The last few weeks have been plagued by very unfavorable weather for gardeners. In spite of the weather, we here at Red Bird Mission decided to push on through the rain and conduct garden site visits.

We began our week with a volunteer nursing student from Malone University. She volunteered her time for a Cultural Studies class. We visited four sites for the purpose of garden planning and relationship building.

Red Bird Mission

Pastor Chuck Jack’s Cole Crops

Red Bird Mission

Pastor Chuck Jack’s Cole Crops

   One of our younger participant’s work has been a shining example of what Grow Appalachia stands for. Through his family’s hard work, he is on his way to becoming self-sufficient and marketing his produce.

Red Bird Mission

Brandon and Miranda’s Garden

Red Bird Mission

Brandon and Miranda’s Garden

Red Bird Mission

Brandon and Miranda’s Garden

  During the rainy days, we used our time to do our administrative work and contact our participants in preparation for the distribution of our summer transplants.

  In a race for time against the coming showers, and with the help of a volunteer, we finally broke ground at Central Presbyterian Church community garden. This group is made up inexperienced gardeners to include three adults and a youth group of 5-11 year old children. We are making plans to go to an upcoming Youth Group Meeting for the purpose of providing training on garden planting and care. This group is extremely excited about beginning their first growing season.

Red Bird Mission

Central Presbyterian Church

Red Bird Mission

Central Presbyterian Church

Red Bird Mission

Central Presbyterian Church

  With our week complete, we feel a sense of accomplishment. We didn’t let the weather hold us back, we worked around it and completed what needed to get done. That’s what gardening is all about.