A New Gardening Project

by

As you can tell I love gardening.  There’s nothing more satisfying than going out on a nice day to dig in the dirt, transplant plants, pick tomatoes, or propagate plants.  That’s why when our local garden club took on a new project I was excited to offer my help.  I was tempted to volunteer as the coordinator for this effort but since I’m a relatively new member of the garden club I decided I should wait and see if someone else wanted to become the coordinator.  I waited and someone volunteered.  I went up afterward and offered to help however I could since I believe this project is a very worthwhile endeavor.  A week or so later an email from our club president was asking for someone else to take over since the original volunteer had to step aside. I sent an email offering to help and here I am now working on the project.  OK so now you’re probably wondering what the project is all about.

We all know the current state of our economy.  People have lost jobs and are continuing to lose jobs in all areas of the country. It affects us all to some extent even if you are still employed.  This project will help a few of these people.  In our area there is a group that cooks meals and provides food for families in need called The Well.  The volunteers are anticipating that there will be a sharp spike in the numbers of people who need help this year and decided to create a garden to help supplement the meals.  The garden isn’t going to replace the canned food they use or completely sustain their activities but it should reduce their expenses over time and increase the fresh produce that they can provide the people they are caring for. This year will be be trial run for the new garden and will grow with its success. 

They are beginning with a 50’x50′ plot of land and are planning on simple, easy to grow, and bountiful plants to help with their mission.  What is my role in all this?  To help with advice, planning, and ideas.  I’m really looking forward to it but it will be a challenge.  The funds for this project are limited and while various people have donated supplies and time to the garden project there will have to be things left out.  I’ll detail the process on the blog mixed in with my own gardening endeavors.  I hope that in these tough economic times we don’t sit around waiting for the government to help our communities when we have hands, heads, and hearts that can do the work much better.  

17 thoughts on “A New Gardening Project”

  2. Sounds like a wonderful project Dave! I’ll be looking forward to updates. As tough as the economy is these days, it’s so heartening to see communities coming together to pitch in and help each other.

  3. Sounds like a gracious gardening project Dave, I’m sure it’ll grow much love along with the veggies (and flowers). I’m wondering if you’ve heard of The Garden Writers Association’s “Plant A Row for the Hungry?” It’s very similar to what your gardening group is doing only you have many gardeners planting a row or two to share instead of everyone working on a single large plot. Anyway, I’m sure with you being a part of it, it can’t fail!

  6. Thanks Joy!

    Linda,

    I think it is very important to help out those around us. Even when money isn’t available to give there are quite a few things we can do, like gardening, that will help. In a way times of hardship can bring communities closer together.

    TC,

    I’ve heard of it but I haven’t participated. It’s a great program. I hope that everything goes well, thanks for the vote of confidence! 🙂

    Thanks Tina! If this year is a success hopefully it can expand to provide for more of the program.

    Thanks Jan! I’m pretty excited to be helping out. I’d like to see more and more people doing things like this or community gardens across the country. I think a trend is beginning!

  8. Dave, What a great project and easily duplicated in almost any city or town. You said it very well with these words…”when we have hands, heads, and hearts that can do the work much better.” Keep us updated Dave!

    Gail

  10. Hi Dave- this sounds like a very cool project. I recently became a member of the design committee for our new communtiy garden. I am not a professional but can grow my own food pretty well now and maybe I can help others to do the same.
    Good luck!
    -Heather

  13. I think that’s a great idea and how rewarding to be a part of it!!
    By the way I told my in-laws about the homemade greenhouse you showed on your blog recently and they’re all excited to try it with their grandson. I’m filing that idea for future use too!

  15. http://neil171281.blackapplehost.com/gardening/

    Welcome to Gardening And Your Garden — your comprehensive gardening resource. Our mission is to give you the facts you need about gardening — fast — so you can get on the road to taking action right away`.

    The Gardening And Your Garden website provides a ton of information about gardening. In addition, you will find extensive information on leading gardening to help you on your way to success.

    Please have a look at our gardening articles, products, resources, and additional information located throughout Gardening And Your Garden.

    We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to gardening that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

    And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our gardening website.

    Visit Now http://neil171281.blackapplehost.com/gardening/

  16. I also live in Spring Hill and volunteer with my kids at The Well every week. I found your blog because my wife and I are wanting to learn more about gardening and expand our tiny crops this year. So glad I discovered your blog and your involvement with the Well. If you need an extra (novice) hand or a donation of funds to do this project right, please get in touch.

    shaunfanmail AT bellsouth DOT net

    Thanks.

  17. Hi Shaun!

    I’m glad to hear from someone working at the Well as well! I’ll send you an email soon with what’s going on right now. We have a planning meeting with Arica next week. It will mostly be warm season crops due to timing issues but we can get a lot of mileage out of those veggies!

Comments are closed.