oven at 300 degrees for 4½ to 5 hours. Turn roast over every 30-45 minutes.
Check Meat temp to see when it reaches approx 210 degrees. Keep on
cooking the roast for at least 1 hour once meat has reached internal
temperature of 210 degrees.
Pineapple Salsa
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cubed
1 cup loosely packed, coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Vietnamese chili paste
Coarse-grained salt
Place all ingredients except salt in a medium bowl. Toss to combine. Let
stand for 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste and serve. It will keep for
about 3 days in the refrigerator. Makes about 4 cups.
Pickled Onions
>
> 1 red onion, halved and sliced thin
> 1 cup red wine vinegar
> 1/3 cup sugar
> 2 jalapeno chiles, seeds and ribs removed, sliced into thin rings
> 1/4 teaspoon salt
>
> Place the onion in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring the vinegar, sugar,
> jalapenos, and salt to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high
> heat, stirrong occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Pour the
> vinegar mixture over the onion, cover loosely, and let cool to room
> temperature, about 30 minutes. Once cool, drain and discard the
> liquid. The pickled onions can be refrigerated in an airtight
> container for up to 1 week.
Eggplant Dip (no real recipe, just from my brother's head-Carla)
Place the eggplant in a dry pan on the stovetop over medium-high
heat. Keep turning it until all sides are black. Prick it so that it
releases the water (which can be bitter).
Chop the eggplant into pieces and place in a food processor or
blender. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a clove
of garlic. Add the following ingredients to taste: sundried tomatoes,
lime juice, cumin and coriander.
Blueberry Betty
6 Slices Pepperidge Farm Original White Bread
6 Tbs butter
8 Tbs brown sugar
4 Tbs lemon juice
4 Cups of blueberries
Cube bread. Melt butter in skillet, add cubed bread off heat. In a
buttered 2 qt baking dish, put 2 cups of berries, 1/2 of bread
mixture, 4 tbs brown sugar, 2 tbs lemon juice and repeat layering.
Bake for 30 min @ 350 and serve w/ vanilla icecream.
Donna's Salsa - Makes about 4 quarts
10 cups chopped roma tomatoes with skins removed.
4 cups chopped onions
4 Bell peppers chopped
4 Jalapeno peppers seeded and chopped.
3 chopped garlic cloves
1 cup sugar
2 Tb chili powder
3 Tb salt
1 1/4 cup vinegar
1 Tb paprika
2/3 cup cornstarch
Combine everything except the cornstarch in a large kettle and cook on low heat for 20
minutes. Take about 2 cups of the liquid from the mix and blend with the cornstarch until
smooth. Add cornstarch liquid back into the rest of the mix and cook until thick.
Poppers recipe:
Pillsbury crescent rolls (i like the kind with garlic)
Block of cheddar cheese and/or cream cheese
Jalapeno peppers cut in half and remove seeds
Bacon cooked (optional)
Divide and cut in half the crescent roll sections (small triangles). Place a 1/2 piece of jalapeno in the middle of each section, top with a slice of cheddar or cream cheese. Top with a piece of small piece of bacon. Wrap up the crescent by pulling up the corners and seal. Place the "package" seam side down on cookie sheet and bake till golden brown. Yum yum.
They reheat well so I usually make a bunch of them.
Cantaloupe Bread
Original Recipe Yield 2 - 9x5 inch loaves
Ingredients
·3 eggs
·1 cup vegetable oil
·2 cups white sugar
·1 tablespoon vanilla extract
·2 cups cantaloupe - peeled, seeded and pureed
·3 cups all-purpose flour
·1 teaspoon salt
·1 teaspoon baking soda
·3/4 teaspoon baking powder
·2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
·1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or nutmeg
Glaze:
1/2 cup butter
·1 2/3 cups brown sugar
·1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease and
flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and
cantaloupe. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda,
baking powder, cinnamon and ginger. Stir flour mixture into
cantaloupe mixture; stir to combine. Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into
center of a loaf comes out clean. Meanwhile, combine margarine and
brown sugar. Microwave for 3 minutes, stirring at 1 minute intervals;
mix in pecans. Pour sauce over warm bread. Let cool for 1 hour before
serving.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Any plans for tonight or tomorrow?
How 'bout spending some time in our garden? Our 10' tall sunflowers are full of blooms and our zinnias are spectacular, along with all of our other beautiful cut flowers. Still many tomatoes, cucumbers, cantaloupes, and peppers to pick! I'll be there tonight from 5:30-7:30 and tomorrow from 8-9:30 and 11-1. Lots to do. Lots to be thankful for.
It WILL be good! - Donna
It WILL be good! - Donna
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday, July 19th in the Garden
Just a few things to work on this week. I won't be in the garden tonight or Wednesday (vacation bible school) so I've left our task list on the center table (and also attached). Your continued help and support is so appreciated! Lots of tomatoes to pick. Be sure to try the Valencia tomatoes (yellow-orange)! We've started harvesting eggplant as well (mmm..love eggplant parmesean!)
Our July cooking class will be next Friday (July 30th) with a Mexican theme. Muy Caliente! More details to follow.
Have a great week everyone!
It WILL be good!
-Donna
Our July cooking class will be next Friday (July 30th) with a Mexican theme. Muy Caliente! More details to follow.
Have a great week everyone!
It WILL be good!
-Donna
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Annual Tomato Sandwich Dinner - July 14, 2010
The Garden of Concord
invites you and your family to join them
for their annual
"Tomato Sandwich Dinner"
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
6-8:00 pm
Concord UMC Fellowship Hall
Enjoy a "Mater" Sandwich with us along with tasty sides
and sweet treats using many ingredients from our garden.
No fee or commitment required!
Just bring a good appetite and a yummy side dish
(Feel free to use our veggies!)
Come eat with us...
It WILL be good!
For more info, contact Donna Poe (512-7434)
invites you and your family to join them
for their annual
"Tomato Sandwich Dinner"
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
6-8:00 pm
Concord UMC Fellowship Hall
Enjoy a "Mater" Sandwich with us along with tasty sides
and sweet treats using many ingredients from our garden.
No fee or commitment required!
Just bring a good appetite and a yummy side dish
(Feel free to use our veggies!)
Come eat with us...
It WILL be good!
For more info, contact Donna Poe (512-7434)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What we are working on in the garden on Wednesday...
It WILL be good! -Donna
What we are harvesting:
-Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Swiss Chard, Jalapeno Peppers
-Yukon Gold potatoes (in the bucket inside the church)
-Green beans (pole and bush-try the Gold Rush yellow beans..yum yum!)
-Herbs.. (Try the Lime Basil in the North Herb Bed!)
-Cut Flowers
What we are working on:
-Hunt for Japanese and June beetles and squash bugs (eggs).
-Remove stems/heads of spent flowers.
-Turn compost piles (within existing bin #’s 2,3,4 with pitch fork).
- Thin carrots in Bed #18.
- Harvest Lime Basil.
- Hand water non-irrigated beds and Bed #5.
- Shape and add compost to Bed #7.
- Place watermelons and cantaloupes on cardboard pieces.
- Sidedress compost to Perennial beds, Grapevine entry, Cut flower gardens, Bulb Garden, Edible Flower Garden, Medicinal Garden, Sunflower House, Prayer Garden.
- Fish Emulsion to new Melon Beds, Beans in Bed #6, and #26.
-Tie-up tomato plants.
What we are planting:
-Carrots (fill in Bed #18)
What we are harvesting:
-Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Swiss Chard, Jalapeno Peppers
-Yukon Gold potatoes (in the bucket inside the church)
-Green beans (pole and bush-try the Gold Rush yellow beans..yum yum!)
-Herbs.. (Try the Lime Basil in the North Herb Bed!)
-Cut Flowers
What we are working on:
-Hunt for Japanese and June beetles and squash bugs (eggs).
-Remove stems/heads of spent flowers.
-Turn compost piles (within existing bin #’s 2,3,4 with pitch fork).
- Thin carrots in Bed #18.
- Harvest Lime Basil.
- Hand water non-irrigated beds and Bed #5.
- Shape and add compost to Bed #7.
- Place watermelons and cantaloupes on cardboard pieces.
- Sidedress compost to Perennial beds, Grapevine entry, Cut flower gardens, Bulb Garden, Edible Flower Garden, Medicinal Garden, Sunflower House, Prayer Garden.
- Fish Emulsion to new Melon Beds, Beans in Bed #6, and #26.
-Tie-up tomato plants.
What we are planting:
-Carrots (fill in Bed #18)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday night in the garden....in Pittsboro?
As mentioned earlier in the week, I will be touring the CCCC farm in Pittsboro for a seminar scheduled that should prove to be great (hope so since I am giving up "our" garden night together!) The event is free and according to this article http://www.greeneatsblog.com/2010/06/joel-salatin-speaking-at-cccc-june-30th/, when referencing refreshments, there is mention of a brick pizza oven on site-yum yum! The tour begins at 5:30 with the speaker Joel Salatin (funny VA farmer guy from Food, Inc.) presenting at 7pm.
"Our" garden WILL be open tonight for anyone that wants to enjoy a refreshing evening with cooler temps. Plenty of bugs to hunt, flowers to clip, and veggies to pick. The fence will be open (and turned off) with the water cooler and a task list set in place on the middle table.
Feel free to call me for more info if interested in joining me tonight in Pittsboro or if you have any questions while working in our garden this evening. 336 512-7434
Where ever God leads you, It WILL be good!
-Donna
"Our" garden WILL be open tonight for anyone that wants to enjoy a refreshing evening with cooler temps. Plenty of bugs to hunt, flowers to clip, and veggies to pick. The fence will be open (and turned off) with the water cooler and a task list set in place on the middle table.
Feel free to call me for more info if interested in joining me tonight in Pittsboro or if you have any questions while working in our garden this evening. 336 512-7434
Where ever God leads you, It WILL be good!
-Donna
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday night in the garden (and short update)...
Life is good in the garden! All of the open areas have been recovered with hay, keeping the bugs under control (no sign of that nasty hornworm!), waiting for the tomatoes to ripen (a few huge ones are starting to along with the cherry tomatoes), the beans and jalapeno peppers are starting to produce, the swiss chard is still an amazing crop, the cantaloupes and watermelons are getting crazy, the basil is still screaming "pesto", the cucumbers are creeping, the corn is the tallest stalks I've ever seen, still some strawberries, little bit of lettuce, the Rose of Sharon in the prayer garden has beautiful white blooms, and the zinnias are spectacular (despite the japanese beetles!)
So what's up for tonight? Just a few tasks of trimming, trellising, and turning to work on. It WILL be good!
Can you believe that I am giving up a "hot" garden night to go visit another garden? I am SO excited about a seminar this Wednesday at the Central Carolina Community College-Pittsboro Campus presented by The Natural Chef program and the Sustainable Agriculture program. The topic is "Local Food to the Rescue" and the speaker is Joel Salatin, a Virgina Farmer, and is also (hilarious) in the movie "Food, Inc." I've promoted that documentary in the past and it is still my favorite and a must see for all my gardening and health conscious friends! I'm thinking that this seminar will prove to be equally inspiring!
Please consider joining me at 5:30pm for a tour of the CCCC student farm followed by refreshments at 6:30 and the seminar begins at 7pm. This seminar comes at a perfect time when we are pretty caught up in the garden and just waiting for the tomatoes to turn red! Since I "work" in Pittsboro, I'll be going directly there. Please let me know if you need a ride or I can help in organizing a car pool. Sorry for the short notice on this! The flyer that PJ gave me got buried under some gardening books!
For more info you can go to http://www.cccc.edu/news/viewStory.php?storyNum=396 Also www.cccc.edu/naturalchef and www.cccc.edu/sustainableag
It WILL BE GOOD!
-Donna
So what's up for tonight? Just a few tasks of trimming, trellising, and turning to work on. It WILL be good!
Can you believe that I am giving up a "hot" garden night to go visit another garden? I am SO excited about a seminar this Wednesday at the Central Carolina Community College-Pittsboro Campus presented by The Natural Chef program and the Sustainable Agriculture program. The topic is "Local Food to the Rescue" and the speaker is Joel Salatin, a Virgina Farmer, and is also (hilarious) in the movie "Food, Inc." I've promoted that documentary in the past and it is still my favorite and a must see for all my gardening and health conscious friends! I'm thinking that this seminar will prove to be equally inspiring!
Please consider joining me at 5:30pm for a tour of the CCCC student farm followed by refreshments at 6:30 and the seminar begins at 7pm. This seminar comes at a perfect time when we are pretty caught up in the garden and just waiting for the tomatoes to turn red! Since I "work" in Pittsboro, I'll be going directly there. Please let me know if you need a ride or I can help in organizing a car pool. Sorry for the short notice on this! The flyer that PJ gave me got buried under some gardening books!
For more info you can go to http://www.cccc.edu/news/viewStory.php?storyNum=396 Also www.cccc.edu/naturalchef and www.cccc.edu/sustainableag
It WILL BE GOOD!
-Donna
Thursday, June 24, 2010
This Friday and Saturday morning hours in the garden...
beginning at 8am - it gets too hot! We have just a few things to work on or just come and enjoy our beautiful garden while sitting in the shade with a cold drink. It WILL be good!
-Donna
-Donna
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Pulling up Potates LATER tonight in the garden
Our Red Potatoes are ready! Bill and I sampled a couple and they are DEEELISH! Potatoes need to be dug up either on a cloudy day or as the sun sets so we will be digging them up tonight around 8:00(possibly earlier if it looks like rain). Please join us for our treasure hunt later this evening..it will be cooler then and It WILL be GOOD!
We will begin our garden hours as scheduled at 5:30 working on light tasks with plenty of water and body coolers available. Please let me know if you want us to save some potatoes for you to pick up on Friday or Saturday instead. We will have another potato harvest (Yukon Gold) next month.
Thank you for all of your help and incredible support of our garden!
-Donna
We will begin our garden hours as scheduled at 5:30 working on light tasks with plenty of water and body coolers available. Please let me know if you want us to save some potatoes for you to pick up on Friday or Saturday instead. We will have another potato harvest (Yukon Gold) next month.
Thank you for all of your help and incredible support of our garden!
-Donna
Monday, June 21, 2010
We'll be gellin' instead of meltin' in the garden on Monday...
We had some garden angels this past weekend, donate to the garden a supply of personal body coolers for use while we are hard at work in the garden. Thank you Debbie Cook and my mom and dad for your thoughtfulness and generosity!
Our new garden gear comes just in time to celebrate the first day of summer and a hot, hot, hot week in The Garden of Concord. Hoping to see many of you there (even for just a little bit:0) while we work and take care of our garden. It WILL be good!
-Donna
Our new garden gear comes just in time to celebrate the first day of summer and a hot, hot, hot week in The Garden of Concord. Hoping to see many of you there (even for just a little bit:0) while we work and take care of our garden. It WILL be good!
-Donna
Monday, June 14, 2010
Maybe skip the garden tonight?
See the weather advisory below. I will be at the garden to work on just a couple of things that really should be done but please consider skipping this work night because of the extreme heat. The pops will stay cold in the freezer and the garden will keep growing without us! It WILL be good on another day for sure! -Donna
Weather advisory for Alamance County
June 14, 2010 12:46 AM
Times-News
If you can stay inside today, it might be a good idea.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a heat advisory for Alamance County.
While afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s, the humidity will create heat index values between 100 and 104 degrees today.
Weather officials say that heat index values around 100 degrees pose a health risk to the elderly, children and anyone working or exercising outdoors. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat cramps are all possible if proper precautions aren’t taken, such as consuming small amounts of water throughout the day.
Weather advisory for Alamance County
June 14, 2010 12:46 AM
Times-News
If you can stay inside today, it might be a good idea.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a heat advisory for Alamance County.
While afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s, the humidity will create heat index values between 100 and 104 degrees today.
Weather officials say that heat index values around 100 degrees pose a health risk to the elderly, children and anyone working or exercising outdoors. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat cramps are all possible if proper precautions aren’t taken, such as consuming small amounts of water throughout the day.
Monday night in the garden will be cooler...
than Saturday was for sure! It was hot, hot, hot, but great, great, great! Plenty of water and shade breaks a necessity. Forgot the pops (sorry!)..they are now in the freezer and ready to chill out with. My mom suggested cold rags chilled in a cooler (thanks mom!) so I will have those regularly available as well. Here is what we will be working on tonight and through the week. It WILL be good! -Donna
Monday, June 14th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Lettuce “ “
Basil
Herbs
Cut Flowers
Swiss chard
What we are working on:
Tomato plants in Bed #’s19.20 Tie up.
Spread straw and cardboard/newspaper where needed.
Pull up spring mix in Bed #15, add compost and feather meal.
Hunt for squash bugs and Japanese beetles.
Install trellis in Bed #8.
Water with fish emulsion Bed#’s 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 18, 25.
What we are planting:
Carrots on sides of Bed #18 (w/peppers) ¼-1/2” deep, 2” apart.
Basil on sides of Bed #14 with eggplant and peppers.
Spaghetti squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #26. 1”deep
Cantaloupe in Bed #6 - ½” deep, 15” apart.
Lettuce on South side edge of children’s bed.
Bush beans on perimeter of Bed #8 with cucumbers.
Monday, June 14th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Lettuce “ “
Basil
Herbs
Cut Flowers
Swiss chard
What we are working on:
Tomato plants in Bed #’s19.20 Tie up.
Spread straw and cardboard/newspaper where needed.
Pull up spring mix in Bed #15, add compost and feather meal.
Hunt for squash bugs and Japanese beetles.
Install trellis in Bed #8.
Water with fish emulsion Bed#’s 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 18, 25.
What we are planting:
Carrots on sides of Bed #18 (w/peppers) ¼-1/2” deep, 2” apart.
Basil on sides of Bed #14 with eggplant and peppers.
Spaghetti squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #26. 1”deep
Cantaloupe in Bed #6 - ½” deep, 15” apart.
Lettuce on South side edge of children’s bed.
Bush beans on perimeter of Bed #8 with cucumbers.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Who's planning on planting on Saturday?
Lots to work on. Come early. Plenty of ice cold water and pops to cool off with. It will be hot. It WILL be good!
-Donna
-Donna
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
"What's up Doc" for Wednesday in the Garden?
Lots to work on and plant with CARROTS as the main crop for tonight! Come join us for a beautiful evening in the garden before the heat wave hits again! It WILL be good! -Donna
Wednesday, June 9th (and through the week) in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage, Cilantro)
Romaine (Final)
Swiss Chard
Strawberries (a few to keep our junior gardeners busy:0)
CARROTS
What we are working on:
Pull up peas and romaine lettuce in Bed#4
Pull up collards/mustard crop in Bed#11.
Pull up carrots in Bed#6.
Pull up spring mix in Bed #15
Add feather meal to Bed#18, 26.
Add compost and feathermeal to Bed #’s 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15
Rake compost pile.
Tomato plants (suckers and pull in to cages)
Spray squash plants with garlic/pepper spray.
Spread straw and cardboard/newspaper where needed.
What we are planting:
Pepper transplants in Bed 12” apart Water in with fish emulsion.
Dwarf sunflower transplants in center of Bed #18 – 12” apart.
Carrots on sides of Bed #18 (w/peppers) ¼-1/2” deep, 2” apart.
Cucumber transplants in Bed #4. 12” apart. Water in with fish emulsion.
Butternut squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #26 ½ -1” deep
Spaghetti squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #8. 1”deep
Cantaloupe in Bed #6 - ½” deep, 15” apart.
Wednesday, June 9th (and through the week) in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage, Cilantro)
Romaine (Final)
Swiss Chard
Strawberries (a few to keep our junior gardeners busy:0)
CARROTS
What we are working on:
Pull up peas and romaine lettuce in Bed#4
Pull up collards/mustard crop in Bed#11.
Pull up carrots in Bed#6.
Pull up spring mix in Bed #15
Add feather meal to Bed#18, 26.
Add compost and feathermeal to Bed #’s 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15
Rake compost pile.
Tomato plants (suckers and pull in to cages)
Spray squash plants with garlic/pepper spray.
Spread straw and cardboard/newspaper where needed.
What we are planting:
Pepper transplants in Bed 12” apart Water in with fish emulsion.
Dwarf sunflower transplants in center of Bed #18 – 12” apart.
Carrots on sides of Bed #18 (w/peppers) ¼-1/2” deep, 2” apart.
Cucumber transplants in Bed #4. 12” apart. Water in with fish emulsion.
Butternut squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #26 ½ -1” deep
Spaghetti squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #8. 1”deep
Cantaloupe in Bed #6 - ½” deep, 15” apart.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Meet Me at the Water Cooler on Monday
Our garden has become more "gardener friendly" with the purchase of an umbrella installed in the center table along with another umbrella (donated by Bruce and Gail Pederson-Thank you!!!) set up on the South side over the bench. We will also have a large cooler filled with ice cold water on the center table during our work hours to keep us hydrated and happy while we work, chat, and chill out (in the shade) in our garden.
Lots to do this week. Looking forward to seeing many of you in the garden and at the water cooler! It WILL be good! -Donna
Monday, June 7th (and through the week)…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage, Cilantro)
Romaine and Spring Mix (Final)
Peas (Final)
What we are working on:
Hunt for Potato bugs and squash bugs.
Add feather meal to Bed#6, 18, 26.
Add compost and feathermeal to Bed #8, 9, 10.
Tie up tomato plants in Bed #’s 3,19,20.
Hill up potato plants in Bed #5.
Rake compost pile.
Spray neem oil on eggplants..
Pull up collards/mustard crop in Bed#11, add compost and feather meal.
Pull up peas and romaine lettuce in Bed#4, and “ “
Spray squash plants with garlic/pepper spray.
Spread straw and cardboard/newspaper where needed.
What we are planting:
Hollyhock seeds in our Edible Flower bed (Donated by Marion and Bobbie Hargrove-Thank you!)
Climbing Okra seeds around bean teepee (Donated by Shirley Pierce - TY again!)
Butternut squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #26 ½ -1” deep
Spaghetti squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #8. 1”deep
Sunflowers on backside of bean tunnel in children’s garden 12” apart ½-1” deep.
Pepper transplants in Bed 12” apart (starting in the middle and work out towards end of bed) Water in with fish emulsion..
Carrots on sides of Bed #18 (w/peppers) ¼” deep, 2” apart.
"Kid sized" Sunflowers (Donated by Debbie Cook-TY!) in children's garden area
and on ends of Bed #18.
Cantaloupe in Bed #6 - ½” deep, 15” apart.
Cucumber transplants in Bed #4. 12-18” apart. Water in with fish emulsion. (on Wed)
Lots to do this week. Looking forward to seeing many of you in the garden and at the water cooler! It WILL be good! -Donna
Monday, June 7th (and through the week)…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage, Cilantro)
Romaine and Spring Mix (Final)
Peas (Final)
What we are working on:
Hunt for Potato bugs and squash bugs.
Add feather meal to Bed#6, 18, 26.
Add compost and feathermeal to Bed #8, 9, 10.
Tie up tomato plants in Bed #’s 3,19,20.
Hill up potato plants in Bed #5.
Rake compost pile.
Spray neem oil on eggplants..
Pull up collards/mustard crop in Bed#11, add compost and feather meal.
Pull up peas and romaine lettuce in Bed#4, and “ “
Spray squash plants with garlic/pepper spray.
Spread straw and cardboard/newspaper where needed.
What we are planting:
Hollyhock seeds in our Edible Flower bed (Donated by Marion and Bobbie Hargrove-Thank you!)
Climbing Okra seeds around bean teepee (Donated by Shirley Pierce - TY again!)
Butternut squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #26 ½ -1” deep
Spaghetti squash 3 Rows with seeds spaced 18” apart in Bed #8. 1”deep
Sunflowers on backside of bean tunnel in children’s garden 12” apart ½-1” deep.
Pepper transplants in Bed 12” apart (starting in the middle and work out towards end of bed) Water in with fish emulsion..
Carrots on sides of Bed #18 (w/peppers) ¼” deep, 2” apart.
"Kid sized" Sunflowers (Donated by Debbie Cook-TY!) in children's garden area
and on ends of Bed #18.
Cantaloupe in Bed #6 - ½” deep, 15” apart.
Cucumber transplants in Bed #4. 12-18” apart. Water in with fish emulsion. (on Wed)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Plent of Sun(flowers) in the garden on Saturday
I love playing with words, but I really LOVE playing in our garden. Hoping many of you will join us for breakfast and then spend some time in our beautiful garden planting sunflowers, morning glories, peppers, climbing okra, butternut and spaghetti squash. Many other tasks to work on requiring the talents and gifts of all our garden members!
It WILL be good and a morning filled with "glory"!
It WILL be good and a morning filled with "glory"!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday in the garden anyone?
Despite the rain all around us Wednesday night, the garden was in the clear with several of us picking peas, picking peas, and picking peas! We also harvested and pulled many other crops from beds for upcoming summer plantings. It WAS really good!
I'll be in the garden today for most of the morning and then again later in the afternoon so please let me know if you might want to join me! Several harvested beds need to be topped with compost and in the afternoon, we will be receiving a delivery of 100+ bales of hay which need to be placed and stacked.
Thank you everyone for your help and support of our garden!
I'll be in the garden today for most of the morning and then again later in the afternoon so please let me know if you might want to join me! Several harvested beds need to be topped with compost and in the afternoon, we will be receiving a delivery of 100+ bales of hay which need to be placed and stacked.
Thank you everyone for your help and support of our garden!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Springing Into Summer...
What a great first spring harvest we have been blessed with! Lots of "final picks" and summer prepping to work on in the garden.
It WILL be good! -Donna
Wednesday, June 2nd in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Collard/Mustard Mix (Final)
Romaine and Spring Mix
Broccoli
Turnips (Final)
Beets (Final)
Radishes (Final)
Peas (Final?)
What we are working on:
Collect soil samples
BT on Beds #9,10.
Hunt for Potato bugs and squash bugs.
Pull Pea crop from teepee, add compost.
Pick remaining Peas in Bed #18, pull crop, add compost.
Pull Pea crop from Bed #6, add compost.
Pull Radishes from Sunflower Bed, add compost.
Pull Beets from Bed #26, broadfork, add compost.
Rake compost pile.
What we are planting:
Climbing Okra around teepee.
It WILL be good! -Donna
Wednesday, June 2nd in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Collard/Mustard Mix (Final)
Romaine and Spring Mix
Broccoli
Turnips (Final)
Beets (Final)
Radishes (Final)
Peas (Final?)
What we are working on:
Collect soil samples
BT on Beds #9,10.
Hunt for Potato bugs and squash bugs.
Pull Pea crop from teepee, add compost.
Pick remaining Peas in Bed #18, pull crop, add compost.
Pull Pea crop from Bed #6, add compost.
Pull Radishes from Sunflower Bed, add compost.
Pull Beets from Bed #26, broadfork, add compost.
Rake compost pile.
What we are planting:
Climbing Okra around teepee.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Bring your garlic in...
We still have plenty of garlic left which I am drying so let me know if you would like some (more). We should have another abundant harvest next Wednesday with this great weather we are having combined with a little more rain. Feel free to stop by anytime to pick some lettuce and herbs.
Thank you again to all of you for a great week in the garden.
Thank you again to all of you for a great week in the garden.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Melon Monday...maybe?
Hopefully we might get a break in the clouds and rain to push some watermelon seeds in the ground this afternoon. We are "sharing seeds" and efforts with the Cheek Family to hopefully grow some prize winning melons for the State Fair in the fall.
Depending on the weather, below is also what we will be working on through the week. If you happen to stop by on your own, weeding is always welcomed!
Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you all soon in the garden!
It WILL be good!
-Donna
Monday, May 24th in the garden (and thru the week)…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Collard/Mustard Mix
Romaine and Spring Mix
Broccoli
Turnips
Garlic
Peas
What we are working on:
Fish emulsion on new plantings.
Finish caging Tomato plants.
Row cover on North side of Bed #16 to
cover squash.
Weed!
Groom Tomato plants for suckers.
Thin Zinnias.
Plant and bed markers.
What we are planting:
Watermelon in Bed #25.
Eggplant on North side of Bed#14 (18” apart.)
Jalapeno Peppers on South side of Bed #14 (12” apart).
Depending on the weather, below is also what we will be working on through the week. If you happen to stop by on your own, weeding is always welcomed!
Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you all soon in the garden!
It WILL be good!
-Donna
Monday, May 24th in the garden (and thru the week)…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Collard/Mustard Mix
Romaine and Spring Mix
Broccoli
Turnips
Garlic
Peas
What we are working on:
Fish emulsion on new plantings.
Finish caging Tomato plants.
Row cover on North side of Bed #16 to
cover squash.
Weed!
Groom Tomato plants for suckers.
Thin Zinnias.
Plant and bed markers.
What we are planting:
Watermelon in Bed #25.
Eggplant on North side of Bed#14 (18” apart.)
Jalapeno Peppers on South side of Bed #14 (12” apart).
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saw some thick steaks in the garden!
Hoping that got the attention of the men...actually I need someone to "saw" some "stakes" to tie to the tomato cages. I left a pile of 2X2s and 1X4s on the picnic table to be cut into 1X2s. If you happen to get started before I get there, give me a call or email for more details. Thanks!
-Donna
-Donna
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Pass the peas please...
Hi all! Well I just couldn't stand it, so I stopped by the garden this evening in the rain (2" so far) and just had to check out how our garden was doing and to make sure that it hadn't completely flooded. I really thought that the growth, as a result of the rain, would be evident after the rain had stopped and the sun had come out. How exciting to see how much everything has grown in two days!! We have peas now (yay!!) and our broccoli is 2-3" wide. The lettuce is crazy as is the swiss chard. The mustard has flowered which is ok because it is so pretty..the collards are still available for picking. The cantaloupe has sprouted along with all the beans that were planted. The basil is ready to be picked and made into pesto (another yay!) I just love our garden! It IS good!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Saturday, May 15th in the garden
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
What we are working on:
Plant markers
Compost in prayer garden
“ in bulb garden
Begin building East perennial bed.
Shape Bed #14
Pine straw around fig and pear tree.
Fish emulsion on new plantings.
What we are planting:
Nasturtium down center of Bed #16.
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
What we are working on:
Plant markers
Compost in prayer garden
“ in bulb garden
Begin building East perennial bed.
Shape Bed #14
Pine straw around fig and pear tree.
Fish emulsion on new plantings.
What we are planting:
Nasturtium down center of Bed #16.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Garden is Looking Pretty
..with the peas and potatoes blossoming, peanuts, corn, and beans popping, and the greens are oh so green!! Here is what we will be working on this evening if it is not raining! -Donna
Wednesday, May 12th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
Swiss Chard
Onions
What we are working on:
- Add more compost to Bed #14 along the East side.
- Add compost to North side of Bed #16.
-Add approx. ½-1”compost to Perennial beds (outside in front of garden).
“ “ to grapevines on either side of arch opening.
“ “ to Bed #8 around onions and turnips.
- Cut/shape/install wire to secure drip tapes on beds.
- Stake trees and bb bushes where needed.
- Adjust netting on bb bushes.
- Mulch planted trees with grass clippings and pine straw.
What we are planting:
Bush beans in Bed #22 with corn.
Leeks on East side of Bed #21
Basil on sides of asparagus bed.
Herb seeds in North Herb Bed.
Zucchini and yellow squash in Bed #16.
Cantaloupe in Bed #13.
Nasturtium down center of Bed #16.
Fill in with soaked corn seeds in Bed #23 and 24.
Planting remaining trees.
It WILL be good!
Wednesday, May 12th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
Swiss Chard
Onions
What we are working on:
- Add more compost to Bed #14 along the East side.
- Add compost to North side of Bed #16.
-Add approx. ½-1”compost to Perennial beds (outside in front of garden).
“ “ to grapevines on either side of arch opening.
“ “ to Bed #8 around onions and turnips.
- Cut/shape/install wire to secure drip tapes on beds.
- Stake trees and bb bushes where needed.
- Adjust netting on bb bushes.
- Mulch planted trees with grass clippings and pine straw.
What we are planting:
Bush beans in Bed #22 with corn.
Leeks on East side of Bed #21
Basil on sides of asparagus bed.
Herb seeds in North Herb Bed.
Zucchini and yellow squash in Bed #16.
Cantaloupe in Bed #13.
Nasturtium down center of Bed #16.
Fill in with soaked corn seeds in Bed #23 and 24.
Planting remaining trees.
It WILL be good!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday in the Garden
Hi everyone. Hope you had a beautiful weekend. Thank you and many blessings to all our garden angels on Saturday! Can't wait until we can begin cutting flowers from our Cut Flower Garden and someday sipping lemonade under our shade trees!
Looking forward to playing in our garden this evening. Please let me know if you might be joining us:0)
Here is what we have planned...
Monday, May 10th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
Swiss Chard
Onions
What we are working on:
-Widen Bed# 14 to at least 45” ttl width using shovel and/or broadfork (if soil is not too hard) and add more compost.
-Add approx. ½-1”compost to Perennial beds (outside in front of garden).
“ “ to grapevines on either side of arch opening.
“ “ to Bed #8 around onions and turnips.
“ “ to Bed #26 (around garlic and beets).
Planting Cucumbers in tray.
Planting remaining trees.
Watering tomatoes with fish emulsion.
Water all recent plantings.
It WILL be good!
Looking forward to playing in our garden this evening. Please let me know if you might be joining us:0)
Here is what we have planned...
Monday, May 10th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
Swiss Chard
Onions
What we are working on:
-Widen Bed# 14 to at least 45” ttl width using shovel and/or broadfork (if soil is not too hard) and add more compost.
-Add approx. ½-1”compost to Perennial beds (outside in front of garden).
“ “ to grapevines on either side of arch opening.
“ “ to Bed #8 around onions and turnips.
“ “ to Bed #26 (around garlic and beets).
Planting Cucumbers in tray.
Planting remaining trees.
Watering tomatoes with fish emulsion.
Water all recent plantings.
It WILL be good!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Praying that it rains al day...
and stops around 5:30 tonight! If it does, this is what we will be working on in the garden and continue through the week...
- Side dress peas in Bed #'s 4 & 6 with compost.
- Widen Bed #14 with broadfork and add more compost.
- Spot cover open areas.
- Plant cucumbers in tray.
- Finish planting marigolds on ends of beds on South side.
- Plant seeds and plants in Medicinal Garden.
- Plant basil seeds in Herb Garden.
- Plant Leeks in North Herb Bed.
- Hunt for potato bugs and weeds.
- Plant trees where placed. Backfill dirt with added compost.
- Stake blueberry bushes where needed.
- Planting tomatoes in Bed #'s 2 and 3 (Wednesday).
- Cage in pea plants (Wednesday).
- Green bean tunnel in children's garden (Wednesday).
We are still harvesting LOTS of greens, herbs, spinach, and now onions. We have Mother's Day Flowers available still to "harvest" as last minute gifts! Choose from zinnias, dianthus, yellow daisy, snapdragon, and verbena (all in a variety of colors). $5.00 each or 5 for $20!
There is also a GAB meeting tonight at 7pm in the meeting room of Concord UMC. All garden members are invited to attend.
Thank you to all of our Saturday "planters" as well as all of our garden members for your help and continued support of our garden.
It WILL be good!
- Side dress peas in Bed #'s 4 & 6 with compost.
- Widen Bed #14 with broadfork and add more compost.
- Spot cover open areas.
- Plant cucumbers in tray.
- Finish planting marigolds on ends of beds on South side.
- Plant seeds and plants in Medicinal Garden.
- Plant basil seeds in Herb Garden.
- Plant Leeks in North Herb Bed.
- Hunt for potato bugs and weeds.
- Plant trees where placed. Backfill dirt with added compost.
- Stake blueberry bushes where needed.
- Planting tomatoes in Bed #'s 2 and 3 (Wednesday).
- Cage in pea plants (Wednesday).
- Green bean tunnel in children's garden (Wednesday).
We are still harvesting LOTS of greens, herbs, spinach, and now onions. We have Mother's Day Flowers available still to "harvest" as last minute gifts! Choose from zinnias, dianthus, yellow daisy, snapdragon, and verbena (all in a variety of colors). $5.00 each or 5 for $20!
There is also a GAB meeting tonight at 7pm in the meeting room of Concord UMC. All garden members are invited to attend.
Thank you to all of our Saturday "planters" as well as all of our garden members for your help and continued support of our garden.
It WILL be good!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Green Light (again?) in the Garden on Saturday
So glad we held off on our plantings the other night with the threat of a late season frost. We will try again for Saturday to get some summer transplants in and pray for no more frost scares! Basil, parsley, leeks, marigolds, calendula, rosemary, chives, tarragon, and lavender are leaving my porch and moving into the garden! We still have lots of fresh "greens" to pick, along with a few splashes of red (strawberries and radishes)!
Maybe join us for food and fun at the Haw River Festival in Saxapahaw after working in the garden. Our junior garden member Evie Becknell will be performing in dance under the direction of our new garden member Debbie Cook around 1:45 (Can't wait to see!) Also Rebecca Von Hoene and her husband will begin their new season of sales at the Farmer's Market and handing out our garden brochures as well(thanks Rebecca!).
You know...It WILL be good!!
Maybe join us for food and fun at the Haw River Festival in Saxapahaw after working in the garden. Our junior garden member Evie Becknell will be performing in dance under the direction of our new garden member Debbie Cook around 1:45 (Can't wait to see!) Also Rebecca Von Hoene and her husband will begin their new season of sales at the Farmer's Market and handing out our garden brochures as well(thanks Rebecca!).
You know...It WILL be good!!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Plantin's and Pickin's a Plenty Tonight!! and What Time Is Good For You?
As you know our garden hours are presently Monday and Wednesday 5:30-7:30; Friday and Saturday 9:00-Noon.
So what day/times are good for you? This is your garden and we want to be open and available for you when it is convenient for you. As a reminder, part of the membership "dues" is working in the garden (at least) one hour a week or 4 hours a month. We want to make this as easy as possible for everyone by scheduling available work hours that work for everyone. Please think about what "hour(s)" would be best for you to commit to (if possible) so that we can adjust our work day schedule accordingly. As mentioned in the past, it is very helpful in my planning of tasks for the day/week, to have a heads up of who will be visiting the garden for the scheduled work day/time. A note again for parents of our junior gardeners, that on Wednesday evenings, we are blessed to have Jessica Dean joining us in the garden to "oversee" their activities:0)
The joy and success of a community garden is made possible when we are gardening together in unity as a community! Many hands truly do make light work! Thank you to all of our 35 present family memberships' help and support. Your thoughts and time are so appreciated and I look forward to seeing all of you again soon in The Garden of Concord!
It WILL be good!
So what day/times are good for you? This is your garden and we want to be open and available for you when it is convenient for you. As a reminder, part of the membership "dues" is working in the garden (at least) one hour a week or 4 hours a month. We want to make this as easy as possible for everyone by scheduling available work hours that work for everyone. Please think about what "hour(s)" would be best for you to commit to (if possible) so that we can adjust our work day schedule accordingly. As mentioned in the past, it is very helpful in my planning of tasks for the day/week, to have a heads up of who will be visiting the garden for the scheduled work day/time. A note again for parents of our junior gardeners, that on Wednesday evenings, we are blessed to have Jessica Dean joining us in the garden to "oversee" their activities:0)
The joy and success of a community garden is made possible when we are gardening together in unity as a community! Many hands truly do make light work! Thank you to all of our 35 present family memberships' help and support. Your thoughts and time are so appreciated and I look forward to seeing all of you again soon in The Garden of Concord!
It WILL be good!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Saturday in the Garden
This past week, we planted a bunch of spider lillies in our bulb garden donated by Shirley Pierce from her garden and we have about 50 left to share. Thanks Shirley! We also planted some more onion sets in the strawberry bed donated by Robin Council. Thanks Robin! With the little bit of rain we had, everything in the garden is looking so fresh and pretty. Come check out the pea trellises that we have worked on (Thanks Cindy and Gretchen!)..too cool! There are some really big berries developing in the strawberry bed. The perennial herbs are incredible. The potatoes, brocolli, cauliflower, and brussels are all gaining speed. Radishes ready soon.
Preview for next week: Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes!
Saturday, April 24th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
Note: Instead of individually picking leaves like we did last year,
we are harvesting this time by using scissors and cutting
bunches at a time. We might have cut too low on Wednesday
so cut a bit higher.
What we are working on:
Finish adding compost to Bed#13.
Add compost to Bed #14.
Complete trellis on teepee by tying vertical pieces of twine on
bottom two horizontal strands in same pattern as above.
Work on planting trees where placed. Backfill dirt with added compost.
Spot cover open areas where grass has popped thru by pulling up and pulling over cardboard and straw. Add additional cardboard or newspaper with straw if needed.
**Extra Spider Lily bulbs (around 50) available to share in garage (Thanks Shirley Pierce!!)
Preview for next week: Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes!
Saturday, April 24th in the garden…
What we are harvesting:
Herbs (Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Sage)
Lettuce Mix
Collard/Mustard Mix
Note: Instead of individually picking leaves like we did last year,
we are harvesting this time by using scissors and cutting
bunches at a time. We might have cut too low on Wednesday
so cut a bit higher.
What we are working on:
Finish adding compost to Bed#13.
Add compost to Bed #14.
Complete trellis on teepee by tying vertical pieces of twine on
bottom two horizontal strands in same pattern as above.
Work on planting trees where placed. Backfill dirt with added compost.
Spot cover open areas where grass has popped thru by pulling up and pulling over cardboard and straw. Add additional cardboard or newspaper with straw if needed.
**Extra Spider Lily bulbs (around 50) available to share in garage (Thanks Shirley Pierce!!)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
"Oh Baby"
Lots of baby collard/mustard and salad greens to pick tonight! Yum yum!
Handwatering is crossed off the "to do" list with the needed rain received and hopefully the skies will clear a bit so we can get a couple of things done.
Don't forget the showing of Food, Inc. tonight on UNC TV at 9:00 pm.
It WILL be good!
Handwatering is crossed off the "to do" list with the needed rain received and hopefully the skies will clear a bit so we can get a couple of things done.
Don't forget the showing of Food, Inc. tonight on UNC TV at 9:00 pm.
It WILL be good!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Plantings this Week
This week we will be planting a big box full of Spider Lily bulbs (thanks Shirley!!), bunching onions, leeks, and some flowering trees (where's our "grunt workers"?!). We will also be working on (and figuring out how to!) build a tent trellis for the peas out of bamboo, as well as prepping (cutting), placing, and filling with soil, the wine barrels for plantings (another "man" job?).
On Wednesday (now dubbed "Kid's night in the garden") will be full of fun and activities for our junior members led by Jessica Dean (thanks again Jess!!).
All of our new plantings (the theme beds and blueberry bushes) need alot of handwatering so if you happen to be around and want to water them, that would be great (don't forget to turn off the electric fence..and back on:0)
We have also "planted" the announcement and order form for the Mother's Day Flower Sale to the members of our churches (Concord and Bethel). The flowers this year will be 4" begonias potted, wrapped, and ribboned for $5.00. This is our only fundraiser planned at this point so please share our sale with all your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Order forms can be picked up at the garden, Bethel UMC, and Concord UMC. I will send one by email with more details shortly.
On Wednesday (now dubbed "Kid's night in the garden") will be full of fun and activities for our junior members led by Jessica Dean (thanks again Jess!!).
All of our new plantings (the theme beds and blueberry bushes) need alot of handwatering so if you happen to be around and want to water them, that would be great (don't forget to turn off the electric fence..and back on:0)
We have also "planted" the announcement and order form for the Mother's Day Flower Sale to the members of our churches (Concord and Bethel). The flowers this year will be 4" begonias potted, wrapped, and ribboned for $5.00. This is our only fundraiser planned at this point so please share our sale with all your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Order forms can be picked up at the garden, Bethel UMC, and Concord UMC. I will send one by email with more details shortly.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wendesday in the Garden
Hope everyone is enjoying their week. This evening in the garden, we will be working on moving the tomatoes to larger living quarters for a short stay until their permanent residence; starting German Johnson tomatoes in a tray, feeding the peas, finishing up the walkways, and spraying a garlic/pepper mix around the asparagus bed (we are suppose to be sampling the asparagus and not the rabbits(?)!....hope it's not the groundhog from last year visiting again!) We have some brochures and info cards to work on as well...always something for everyone!!
Welcome to our new member Jessica Dean! One of the gifts she will be sharing in the garden will be her time spent entertaining the junior gardeners when they get tired of gardening. She will be regularly visiting every Wednesday to keep an eye on our little ones, play with them, read stories, etc. so we (adults and kids) can all enjoy fellowship and fun in the garden. Thank you Jessica!!
There is some spinach that can be harvested and we can begin picking some spring mix lettuce...yum yum! There is also an abundance of parsley and oregano that has sprung up from last year.
Looking forward to seeing some of you tonight. It WILL be good!
Welcome to our new member Jessica Dean! One of the gifts she will be sharing in the garden will be her time spent entertaining the junior gardeners when they get tired of gardening. She will be regularly visiting every Wednesday to keep an eye on our little ones, play with them, read stories, etc. so we (adults and kids) can all enjoy fellowship and fun in the garden. Thank you Jessica!!
There is some spinach that can be harvested and we can begin picking some spring mix lettuce...yum yum! There is also an abundance of parsley and oregano that has sprung up from last year.
Looking forward to seeing some of you tonight. It WILL be good!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Saturday in the Garden
We have had a great week in the garden with the many hands that have helped. This week we planted the broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, asparagus, more strawberries, more lettuce, radishes, and more carrots. All the tomato, pepper, eggplant, basil, and flower seedlings are doing great and repotted. The Easter egg radishes have popped up from the perfect planting performed last Saturday by the kids (great job!!)
Saturday we will begin building some of our theme beds focusing on the prayer garden, bulb garden, and cut flower garden with the help hopefully from the wonderully energetic kids with Crosswave. Lots of other fun things planned so please consider joining us for a beautiful and blessed morning in The Garden of Concord!
It WILL be good!
Saturday we will begin building some of our theme beds focusing on the prayer garden, bulb garden, and cut flower garden with the help hopefully from the wonderully energetic kids with Crosswave. Lots of other fun things planned so please consider joining us for a beautiful and blessed morning in The Garden of Concord!
It WILL be good!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Garden Is Growing!
Not only are our spring plantings in the ground and growing, but our membership is as well! Welcome Shirley Pierce, Sheila Kiliru, Mary Michael, Gretchen Becknell, Rebecca VonHoene, Debbie Cook, Aleisha Tickle, and Jeff Shepard! Several members have renewed their membership and we look forward to many more new and existing growers to plant and share their gifts of help, support, ideas, and fellowship in The Garden of Concord!
We have planted shell peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas, romaine and spring mix lettuces, asparagus, carrots, onions, garlic, beets, turnips, collards, mustard, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, potatoes, and strawberries. We have started in trays for later planting, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, herbs, and flowers. Regular updates of what we are working on, growing, and harvesting can be found on our blog http://www.thegardenofconcord.blogspot.com/
Please mark your calendars for a couple of garden events happening soon. On Saturday, April 17th, a local cub scout troop will be joining us in the garden to plant blueberry bushes, grapevines, and flowering trees along with other planting activities. We will be grilling up hotdogs to serve along with sides and drinks to the troop, their parents, leaders, and all garden members. More details will follow shortly to include a signup list for food.
We also will be having our Mother’s Day Flower sale again this year as a fundraiser for the garden. 4” wrapped potted plants will be pre-sold for $5.00 each with a gift card included. Order forms will be available soon along with details of the pickup date and site. Thank you in advance for your support and participation in these garden events.
Many material donations have been received over the past couple of weeks to include newspapers, straw, compost, pine needles, cow manure, cardboard, and of course, our awesome new broad fork! Your continued donations are appreciated to include yard décor pieces such as large pots (or any interesting container to plant flowers in), benches, picket fence sections, bird houses, small signs, etc. for our theme gardens. Monetary donations are always welcomed and needed!
We have completed the rebuilding and prepping of our existing vegetable beds and are now ready to plan, build, and plant our theme gardens for all to enjoy. Please let me know asap if you would be interested in managing one of these theme gardens which would involve the planning, planting, and care of the flowers as related to the particular garden. We have already marked out designated areas and will assist in the building and continued stages of the beds. We have several flower seeds to pick from to include some that have already been started in flats. The beds suggested so far include a prayer garden, butterfly garden, edible flower garden, medicinal garden, container garden, cut flower garden, bulb garden, and wedding garden. We are open to any other suggestions and ideas you may have! Remember, no green thumb is required in The Garden of Concord! We are learning and planting together!
The Garden Advisory Board has met several times over the past couple of months to brainstorm planting plans, events, fundraisers, grant research, and membership development. All members are always invited to attend these meetings. This is “your” garden and we value everyone’s thoughts, ideas, and concerns. The next GAB meeting is scheduled on April 12th at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of Concord UMC. We have been contacting other community gardens to get their ideas as well on the areas mentioned above. Generally, the success found by most in membership and fundraising has been by word of mouth and the donations from individuals within the garden, congregations, and the community.
Thank you for your continued help, support, and the sharing of the good news of our garden!
It WILL be good!
We have planted shell peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas, romaine and spring mix lettuces, asparagus, carrots, onions, garlic, beets, turnips, collards, mustard, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, potatoes, and strawberries. We have started in trays for later planting, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, herbs, and flowers. Regular updates of what we are working on, growing, and harvesting can be found on our blog http://www.thegardenofconcord.blogspot.com/
Please mark your calendars for a couple of garden events happening soon. On Saturday, April 17th, a local cub scout troop will be joining us in the garden to plant blueberry bushes, grapevines, and flowering trees along with other planting activities. We will be grilling up hotdogs to serve along with sides and drinks to the troop, their parents, leaders, and all garden members. More details will follow shortly to include a signup list for food.
We also will be having our Mother’s Day Flower sale again this year as a fundraiser for the garden. 4” wrapped potted plants will be pre-sold for $5.00 each with a gift card included. Order forms will be available soon along with details of the pickup date and site. Thank you in advance for your support and participation in these garden events.
Many material donations have been received over the past couple of weeks to include newspapers, straw, compost, pine needles, cow manure, cardboard, and of course, our awesome new broad fork! Your continued donations are appreciated to include yard décor pieces such as large pots (or any interesting container to plant flowers in), benches, picket fence sections, bird houses, small signs, etc. for our theme gardens. Monetary donations are always welcomed and needed!
We have completed the rebuilding and prepping of our existing vegetable beds and are now ready to plan, build, and plant our theme gardens for all to enjoy. Please let me know asap if you would be interested in managing one of these theme gardens which would involve the planning, planting, and care of the flowers as related to the particular garden. We have already marked out designated areas and will assist in the building and continued stages of the beds. We have several flower seeds to pick from to include some that have already been started in flats. The beds suggested so far include a prayer garden, butterfly garden, edible flower garden, medicinal garden, container garden, cut flower garden, bulb garden, and wedding garden. We are open to any other suggestions and ideas you may have! Remember, no green thumb is required in The Garden of Concord! We are learning and planting together!
The Garden Advisory Board has met several times over the past couple of months to brainstorm planting plans, events, fundraisers, grant research, and membership development. All members are always invited to attend these meetings. This is “your” garden and we value everyone’s thoughts, ideas, and concerns. The next GAB meeting is scheduled on April 12th at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of Concord UMC. We have been contacting other community gardens to get their ideas as well on the areas mentioned above. Generally, the success found by most in membership and fundraising has been by word of mouth and the donations from individuals within the garden, congregations, and the community.
Thank you for your continued help, support, and the sharing of the good news of our garden!
It WILL be good!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Join us for a FREE movie and popcorn!
This event is part of the "Where's Your Food From" Discussion/Film Series presented by Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro. Come early (6:00?)to join us for dinner! I'm looking forward to trying their hot/cold buffet (it looks delish!) They also have a great grilled chicken sandwich that I have tried-yum yum! A wonderful co-op to visit and shop at. I've contacted the owner and she is excited about our garden members attending and sharing our good news by displaying our brochures. Hope many of you will join us!
It WILL be good! -Donna
This Friday, March 26th at 6:30 PM
at the Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro (480 Hillsboro Street)
to see
"King Corn"
A feature documentary about
two friends,
one acre of corn,
and the subsidized crop
that drives our fast-food nation.
The movie is followed by a discussion
led by a panel of experts.
It WILL be good! -Donna
This Friday, March 26th at 6:30 PM
at the Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro (480 Hillsboro Street)
to see
"King Corn"
A feature documentary about
two friends,
one acre of corn,
and the subsidized crop
that drives our fast-food nation.
The movie is followed by a discussion
led by a panel of experts.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
No workday "morning" on Friday, March 19, 2010
Our first Friday workday "morning" has been cancelled for this week, but will resume next Friday from 9-Noon. We will be working in the garden as scheduled this Saturday from 9-Noon along with sharing our joy of the garden to potential new garden members at our Open House/Garden Tour.
It WILL be good!
It WILL be good!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
I"rish" we were planting potatoes tonight...
GREEN is in the forecast instead! Salad Greens and Collard/Mustard Greens are the planned plantings for this St. Patrick's Day evening in the garden. The potato plantings are postponed till Saturday so they can dry out some more. Hope to see many of you there. It WILL be good (and GREEN!)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Extra Hours of Daylight in the Garden
SO excited that our days will be longer and we have more time to spend in the garden! Tonight we will be planting carrots, beets, turnips, peas, and spinach. If you don't feel like getting your hands dirty and would like to take a nice walk (or drive) instead, we have some flyers that can be passed out to our neighbors inviting them to our open house/garden tour this Saturday. On Wednesday, we will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the garden while we plant Irish Potatoes. Go green! So glad to be growing again in our garden!
How great it was to see all of you we have missed while the garden was sleeping. We had several memberships renewed and also a very special new member join...Welcome Baby Brooke to the Garden of Concord! We had to unfortunately decline a membership..Petey the pup was not adhering to the rules of no walking on the beds or running in the garden!
Thank you everyone for your help today and continued support of our garden. New/Renewal Membership forms are now available. Please see me or Sally Brown to renew your membership for the 2010 season. The fee is still only $10.00 per year and additional donations are always welcomed and appreciated! Next Saturday, our open house and garden tour will continue as we pray for more sweets (thanks Sally!), nice weather, and new garden members. Remember to ask your friends and neighbors to "Come Grow With Us" and tell them that "It WILL be good!".
How great it was to see all of you we have missed while the garden was sleeping. We had several memberships renewed and also a very special new member join...Welcome Baby Brooke to the Garden of Concord! We had to unfortunately decline a membership..Petey the pup was not adhering to the rules of no walking on the beds or running in the garden!
Thank you everyone for your help today and continued support of our garden. New/Renewal Membership forms are now available. Please see me or Sally Brown to renew your membership for the 2010 season. The fee is still only $10.00 per year and additional donations are always welcomed and appreciated! Next Saturday, our open house and garden tour will continue as we pray for more sweets (thanks Sally!), nice weather, and new garden members. Remember to ask your friends and neighbors to "Come Grow With Us" and tell them that "It WILL be good!".
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Updated Garden Hours
Monday 5:30-7:30
Wednesday 5:30-7:30
Friday 9:00-Noon
Saturday 9:00-Noon
The garden is always open to pull weeds, pick herbs, or just breath and enjoy its beauty. Just make sure you turn the electric fence off (and back on!)
Wednesday 5:30-7:30
Friday 9:00-Noon
Saturday 9:00-Noon
The garden is always open to pull weeds, pick herbs, or just breath and enjoy its beauty. Just make sure you turn the electric fence off (and back on!)
Friday, March 5, 2010
Container Garden...
for a "Container Garden". While you are spring cleaning, be thinking of old pots and containers that would provide a good home for a lovely potted plant in our garden. Plastic pots, half barrels, old water tanks, oil drums, large tin cans, old boots, polystyrene fish boxes, old wheel barrow, wagon - if they can hold soil, we can adapt them. Just make sure the container is large enough to hold a good volume of soil (the bigger the better). It will be good! -Donna
New hours for working in the garden
Monday - Wednesday: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
To "dig" or not to "dig"...
...that is the question-that I have been working on! Because we had such great double diggers last year on the North side of the garden in addition to almost half of the total beds successfully cover cropped through the winter, it looks like we might be able to refrain from having to double dig all the beds and focus on only the ones that deep rooted vegetables will be planted in. We will also be utilizing a fun tool called the broadfork that is being loaned to us by another community garden. That should save some of our energy and efforts for maybe digging a couple new beds as theme gardens (ie. butterfly, edible flowers, cut flowers). Planning on spending a good part of the day tomorrow breathing in some fresh spring air in our garden! Hope to see some of you out there! It WILL be good! -Donna
Welcome to the Garden of Concord
"The Garden of Concord" is a community garden created on the grounds of Concord United Methodist Church in Eli Whitney, NC. Support for starting the garden has been provided by the Council of Ministries of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is a garden dedicated to the community, to be worked and shared by the community. No experience is necessary. We will learn and grow together. Membership is open to all people who want to work together to grow fresh, healthy organic fruits and vegetables.
Our Vision: To plant a garden. To work it. To provide a means for those in our community, both in and outside the church, to experience Christian fellowship, love, and joy through the sharing of our gifts and fruits of the garden. It will be good. (Gen 2) The garden (100' X 150') is a collective (not individual plots) community garden with (27) 25’X4’ wide raised beds at present. Operating under the basic principles of sustainable agriculture, our crops are grown without fertilizers or chemicals, relying instead on cover cropping, manure, and the compost we make ourselves. Initially the ground was plowed with a member’s tractor but now all ongoing and future tasks – carting manure, weeding, planting, etc. are done manually. We are striving to work and give back to the land as stewards of God’s creation.
Membership in the garden is $10 a year per family with a commitment of working 4 hours a month and a share of the harvest, with a portion donated to the local ministries of the church. Members of the garden and anyone else interested may contribute to the “feeding of the soil” by saving their kitchen waste in a lidded bucket and bringing it to the church weekly to add to the compost bin. The garden is always open “to be worked and taken care of”. We also have regularly scheduled workdays on Monday and Wednesdays 5pm-8pm and Saturday 9-Noon.
Presently we are growing a wide assortment of seasonal crops, cut flowers, perennials, and herbs. Our children’s garden area consists of a sunflower house, bean teepee, and pumpkins. We have a beehive, a grape arbor entry, picnic tables and a children’s play area for when they get tired of gardening! Future plans include a native plant area, wedding garden, pavilion, garden shed with greenhouse, vegetable and fruit perennials, “how to” workshops, youth group projects, and so much more.
Feel free anytime to stop by for a visit to take a look at the garden or for a guided tour, stop by during a scheduled “workday”. You can also contact Donna Poe (336 512-7434) donnalpoe@hotmail.com at anytime for more information about our garden.
We are especially interested in sharing and inviting to the garden, children and young people to observe, plant, and learn. We have kid-sized tools and play things for when they get tired of gardening. Parents, this is a great way to get your kids to try new veggies!
While we are growing good things to eat in the garden, we also seek to build community relationships. Periodically, we will have meals together, and will participate in other events outside of the garden several times a year. The garden is a wonderful place to meet new people, make friends, and share our celebrations and our concerns with each other.
We will be working to build relationships, encourage each other in our gardening efforts, and provide support for those interested in starting gardens in their own communities in Central North Carolina.
Come grow with us!
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