It is so exciting to have the opportunity to host so many groups from different regions-. So far this summer we have have worked with groups from Kentucky, Boston, Pittsburgh and New Jersey. As I have mentioned in a previous blog, we are working towards completing a design that was completed several months ago by Landscape Architects Ingrid and Bruce Curry.
Each week that we have hosted volunteers we have gotten closer completion. Last week, the small group of 16 completed a majority of our raised gardening beds in the center of the garden, and finished some on the outside, which will act simultaneously as a boarder, and will provide a vast area for people to plant in. In the past week I have really been working to secure soil donations to help fill the beds. With so many boxes to fill, donated soil seems to be the only way. I have received confirmation from two farmers who live near the Tug river who will allow us to use a truck to pull onto their property and shovel dirt. Looks like THIS will be what the next groups will be doing! We hope to at least fill several in the upcoming weeks, so that community members can begin to plant their fall crops!
The start to our Arboretum and two long rows of raised gardening beds!
Volunteers help local farmers sell their product
Additionally, the group helped us to pull up several rows of plants that had gone to flower, which helped prepare our soil for fall crops. On Friday, the day before the market, the group helped to harvest peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, carrots and swiss chard. Soon our eggplants should be ready to be harvested, as well as many different herbs and several new varieties of peppers. At the market Saturday, we sold nearly all our tomatoes, and sold out of zucchini and cucumbers. Our market as a whole had another great day—and with our vendors at the peak of their season, they seem to be doing better and better each week.
This week– we will be tilling the soil that now has no plants in it, and will begin planting our next round of crops!
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