tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151868596648613562024-03-19T05:26:02.393-07:00Edgewood Community GardenSponsored by The Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profitAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-82628248685469920292015-03-23T16:15:00.002-07:002015-03-23T16:17:14.859-07:00Apply for a plot!<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.952941); border: 0px; color: #36312d; font-family: Enriqueta, georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 21.8181819915772px; margin-bottom: 2.4rem; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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To apply for a personal plot, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1664XVveEfRBSEmU2PdvWciEKrzLO2VqTvX3z5n69uCw/viewform" target="_blank"><strong>please click here to fill out the application</a></strong>.<br />
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Plots are available for a yearly membership fee of $50. To make sure the garden keeps growing, every plot holder will also be asked to spend 1 hour a month supporting the maintenance of the public gardens.<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-4202649264777457302014-07-28T09:05:00.002-07:002014-07-28T09:05:56.666-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zTZmeFe7Fk/U9Z0v0C1dcI/AAAAAAAAMhs/8H8UwL8I7SM/s1600/Edgewood+Community+Garden+August+16th.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zTZmeFe7Fk/U9Z0v0C1dcI/AAAAAAAAMhs/8H8UwL8I7SM/s1600/Edgewood+Community+Garden+August+16th.png" height="546" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-79698107290754014942014-07-01T17:08:00.001-07:002014-07-01T17:08:27.675-07:00HiatusDear community readers,<br />
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I'm sorry that it's been a couple of months since I've written about the garden. There were some ups and downs there where we couldn't say or write anything because the Department of Parks and Rec was determining the status of our Park Partnership Garden Agreement and that of Boston Academy's "Friends of" Agreement. There's a complicated history in Edgewood that I don't think even those involved (including myself) fully understand. This history is rooted in prejudices and bigotry - that can sometimes prevent us from working together on our common cause - the community.<br />
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Sometimes, not always. We're back on track. Both organizations (Boston Academy and Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center, Inc.) are back to doing good work for the Edgewood neighborhood.<br />
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And with that, let's get back to gardening. The garden looks beautiful. And whenever you're out there, please pick all of the yummy things that are growing out there! <br />
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What's growing in the garden? I'm glad you asked!<br />
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- Basil<br />
- Lettuce<br />
- Thyme<br />
- Parsley<br />
- Dill<br />
- Mint<br />
- Cucumbers<br />
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.....<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="4fabf5f1-7e1b-463b-800e-1c1611f1955e" id="d01e15f4-38f8-49f5-b924-0a19e347970a">.</span><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="4fabf5f1-7e1b-463b-800e-1c1611f1955e" id="fa74a5b8-cd53-40e0-ad7b-f2f40f1eab17">and</span> flowers to pick and display in your home!<br />
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Thank you for all of your support and interest in the garden. Check out the calendar for our upcoming events. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-49470948522994226192014-05-07T19:49:00.001-07:002014-05-07T19:49:20.440-07:00Warm thanks, and see you in the Edgewood garden!Thank you, everyone, for your words of support and donation of time and money in response to our recent news about the Edgewood Community Garden. Your support helped make the restoration of the garden a success. We came together with Edgewood residents and Howard students to build bridges between our communities on April 19th.<br />
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If you still want to donate to the garden, you can do so by following the instructions below. However, If can come out to the garden and lend a hand, we're going to do some planting and weeding on Saturday, May 24th from 3 pm to 5 pm. If you'd like to come out to the garden another time, please feel free to contact us at: <a href="mailto:karinbleeg@edgewooddc.org">karinbleeg@edgewooddc.org</a> and we'll introduce you to the garden when it's convenient for you.<br />
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You can donate to the garden by clicking on <a href="http://www.edgewooddc.org/" target="_blank">this link</a> and then locate the "Donate Now" button (please ensure that you include in your donation comment section "Edgewood Community Garden"). You can also send a check, written out to the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center, to:<br />
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Karin Bleeg<br />
PO BOX 25172<br />
Washington, DC 20027Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-3342059095279661742014-04-18T11:44:00.000-07:002014-04-18T11:44:08.218-07:00Join us TOMORROW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Join Howard University's Green Team, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chapter and other volunteers for </br>
<b>Restoration: The After Party</b> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPRMWLhpaXc/U1FxHwX_FyI/AAAAAAAAL-c/wZAXLC-xRjQ/s1600/Restoration_The+After+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPRMWLhpaXc/U1FxHwX_FyI/AAAAAAAAL-c/wZAXLC-xRjQ/s320/Restoration_The+After+Party.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-40198709239720098172014-04-14T10:02:00.000-07:002014-04-14T10:02:41.839-07:00GratefulnessWe would like to extend our sincerest apologies to anyone in the community (Howard University and Edgewood) who feels hurt by the words slung in the past 48 hours on social media on both sides of the issue. It is our hope that we can move forward together and build a stronger community together. <br />
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Please contact us if you're interested in joining Howard University students and Edgewood neighbors to restore the garden on Saturday, April 19th.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-70544113492844389772014-04-13T18:45:00.000-07:002014-04-13T18:45:15.133-07:00Sad news about the Edgewood garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-io7Ei0C6ifw/U0s30F9JFcI/AAAAAAAAL6U/6P5bzGwrKOE/s1600/IMG_4490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-io7Ei0C6ifw/U0s30F9JFcI/AAAAAAAAL6U/6P5bzGwrKOE/s320/IMG_4490.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZBFxAEv1bg/U0s31rlad9I/AAAAAAAAL6k/8C7mkxQcIX0/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
Approximately 40 volunteers gathered yesterday at our annual spring planting at the Edgewood Community Garden located on the grounds of DC Parks and Recreation, Edgewood Recreation Center. Upon finishing, we had cleaned the entire picnic area, planted, and covered our 10 raised garden beds. Pictures of the garden planting and clean up are included.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-JgrRPgszY/U0s3pyCwZFI/AAAAAAAAL58/0AI4VigtUMc/s1600/DND+Flyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-JgrRPgszY/U0s3pyCwZFI/AAAAAAAAL58/0AI4VigtUMc/s320/DND+Flyer.png" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-JgrRPgszY/U0s3pyCwZFI/AAAAAAAAL58/0AI4VigtUMc/s1600/DND+Flyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT7GnsNp8a0/U0s3p_oTtvI/AAAAAAAAL54/9wQJkys9POc/s1600/Howard+U+party.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT7GnsNp8a0/U0s3p_oTtvI/AAAAAAAAL54/9wQJkys9POc/s1600/Howard+U+party.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT7GnsNp8a0/U0s3p_oTtvI/AAAAAAAAL54/9wQJkys9POc/s1600/Howard+U+party.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT7GnsNp8a0/U0s3p_oTtvI/AAAAAAAAL54/9wQJkys9POc/s320/Howard+U+party.png" /></a><br />
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Around 3pm that day, college aged students external to the Edgewood community started to arrive at the picnic and garden area for the popularly advertised Dreams Never Die (DND) organization that was established by Howard University (HU) students (but in no way affiliated or supported by HU) "DRANKNIX II" <i>party cause we down for whatever food, drinks and <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ab736436-a690-440b-83f8-305b83034677" id="64b5e340-53a3-4fc9-849b-6c5f9f2f360a">lio</span> provided party</i>. Approximately 500-700 people came to this party and trampled on our garden beds and left the premises trashed and damaged. Pictures of the party and the condition the site was left as of this morning are included in this email as well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaZUOz5gK58/U0s30Q6dgFI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/3f0qHxHSTyw/s1600/IMG_4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaZUOz5gK58/U0s30Q6dgFI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/3f0qHxHSTyw/s1600/IMG_4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaZUOz5gK58/U0s30Q6dgFI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/3f0qHxHSTyw/s1600/IMG_4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaZUOz5gK58/U0s30Q6dgFI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/3f0qHxHSTyw/s1600/IMG_4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaZUOz5gK58/U0s30Q6dgFI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/3f0qHxHSTyw/s320/IMG_4508.jpg" /></a><br />
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We are asking for your assistance to help restore the garden. Considering that the garden is free and open to the public, we rely on generous donation from private individuals to sustain our efforts. We had available and spent nearly $400 for this growing season. We want to restore the garden, but we do not have any more money to replace the flowers, seeds and seedlings we lost.<br />
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Please consider donating any amount (even $5 will go a long way!) you can today so we can begin planning for our restoration event. Your gift is tax-deductible and will be of great help in taking the next steps to restore and beautify the area again.
You can donate to the garden by clicking on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.edgewooddc.org" target="_blank">this link</a> (www.edgewooddc.org) and then locate the "Donate Now" button (please ensure that you include in your donation comment section "Edgewood Community Garden"). You can also send a check, that is written out to the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center, <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="d1b50d26-cf23-4698-94cb-f18dd8f701de" id="ef511188-60c2-4b33-ad43-5061fd69b201">to</span>:<br />
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Karin Bleeg<br />
PO BOX 25172<br />
Washington, DC 20027<br />
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Thank you for all of your supportive emails, phone calls, Facebook posts and positive energy you're sending our way now, but most of all for all you have given us since the beginning of this adventure.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-3223906453616678062014-04-04T11:37:00.000-07:002014-04-04T11:37:08.213-07:00Kick Off the Spring Season at the Edgewood Community Garden on April 12th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5mX2Hu1zWs/Uz77gVu7g-I/AAAAAAAALTU/XczNlls2gpI/s1600/2014+Edgewood+Community+Garden+Flyer+Front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5mX2Hu1zWs/Uz77gVu7g-I/AAAAAAAALTU/XczNlls2gpI/s1600/2014+Edgewood+Community+Garden+Flyer+Front.png" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-80606411761151214892014-03-30T13:08:00.001-07:002014-03-30T13:08:07.200-07:00Gardens beds are resting until April 12th<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ_NS7rYtqs/Uzh4zB1TTqI/AAAAAAAALSQ/Q6gEkcyvylc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ_NS7rYtqs/Uzh4zB1TTqI/AAAAAAAALSQ/Q6gEkcyvylc/s320/photo+1.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y94ZKj8hxo/Uzh4zi4va1I/AAAAAAAALSU/6P8kd0TT0gw/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y94ZKj8hxo/Uzh4zi4va1I/AAAAAAAALSU/6P8kd0TT0gw/s320/photo+2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6GZj45ct4g/Uzh4zYli1yI/AAAAAAAALSY/EO0PRBx023g/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6GZj45ct4g/Uzh4zYli1yI/AAAAAAAALSY/EO0PRBx023g/s320/photo+3.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OW9jplTlvkc/Uzh40X2CW5I/AAAAAAAALSg/QJuBQhiLeQ4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OW9jplTlvkc/Uzh40X2CW5I/AAAAAAAALSg/QJuBQhiLeQ4/s320/photo+4.JPG" /></a><br />
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We are hoping to turn the beds one more time before the annual planting day on Saturday, April 12th. Is anyone available for an hour or 2 next weekend? (April 6th)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-89228024828653055882014-03-28T05:42:00.002-07:002014-03-28T05:42:43.435-07:00See you in the garden!So begins our 3rd growing season. I believe everyone can agree with me that this winter has lasted too long and we're ready for any and all signs of spring, even including rain (anything but snow). I am here to let you know that the hope of spring has arrived! With temperatures rising into the 60s and weather reports absent of snow - the land is ready to be worked again.
Join us on Saturday, April 12th at 10:30 am to clean the garden beds, plant and build trellises to support cucumbers, squash and tomatoes. So, should you want to sit back and socialize, build or plant something, or simply get your hands dirty and smile - come on by and say hi.
See you in the garden!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-31806795824151206522014-03-08T23:36:00.001-08:002014-03-08T23:36:59.474-08:00Spring forward!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
We are busy planning for the
annual planting day at the Edgewood community garden day that will take place
on Saturday, April 12<sup>th</sup> from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The community garden is free and open to
Edgewood neighbors and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plant
vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the past, we have grown:</div>
· Pumpkin<br />
· Squash<br />
· Peas<br />
· Green Beans<br />
· Watermelon<br />
· Tomatoes<br />
· Thyme<br />
· Basil<br />
· Kale<br />
· Broccoli<br />
· Arugula<br />
· Garlic<br />
· Onions<br />
· Peppers<br />
· Corn<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And
more varieties to come!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The Edgewood garden team found ourselves discouraged by the
perceived constant vandalism we saw in 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, we feel encouraged for 2014’s harvest season because we have
connected with more people in the neighborhood, including the residents of
Edgewood Terrace, and learned <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="e2d10dc2-2a86-47f5-b46d-d5b216b65e52" id="5bf19e16-75e5-4525-80e6-53cea6e3bfb3">from others some</span> ways to deter vandalism for the
coming year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the best ingredient
to do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit the garden as often as
possible!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more the traffic to the
garden, the more people will see that people are active in this endeavor. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We will expand the community garden from 10 to 11 plots,
DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will replace the mulch like soil
in the tall-standing raised beds with more appropriate soil, we are busily
applying for funding to purchase a tool shed so <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="2f62686f-8b4d-4275-9dcb-59a20f31df82" id="7d553f8e-4398-4dda-90a6-cdb95de1f9e4">our</span> gardeners have access to
the tools they need any time they want to harvest, weed and dig in the dirt, and
DPR might have a <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="2f62686f-8b4d-4275-9dcb-59a20f31df82" id="d8db17ff-6800-4a49-b31d-5c78f475c1ba">composter</span> to give to us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are so many things to look forward to in the 2014 garden season
and most of all, we look forward to sharing this new harvest season with new
and old friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-79392038728170521432014-02-24T07:53:00.002-08:002014-02-24T07:53:40.473-08:00Volunteer!<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.49100112915039px; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">
We welcome interested individuals to join us to volunteer in the garden. Come once to try it out or come regularly - volunteers are invited to roll up their sleeves and join in!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.49100112915039px; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">
Garden work varies almost as much as the weather and as a Drop-In Volunteer, you may be asked to do anything from planting seeds, weeding and watering, to painting or building. Our team is always available to offer guidance and answer questions along the way.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 22.49100112915039px; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">If you're interested in finding out more about volunteering in the garden, contact Karin at:</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;"> </span><a href="mailto:karinbleeg@edgewooddc.org" style="color: #1155cc; line-height: normal;">karinbleeg@edgewooddc.org</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-40869383431672681502013-04-11T16:34:00.001-07:002013-04-11T16:34:53.016-07:00Spring is HERE!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szCZOpuIs3o/UWc7G3QWecI/AAAAAAAAE94/mDICbVIKjT4/s1600/IMG_2548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szCZOpuIs3o/UWc7G3QWecI/AAAAAAAAE94/mDICbVIKjT4/s400/IMG_2548.JPG" width="400" /></a><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>I haven't visited the garden in a while and not for any particular reason, only I probably formed some sort of fatalistic attitude that there was nothing in the garden worth seeing....<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9ca04abb-e324-4cd5-911c-577cd5c624d4" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c30da6c0-4908-4c09-b241-b46827ad42b5" grcontextid=".:0">.</span>DUMB. When I arrived there, I was immediately welcomed by the blooming <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="e88a2afa-141d-4721-b4a4-9a2fc6184639" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0631c5cf-cb39-4556-ac0a-dccec9e5e101" grcontextid="hycianths:0">hycianths</span> we had planted as only bulbs, ugly bulbs, in October! <br />
<br />
This welcome got me excited and energized for the new season to come on Saturday, April 27th. If you aren't on our mailing list, feel free to <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bf3d1fa8-e4cc-46a8-9157-02ad6ed9c850" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="772f3c0d-17f5-4bb4-947d-fd0083446de9" grcontextid="e-mail:0">e-mail</span> <a href="mailto:karinbleeg@edgewooddc.org">karinbleeg@edgewooddc.org</a> and I will add you to the list and then, you can be informed of future garden events! Our goal this year will be to have on-going programming for those interested in gardening, community fun and any other activity that you feel is important and want to do. To that end, we will also be distributing an activity calendar at the April 27th Planting Day and it will be posted on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EdgewoodGardenDC5?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. We look forward to seeing both old and new faces on the 27th! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wVYNyYrDTs/UWdIP8N5YFI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ih4_aNyotXc/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wVYNyYrDTs/UWdIP8N5YFI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ih4_aNyotXc/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wVYNyYrDTs/UWdIP8N5YFI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ih4_aNyotXc/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wVYNyYrDTs/UWdIP8N5YFI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ih4_aNyotXc/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wVYNyYrDTs/UWdIP8N5YFI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ih4_aNyotXc/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wVYNyYrDTs/UWdIP8N5YFI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ih4_aNyotXc/s320/IMG_2549.JPG" width="320" /></a>I miss gardening. I have discovered that gardening is the perfect metaphor for life in general - you cannot control what will or will not grow. I have discovered recently even when you think that tree won't grow any leaves and grow bigger and fuller next year, it comes back - you'll see the growth. That hydrangea you haven't seen in almost a year? Yup, it comes back. Just have faith. Faith and patience. Oh, and don't cut back too much or really, don't try to assume you know how to control the outcome at any point...at least for me, the novice gardener, I try to reach out to a lot of people and blogs and books to figure out what I have been doing wrong and what I could be doing better, or simply, improving. It isn't all doom and gloom in the garden - it isn't a prize you win or lose - just go take a look outside at some of the sprouts - small or big - are coming out of your plant or soil this very instant! It is MAGIC. Whether or not that sprout turns into something more - it's something - take the time to appreciate all that it took for that seed to push out of its shell and push up through the soil for you to actually see it?! That is magic. To me, it is amazing that anything can grow under such weight of soil/water and the pressure from the world that wants you to produce something, anything. <br />
<br />
Remember this year - whether it is hot, cold, wet - growth will come - metaphorically or not. Just take a look at this <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2beb5660-1c6a-447d-a884-3b4fdf7bede0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="374a30eb-6a6d-4709-aa71-d815d3aa4b24" grcontextid="motherload:0">motherload</span> of goodies I grabbed a week ago! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-42670388347797961102013-03-31T06:31:00.000-07:002013-03-31T06:31:13.422-07:00Community and Food<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been thinking about food and politics lately and who can really help it - election year, politics and living in this town, go together like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As of 2010, DC has 36 community gardens and according to the Neighborhood Farm Initiative's database, that number has risen to: (insert number when Jill sends this to me). Mayor Vincent Grey announced a "Sustainable DC" initiative in 2011, that would focus on improving various environmental issues in our area within "one generation", 20 years. One of the Mayor's goals is: to increase the percentage of food consumed by DC residents, to be produced within a 100 mile radius to 25% by 2015. A report was supposed to be released spring 2012 by the DC government to outline their goals to reach their goals, based upon the meetings they held with community members and groups since announcing the initiative. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">However, to date, a report has not been released. In fact, there are several examples of there being more talk, than action. Last spring, there was a call by the DC government's green initiative for proposals to fund efforts to increase local food production. What is the status on that? *birds chirping* Further, if you visit the Department of Parks and Recreation, you'll find information on programs and services they offer to create community gardens; their website reads, "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2e2e2e; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The DPR Community Gardens Program seeks to give DC residents the skills and opportunities to develop urban gardens in their area"</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I searched for a link to such programs and I could not find a single one. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2e2e2e; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2e2e2e; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am particularly troubled by DPR's use of words such as, "to give skills and opportunities" because while my friend and I began our efforts in starting a community garden in the Edgewood neighborhood earlier this year, we were not given much support. In fact, when we submitted out application to DPR for a permit to install a community garden, it was rejected. Our goal in starting this was to insert access to locally grown and organic vegetables and fruits to the Edgewood neighbors for free. When we submitted our application, the area was considered a food desert. Based upon the Mayor's initiative to increase local food production and DPR's mission to provide skills to develop such opportunities, it was surprising that we received an immediate rejection. However, after some nifty letter writing to DC government officials, we were able to move forward. </span></span><br />
<br />
My point in calling out DPR is not to belittle their own pressures they experience every day. My point is, when we received our rejection, we did not receive any suggestions in how to resolve the reason why we were rejected: water access. If we were given support and assistance in that moment, we would not have lost time in planning for the community garden - its programs, engaging the community. And most of all, if there was a a clear step-by-step guide on the paperwork needed for a permit to begin an urban farm/community garden and a liaison between those interested in starting these gardens and the Mayor's office and DPR to answer any questions or concerns, so we may submit a successful application and decrease the administrative time spent on resolving any issues found. Also, it would behoove the Mayor's office to provide a resource center that provided funding options and gardening, networking with area community gardeners, etc. in order to achieve one of the DC FEED Act's goals, "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">to improve access to healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods".</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm grateful that there are written and approved policies in support of increasing access to locally produced produce, but the support system needs to be put in place to make this a reality in the time period the Mayor has established - 2015. That's 2 years away. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-8522138116221437742013-03-31T06:30:00.001-07:002013-03-31T06:48:38.427-07:00Spring Forward and GROW<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>"Like a seed we must plant HOPE and let the sun, soil, rain and time work <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="81d08243-0832-42e8-9e55-02e60473a9cb" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a8cb51cf-2d57-43b0-836f-b96b34f12a28" grcontextid="it's:0">its</span> processes...we don't know how the harvest will be, but we persevere and adjust as the plant and our lives GROW."<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
~ Mark James Ventrillo</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d5d50648-0f3a-456e-9778-ee81a2868a18" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e6cd68fd-4372-4b6a-9b34-ba135834b467" grcontextid="my:0">my</span> best friend mark said this to me one day a few weeks ago when <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a4a418b0-3b34-4467-a727-2a559912d7ed" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e6cd68fd-4372-4b6a-9b34-ba135834b467" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> was struggling with some revelations <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="93868e04-625f-4f61-bd3e-f3dd7157a219" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e6cd68fd-4372-4b6a-9b34-ba135834b467" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> had made and yearning for a solution immediately. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="8bf75762-e5c1-47d0-92cd-4a8360005048" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e367261c-f553-46de-84f5-78479ff412f9" grcontextid="with:0">with</span> the iPhone <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b964b63f-3133-446a-8060-fc7becfdb0b3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e367261c-f553-46de-84f5-78479ff412f9" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> can take a picture of anything that is currently <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ef37dcbf-14c6-42eb-96fc-74eb88489071" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e367261c-f553-46de-84f5-78479ff412f9" grcontextid="in view on my:2">in view on my</span> screen, so I took a photo of his text and now, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bef99ed5-ee13-49e8-b65e-f7ede7707838" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e367261c-f553-46de-84f5-78479ff412f9" grcontextid="i:3">i</span> see every time <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="59562ba7-4d5f-47d2-890c-6c09250a4ee0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e367261c-f553-46de-84f5-78479ff412f9" grcontextid="i:4">i</span> want to "unlock" my phone, to use my phone. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="03b696b7-5bfc-4c79-828e-8a839ecc756f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3ee70918-c9db-4527-a466-96497a65bd0d" grcontextid="and:0">and</span> when <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ebac6888-ccf6-461f-b206-246db51b0510" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3ee70918-c9db-4527-a466-96497a65bd0d" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> need a reminder, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ad31fcde-a205-4ad8-b31f-511fb49dd072" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3ee70918-c9db-4527-a466-96497a65bd0d" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> simply press a button and <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0b2f6228-b09c-49d3-b77f-1a63493c3318" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3ee70918-c9db-4527-a466-96497a65bd0d" grcontextid="i:3">i</span> remember.<br />
<br />
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="523b7a37-cbef-4226-8f7e-b5851039e2bf" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7547ccc1-7b03-44a8-9fa7-8ba7e0c90d3a" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> planted hydrangeas on Easter last year and I struggled with keeping them alive; that was my first year at gardening solo. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="988268d5-9ee6-4749-818d-c118b6a3b48e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="aa0afbd1-cc3e-437a-a6af-1a422893db47" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> had no clue what <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="554df755-7426-4615-a573-979e660eba77" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="aa0afbd1-cc3e-437a-a6af-1a422893db47" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> was doing, but <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bd5f18fc-5fa3-4db9-be49-973c261f9285" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="aa0afbd1-cc3e-437a-a6af-1a422893db47" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> googled and <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="fa739cec-4afa-4b05-9741-259d50015f66" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="aa0afbd1-cc3e-437a-a6af-1a422893db47" grcontextid="i:3">i</span> asked others for help in how to keep my plants grow. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="faee6d73-bdc2-4bfc-99c8-cbd923d85483" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="703d911e-387c-443b-86e5-2d7d80ccbd40" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> was told hydrangeas like lots of water and to remember its <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="7697b9ca-43a1-4216-a371-c618954cf8ac" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="703d911e-387c-443b-86e5-2d7d80ccbd40" grcontextid="greek:1">greek</span> origins - <i><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bacaeb09-968c-453c-bc5a-d816f8dea2a4" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="703d911e-387c-443b-86e5-2d7d80ccbd40" grcontextid="hydor:2">hydor</span></i> meaning water and <i><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="910ec12e-2669-4049-8c60-071aab772622" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="703d911e-387c-443b-86e5-2d7d80ccbd40" grcontextid="angos:3">angos</span></i> meaning jar or vessel. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="89adc9d4-bb02-43f7-b274-57e81e61505a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="771ad619-8d5c-42fd-b8ad-bfe387e31da7" grcontextid="hydrangeas:0">hydrangeas</span> love to be showered in water - it's petals adore it. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9976c67a-6c8c-4750-ad6b-13ddcf29a57d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6352e051-4cc4-41fc-8e5e-74a72f8726d1" grcontextid="well:0">well</span>, not only was it my first year in gardening, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="38a99082-6243-4fd4-b226-466cc85e4a62" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6352e051-4cc4-41fc-8e5e-74a72f8726d1" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> was learning how to garden in a city that was built <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="404bb085-09a0-43bb-9c17-fc57dd90d05a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6352e051-4cc4-41fc-8e5e-74a72f8726d1" grcontextid="on:2">on</span> the swamp and is boiling hot in the summer - how is anyone or anything supposed to be expected to grow in this type of climate? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="95531a82-34f4-450c-ae57-227708361045" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7dddce57-79a9-4f9f-88b1-e772055652e0" grcontextid="at:0">at</span> some point, the hydrangea was done blossoming, growing and I was sure <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a29ff6c1-5998-4114-83a0-796d854af0e8" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7dddce57-79a9-4f9f-88b1-e772055652e0" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> would never see it bloom again, but just in case it did, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b36b705a-d2a5-4c3a-88e3-be4bc5e2a18d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7dddce57-79a9-4f9f-88b1-e772055652e0" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> only trimmed them back and hoped <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="7c448e41-b598-4928-baab-2f1010ef5285" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7dddce57-79a9-4f9f-88b1-e772055652e0" grcontextid="i:3">i</span> hadn't killed it, but really, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0d1095c1-ad63-49be-8571-7de9aec40b0d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7dddce57-79a9-4f9f-88b1-e772055652e0" grcontextid="i:4">i</span> thought <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a9f5a15e-5486-4909-8786-930b778cbb5d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7dddce57-79a9-4f9f-88b1-e772055652e0" grcontextid="i:5">i</span> killed it and <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5325c32e-9102-429c-bcb3-7ea400a880e9" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7dddce57-79a9-4f9f-88b1-e772055652e0" grcontextid="i:6">i</span> was only keeping some dead branches in a pot.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-T_A-y_Mi3wfbhfc3zwScbETb2SovDB4C06GUR_mK-qQIE3a3QmZSGMhnkp4UPccTu3pcUXIPfqfOU1UVtEHJhrQ_PKAWcK36a7iWtnTG-ImAU604oxinGHfldecJgj67tluPWqDveQ/s1600/IMG_2516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-T_A-y_Mi3wfbhfc3zwScbETb2SovDB4C06GUR_mK-qQIE3a3QmZSGMhnkp4UPccTu3pcUXIPfqfOU1UVtEHJhrQ_PKAWcK36a7iWtnTG-ImAU604oxinGHfldecJgj67tluPWqDveQ/s320/IMG_2516.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="728f15f7-3fec-4d53-9d2b-b6a1468a055a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e178c27e-c96a-45ba-bc65-461828458d62" grcontextid="hydragea:0">hydragea</span> <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="702d12d2-64d6-42a0-b870-700cfc7261fb" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e178c27e-c96a-45ba-bc65-461828458d62" grcontextid="coming:1">coming</span> back!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c14a4c51-0930-4e9e-8492-84f07c3e16b5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8014fcf4-55ac-49c7-9acf-eab48c56ba16" grcontextid="well:0">well</span>, about 2 weeks ago, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b6ffb94e-a904-4f90-baf4-2e4611f7ebb8" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8014fcf4-55ac-49c7-9acf-eab48c56ba16" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> discovered that <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="950732a1-1bc9-49e0-94ce-4390c7fe9e03" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8014fcf4-55ac-49c7-9acf-eab48c56ba16" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> didn't kill my hydrangea plant! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a38ccc91-cb53-4e82-91a9-f1eac2d59d4f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0fff7808-a0fc-4b40-8886-475c4da2081b" grcontextid="look:0">look</span>, and you'll see, buds are growing. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="43a2b43a-743f-458c-a733-fa201c97b00a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="18cf86e4-b486-490e-bfa5-b647956365b4" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> didn't kill the hydrangea plant! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="7e95eae7-446a-4563-9f41-378993197417" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c021e9c5-e730-4fa0-8ce7-6480341d93e7" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> planted hope, kept the plant there, continuing to water it, waiting and hoping, and when <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="641db1bb-bc45-4f9a-b0aa-0cb81296ad6a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c021e9c5-e730-4fa0-8ce7-6480341d93e7" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> least expected it, growth appeared again! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0613eebb-a9b3-4038-b352-3d2efbda704b" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4d59fc9c-1628-4ffb-9a47-251b0409a608" grcontextid="i:0">i</span>'ve been completely fascinated by this plant ever since <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="720805f4-94a7-4365-b9ba-b184d6a6b80a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4d59fc9c-1628-4ffb-9a47-251b0409a608" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> noticed its first growth.<br />
<br />
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c34e4cf6-6c63-404a-b367-0e2a3c20348e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="9256bfe4-08a5-4424-90dc-e6e05784ea3e" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> feel like <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9c361881-aa0f-467d-b8ad-4737cbcae2a2" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="9256bfe4-08a5-4424-90dc-e6e05784ea3e" grcontextid="i:1">i</span>'ve learned more from gardening than <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="70a7a884-7352-4006-8f70-5f95b2632f16" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="9256bfe4-08a5-4424-90dc-e6e05784ea3e" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> ever expected. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b40d8735-c350-428e-9e87-c40dac15235c" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0c3428f3-b974-42dc-b0a6-b0143d2ad81b" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> used to dislike gardening. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="fef7df73-def8-4295-bc73-766cc03a1cc5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d5563de8-7a3d-4a34-b907-7549962fdfaa" grcontextid="my:0">my</span> father would make me go outside when all <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ef430641-6379-423a-84ad-658f3e93b238" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d5563de8-7a3d-4a34-b907-7549962fdfaa" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> wanted to do was stay inside and watch television or play video games as a child and most of all, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bea82ce6-9ba5-4051-a19d-bedf429ca8fe" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d5563de8-7a3d-4a34-b907-7549962fdfaa" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> hated getting my hands in the dirt and seeing all those gross worms and anything else I might find in the ground. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="76119244-d6ba-480d-9be2-af93cdec276a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d4b8597b-0087-4146-a7ce-9abfa5dd2ed8" grcontextid="now:0">now</span>, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="014693f8-b7c7-4b0a-a21d-d4f0409d06ac" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d4b8597b-0087-4146-a7ce-9abfa5dd2ed8" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> understand that everything has a purpose in the cycle that is growing plants. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="fc379f63-cfcb-4142-ba5b-bf012ae2ca9f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8404963d-c392-4407-82d9-4b26d0a45255" grcontextid="worms:0">worms</span> are really good for the soil and even though they look really slimy and gross, they help increase air and water getting into the soil, and when they eat, they leave behind castings that are a valuable fertilizer. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9b8f5311-2758-4a50-9896-ba388b9316e6" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="bb7f3daf-eca0-49a7-9e87-eaf6cbd86e34" grcontextid="worms:0">worms</span> = healthy soil. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="dba6c88e-f61a-4608-abe3-0b4173d1d363" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3feb2975-d61e-412a-9731-1706a82bed7a" grcontextid="who:0">who</span> knew? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3008b429-1e57-40e9-bb65-3118b4843e94" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8940aad9-7061-4909-90d8-10196d9ea861" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> didn't know something so ugly could be so good!<br />
<br />
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a0b66f85-88d3-41c2-862a-0d559d1b4bca" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c5ea5e3d-3d61-48f8-add4-7a548edfcdcd" grcontextid="and:0">and</span> guess what? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="6bb4dee0-dd2c-45b8-9bf7-ffcfaabd2dd3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3574991e-c470-4adb-839a-526c44b1fb95" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> have a love of bees now. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="bbfdba38-b038-4ac4-8f7e-d5370ae81f35" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="2b321ec3-2cc6-4e0d-b8d0-43e4dc7def25" grcontextid="not:0">not</span> only do <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="8cd4bf99-bdfc-4886-ae53-e71c8ae35174" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="2b321ec3-2cc6-4e0d-b8d0-43e4dc7def25" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> plant vegetables in my garden, but native flowers that are known to attract bees, and they will in turn, fertilize plants - like tomatoes, they don't just do it on their own, they need to be fertilized, they need bees! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="1b0ea5f4-a42d-46f5-8563-e5e094a7e2aa" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="443800d1-bcda-44bc-ba1a-f20cc636943c" grcontextid="and:0">and</span> birds, they're helpful too. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="243ae325-d340-4ec8-bd88-7a2c09cb62e8" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="399a0715-fcaa-4a4e-9f36-ad8060ce3207" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> developed an aversion to birds some years ago, but now, they're so important - they bring seeds from your plants, to other places as well.<br />
<br />
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="18674384-4fad-42bd-8a9f-d94efd119706" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4be93ecd-9dde-4091-a64a-6ad9ad23a9ce" grcontextid="now:0">now</span>, if only <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="c4662b03-c6ce-4ab5-85dc-ed3423130a9c" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4be93ecd-9dde-4091-a64a-6ad9ad23a9ce" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> could get those pesky flies to go away...wait, they help <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="49443e28-21af-42da-8bd0-dd0bf5ebf81f" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="4be93ecd-9dde-4091-a64a-6ad9ad23a9ce" grcontextid="in:2">in</span> the system too. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="e5f77aa5-258c-4955-82f9-111bd010c85b" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="ad6560fc-d5e7-43c4-b26d-fe95e47fed7e" grcontextid="doh:0">doh</span>! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2c3b8905-5585-4e75-9436-93fb1e200447" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="57019575-9d13-4b4c-b1fc-07f5758bddf3" grcontextid="they:0">they</span> act as pollinators as well. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="6c06bd1a-a248-4ee8-bf61-768df5148841" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="31df9d92-f5e3-4d31-918a-376f093bd598" grcontextid="but:0">but</span> they make this <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="f305b50f-9442-434d-8bcd-072a09f99c1b" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="31df9d92-f5e3-4d31-918a-376f093bd598" grcontextid="pesty:1">pesty</span> sound! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="a8f062a9-1e97-4020-9f13-21f97fcdd0ef" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="70a102da-fb46-4f94-b820-2b3f58e3c6bd" grcontextid="well:0">well</span>, they also have a tendency to lure some of the "bad" bugs, like aphids, so <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ceebd2af-65fa-4c9f-9901-eed2d4c3fc87" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="70a102da-fb46-4f94-b820-2b3f58e3c6bd" grcontextid="letting:1">letting</span> any animal or bug just go at it in your garden area isn't advisable, the environment your garden is in, is just as important as the site of the plant you're trying to nourish - there is a whole world around you to be aware of, not just what is in front of you.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIua8kO3uyV35ccIqcegRm2XYgJMD-lOIARVmvda491i0pogtQZRteuP2iQzlo4NXY4edlWEIpMQpqN8lcUsdOIyzd8ZaKizHqceleIZP8MIdswygPQBObb5xcQeVazyiQ-ho9S6ECkG4/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIua8kO3uyV35ccIqcegRm2XYgJMD-lOIARVmvda491i0pogtQZRteuP2iQzlo4NXY4edlWEIpMQpqN8lcUsdOIyzd8ZaKizHqceleIZP8MIdswygPQBObb5xcQeVazyiQ-ho9S6ECkG4/s320/IMG_2509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="97833e00-2342-4bce-82ab-8d40105978ea" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a6ad66c8-5ad1-4da0-92f7-38e8c6186d29" grcontextid="how:0">how</span> did lettuce survive thru this?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2ba25cbc-ae15-42af-82e9-c85f5ff7eabc" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0023889b-1381-448a-8833-cfdf1bb1c85e" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> began to clean up my raised garden beds a week or so ago and plant some seeds, hope, for <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="06790aeb-8953-4028-ad94-4f1504a448eb" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0023889b-1381-448a-8833-cfdf1bb1c85e" grcontextid="bounty:1">bounty</span> to come in some months time. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="23c91b35-74f2-4578-9003-5c2a1c3dacb9" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0063bcac-82c9-4fa0-bb9b-1ec94600e2aa" grcontextid="would:0">would</span> <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2fbdadcc-60f1-4609-9e3b-147d2751eb52" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0063bcac-82c9-4fa0-bb9b-1ec94600e2aa" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> produce a successful bounty of <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4753f35d-907f-43d3-9806-15f58175fa29" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0063bcac-82c9-4fa0-bb9b-1ec94600e2aa" grcontextid="tomatillos:2">tomatillos</span> this year? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="69776747-57cb-4a31-819a-462a62baa3e4" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="9d81fd89-bfa5-4b11-a257-c14f816288c9" grcontextid="i:0">i</span>'m trying to grow more than one this year (you need at least two or they won't be fertilized and turn from flower to fruit, aka plant sex takes two, just like humans!). <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5797764c-3780-4736-80ca-5a9063816563" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7238662d-965e-46f0-9d4a-7da2e8a054a8" grcontextid="the:0">the</span> bulbs <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="900c4fcc-163b-45bd-a64e-e6b6c5f3b901" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7238662d-965e-46f0-9d4a-7da2e8a054a8" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> planted in the fall sprung up out of the soil in what seemed like just overnight and when <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="cae66c13-73be-4a71-b21a-91de6559b06e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7238662d-965e-46f0-9d4a-7da2e8a054a8" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> was examining my garden bed, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="58d066d2-1a6a-4c0c-90a4-79872ccf6236" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="7238662d-965e-46f0-9d4a-7da2e8a054a8" grcontextid="i:3">i</span> found lettuce growing within the cover crop! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9d53c3c7-e8dd-4451-8799-1d4e740507e0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d480d389-315f-4587-847e-1cb2705fb16d" grcontextid="my:0">my</span> lettuce survived and continued to grow through the very cold winter we had! <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="081bd76b-b355-4f6f-92b9-481a773e3197" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1e6538b4-1786-4f93-a9f6-dcca48a9bde6" grcontextid="how:0">how</span> did that happen? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="de72a908-8591-42f2-a79f-2101bb132f5c" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e7bedcf1-55b5-4db5-bd10-060c4432d441" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> thought of anything, the lettuce would die!<br />
<br />
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="752ea471-10de-4bed-8412-baf3a0966caa" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8e0a9b15-5b82-4ecc-8919-bea94848b8bb" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> am astounded by what <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="6eef3cec-4c02-4f16-b0f3-d5d6a54a62c3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8e0a9b15-5b82-4ecc-8919-bea94848b8bb" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> have learned and will continue to learn about gardening and life, in general. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="e0933f23-29e8-4876-ae10-24947a1cb132" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="45e13a5d-b62b-4283-af14-7217144f6b93" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> thought <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="1d9c5ff1-75db-4bf7-bb30-19a472623bc0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="45e13a5d-b62b-4283-af14-7217144f6b93" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> signed <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="1374afed-4d98-459e-a491-ec44bcab100d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="45e13a5d-b62b-4283-af14-7217144f6b93" grcontextid="onto:2">onto</span> learning a skill that had a recipe attached to it and that which I could control, but gardening isn't that at all. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="e783f9c5-b276-48a3-8cda-f508d0daf0e6" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f4719589-7568-4811-abef-916da96744f9" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> have to be patient, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="543f5818-790b-431d-8a13-04b162992f92" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f4719589-7568-4811-abef-916da96744f9" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> have to be slow and deliberate in my actions - whether it is <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="82b520f3-42a6-4f03-a7a6-cda3fc2eab7e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f4719589-7568-4811-abef-916da96744f9" grcontextid="fertilizing:2">fertilizing</span>, trimming, watering and sustaining and building the environment around which my garden is located, being sensitive, pausing when <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b3303869-6e02-4b03-a4ab-97425a63a151" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f4719589-7568-4811-abef-916da96744f9" grcontextid="i:3">i</span> don't know and seeking an answer or simply just saying, "<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="2b2bff34-3040-4958-bff5-977abbdff858" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f4719589-7568-4811-abef-916da96744f9" grcontextid="i:4">i</span> don't know" and waiting for the answer to appear or not appear - like the hydrangeas - I didn't know what would happen, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="92e3d5ed-d21a-4fda-a9aa-bc3141dda96e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="f4719589-7568-4811-abef-916da96744f9" grcontextid="i:5">i</span> just waited. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9b74cf34-3a5a-47d9-bb91-347d398bcbff" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1d2e6b9a-633f-4a02-92b4-96e4e29a2a03" grcontextid="i:0">i</span> can't control what will or will not grow, but <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="0b7c843d-8185-4885-8822-ae8b56daf52d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1d2e6b9a-633f-4a02-92b4-96e4e29a2a03" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> can learn how <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="495e6e76-8494-4a96-b75b-906f4ae9230d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1d2e6b9a-633f-4a02-92b4-96e4e29a2a03" grcontextid="to do:2">to do</span> better next time and to go about whatever task <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="24943c15-a280-4624-a96b-e06e92c7d773" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1d2e6b9a-633f-4a02-92b4-96e4e29a2a03" grcontextid="i:3">i</span>'m doing more slowly to see where <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9d63a1c5-f641-4d66-b571-a4b2479bfd58" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1d2e6b9a-633f-4a02-92b4-96e4e29a2a03" grcontextid="i:4">i</span> might be missing what to do better or to remove in my steps of gardening. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d5070bdc-090a-4650-b454-6d4f932ec80e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="a484a044-67fe-4276-a416-dcd483d98114" grcontextid="no:0">no</span> one plant or harvest season is the same. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="66a470e2-edce-4c87-8956-868e5fb6cbce" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="2f284d45-0432-4b2b-b860-031255eaee3f" grcontextid="there:0">there</span> is no auto-pilot that you can put your plants <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d825598c-9c53-4ad2-b2b3-ac33ec6e2d06" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="2f284d45-0432-4b2b-b860-031255eaee3f" grcontextid="on:1">on</span>, you have to always nourish it with learning and hope.<br />
<br />
<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b816a84d-83e9-467e-8f3e-97845c0bec59" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="23743da1-3007-4b04-b4f0-13f35187f074" grcontextid="life:0">life</span> in general is like gardening, there isn't one recipe to follow that will get you through everything and allow you to go on auto-pilot at any moment. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="9bb0c98c-20f4-48b3-9e0c-c404081a45c7" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6723e2c9-a8f7-4613-8a68-599445b83ea6" grcontextid="you:0">you</span> have to continually learn and hope you're learning the right process and if you see you're hitting the same brick wall - like whatever you do your <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ec2f04fb-426f-4095-8d3a-fd320352d236" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="6723e2c9-a8f7-4613-8a68-599445b83ea6" grcontextid="tomatillos:1">tomatillos</span> are not producing fruit - what can you do differently to produce fruit for your next harvest? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="dc434e88-d7e3-40e9-98cd-11dca44f33c5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="d1a2e14b-0998-46b8-8cc2-7039e21589ad" grcontextid="what:0">what</span> can you do so as not to trim back too much that it would result in killing your squash plant? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b34af9da-9299-4509-8a7a-d2b47d89a28a" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="94a8de9e-c9dc-493a-ae6b-6a8f3fae9981" grcontextid="that:0">that</span> squash plant may never come back, but you can learn how <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="7fddb8d2-f287-4ec9-a7b1-ddb7c42d74b5" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="94a8de9e-c9dc-493a-ae6b-6a8f3fae9981" grcontextid="to do:1">to do</span> better next time. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="79143bb7-f272-4c0b-a8ca-6d0aa7f9c411" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3235fa10-1191-4932-934d-4823f2d206c5" grcontextid="and:0">and</span> if that squash happened to leave behind some seeds in the soil from the year before or 2 years before and it pops out of the soil and grows in this new season, count yourself very lucky. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b3760b53-978a-4be9-b513-f7076f8f97bf" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="77d0b9c6-4be3-4615-896b-0e5c12b6e19e" grcontextid="it's:0">it's</span> pretty amazing this gardening and life stuff. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="4a640526-094f-476a-aed4-b2ba7b85d9fb" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="8ce688ee-71ea-4bea-a045-e8d0ae20a084" grcontextid="you:0">you</span>'re continually planting hope and learning how to not only for you, yourself, but the environment around you, to do better - it is a whole ecological system - not just one thing to improve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5UlhW5GSFJaspttkoLH0mf6Jus3kamn3D5jMSlzwb5J_bxFw-zqh2ZxEJ-T1NYecrLlJet9KwQBTvMOn3x2ANTsVwyWpY99lWJ3cNmH1UdwOJwuT9ludEC2HsVaGeCp6bbA-Aik_1Zw/s1600/DSCN1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5UlhW5GSFJaspttkoLH0mf6Jus3kamn3D5jMSlzwb5J_bxFw-zqh2ZxEJ-T1NYecrLlJet9KwQBTvMOn3x2ANTsVwyWpY99lWJ3cNmH1UdwOJwuT9ludEC2HsVaGeCp6bbA-Aik_1Zw/s320/DSCN1322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="1324f881-71b2-456a-8469-ac13e2ac632e" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e107a550-8784-4aa2-84d0-7d1fceacfa52" grcontextid="karin:0">karin</span> & mark</td></tr>
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<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="7a55c6e6-277e-4ba8-99d2-81da7630e744" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3d735bdc-1c30-4eb7-bb01-1ee179df9843" grcontextid="i:0">i</span>'m working through a lot right now and gardening is probably the best medicine <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="5221bc3f-3092-4e2d-97bb-785c045d0902" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3d735bdc-1c30-4eb7-bb01-1ee179df9843" grcontextid="i:1">i</span> have, the best therapy <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d0c8acb4-690f-4e81-99e8-b3935bb3e149" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="3d735bdc-1c30-4eb7-bb01-1ee179df9843" grcontextid="i:2">i</span> could possibly have to learn how to have patience and be sensitive to my surroundings, but the yoga, acupuncture, massage, talk therapy and all those other things help a lot too - they're the nutrients that feed me and help me to better feed and love the people around me, including the animals and plants and even those pesky flies, too. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3c6c46c4-45f1-40f5-9196-bfdd46bffe70" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c4db46af-d982-45ed-9a5b-276d22b5b390" grcontextid="i:0">i</span>'m confident that as each harvest season passes, <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="021741e5-868c-4462-98d4-c1979bd5dd2d" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c4db46af-d982-45ed-9a5b-276d22b5b390" grcontextid="i:1">i</span>'ll do better, produce a larger bounty, kill fewer plants, and <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d042cbf1-610c-4ccb-8a94-017a4a819759" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c4db46af-d982-45ed-9a5b-276d22b5b390" grcontextid="i:2">i</span>'ll still make mistakes here and there, but that's okay, because how else will you learn? <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="74165f7e-cc67-4eaf-b48e-bbe223437416" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="48aa2ad2-e660-432b-8fb0-47b0a5ff224d" grcontextid="you:0">you</span> just have to make sure you're aware and acting with love, honesty and kindness.<br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-41476373108720627512012-11-05T10:52:00.000-08:002012-11-05T10:52:15.342-08:00Crop Rotation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQOckM6hn4/UJgKB0GH9_I/AAAAAAAACPo/U5wDTYjvtSU/s1600/6978122215_e512d1ed86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQOckM6hn4/UJgKB0GH9_I/AAAAAAAACPo/U5wDTYjvtSU/s1600/6978122215_e512d1ed86.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looks like grass, right? yea - it's a cover crop....i didn't know either...read on for more info </td></tr>
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I read an article in the NY Times Sunday Review section yesterday, "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/opinion/sunday/crop-rotation-and-the-future-of-farming.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">Did Farmers of the Past Know More Than We Do?</a>"and thought about how I've struggled with this myself this season. I believe crop rotation and cover crop planting takes all kind of patience, when what you want most of all is your garden or farm to yield as much produce as possible. Hmm....I don't think Mother Earth had that in mind. The author of the NY Times article,Verlyn Klinkenborg, wrote "Oats used to be a common sight all over the Midwest. They were often sown with alfalfa as a 'nurse crop' to provide some cover for alfalfa seedlings back when alfalfa was also a common sight. Until about 30 years ago, you could find all sorts of crops growing on Iowa farms, and livestock. Since then two things have happened. All the animals have moved indoors, into crowded confinement operations. And the number of crops has dwindled to exactly two: corn and soybeans." Corn - we love, we hate it. <div>
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Personally, my body does not like corn. Of course, I eat it occasionally, but I am picky about when and how I do because my intestines will be unhappy for hours. Alas, I love tortilla chips. LOVE. It is my addictive food choice - Tostitos Lime Flavored tortilla chips....oh, how I love these. After I read Michael Pollan's <u>Omnivore's Dilemma</u>, I decided to forego my addictive food forever. But it's so darn good! But....it's also doing terrible things to our soil and dependency on it not only as food, but for energy as well. Unfortunately, the energy it takes to make corn ethanol is more than the energy ethanol actually gives to us to justify the expenditures. And - corn isn't just on the cob or in the frozen food aisle to defrost and include in the family meal that night, but used to feed our animals that we eat as well....because corn will fatten up animals exponentially faster than anything else. </div>
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To summarize Pollan's history of corn in the U.S., you can read: <a href="http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2006/04/11_pollan.shtml" target="_blank">Interview with Pollan</a>. An excerpt: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> "</span>the boom in synthetic fertilizer enabled farmers to grow vast quantities of corn without bankrupting their soil. Corn pushed out pasture-raised cattle and pigs and chickens, as it became more economical to warehouse them together in 'Confined Animal Feeding Operations,' or CAFOs, and stuff them full of corn."</div>
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To be clear, I'm not against corn in general - I am against my tax dollars going towards subsidizing 50% of the cost to grow and sell it, when I would rather have that money spent on the growing interest in farming that we have seen in the U.S. in the past handful of years. I have to admit, we are doing better on this front....Obama increased funding to the USDA to support new small-sized farmers and that's what I'm interested in - how can we continue to make food in America, in a sustainable way and encourage young and old to take up small or large scale food efforts - whether it is thru advocacy, building a community garden, starting a full-scale farm or what not? How do we engage the community at large? When will those of us interested in improving the system, get up and say something, demand for something better? Well, I'm guessing it has something to do with Monsanto and Driscoll's having a heck of a lot more money than any of us who are 'playing' around the dirt...we're busy enough trying to find the money to support our efforts...how are we supposed to get a voice if we don't have the money? </div>
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This isn't just about too much of one crop growing in the US (and how it 'might' be crippling our neighbor, Mexico's, ability to compete with our heavy corn subsidies), but our health. Think about it - the crops are treated with chemical fertilizers and herbicides - these crops are consumed not only directly by humans, but indirectly from animal consumption to slaughter to human consumption of the meat. And it isn't just my body that doesn't like corn, but the animals who are fed and fattened up by it as well. The stomach of cows, one of the few mammals evolutionarily designed to be able to eat grass, can't digest corn. It turns their stomach acidic and makes them sick. No problem, says the big agribusiness: Just pump the cows full of antibiotics..." But wait, that means the meat we consume as humans will contain those antibiotics as well.....</div>
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welcome to the cycle of life...no one person or thing is immune to this system. whether you pay attention now or later (which may be well after you pass away), this system is going to due several generations harm. the antibiotics we rely upon today? scientists are finding that humans are become resistant to these. of course, you can't blame it all on the cows pumped full of antibiotics....our bodies are smart, so it will certainly out-smart the scientists. but there is something to say about how this can be connected - are our bodies protesting? </div>
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Going back to the NY Times article, Klinkenborg ends with, "Modern agriculture is driven by diminishing biological diversity and relentless consolidation, from the farms themselves to the processors and the distributors of the crops and livestock. But you cannot consolidate the soil. It is a complex organism, and it always responds productively to diversity. The way we farm now undervalues and undermines good soil. Our idea of agricultural productivity and efficiency must include the ecological benefits of healthy soil. The surest way to improve the soil is to remember what industrial agriculture has chosen to forget." And going back to my first point - this growing food stuff - it's hard and it takes a LOT of patience. And if you know me, patience is not my strong suit; I want INSTANT results. Why do I have to do crop rotation when we have limited space and the first round of that plant produced so much?! And why do I have to plant a garden bed with something useless such as rye or oats at the end of the harvest season, when I could build a cold frame instead and prolong the growing season? It's soil! Ready to be had! But that's the problem....it needs to rest and replenish its nutrients, just like us humans need to. </div>
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We planted some buckwheat in a couple of the garden beds in early October. Unfortunately, I thought when I saw the grass growing in the cherry tomato bed was bermuda grass and not the cover crop, it was all pulled out per my directions. Oy! lesson numero uno in 2012: map out crop rotation for the harvest season, invest the time to really figure out what works best planted near one another and when to turnover crops and plant new and what, and when should I give up that bed to a cover crop instead? and maybe, just maybe....i need to take photos next harvest season to remember what and where seeds are planted and associate a photo of the fully grown seedling - like that buckwheat....that i will now have to go sow into the bed again......thank goodness we haven't hit frost yet....but i think that's actually happening tonight...so.....we'll see.....it's a trial and error. and at the end of the day, this is all about taking little steps, one by one - to improve the system, not just by my words and where and what I choose to eat, but taking action.</div>
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Ironically, with all my "no" to corn - my aunt sowed corn into one of the garden beds this year, but it was so hot and the corn needs so much water (another topic for another time to discuss - water supply!), the plant died. Maybe it wasn't the water, but it knowing I wasn't into corn....I was really into having a BBQ with those ears of gold!</div>
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*disclaimer: i'm not a scientist...just a public health academic, novice gardener, and improved food production and consumption lover, so anything I say that is sciency could be wrong. also, i realize that i am privileged to be able to sit here and take the last couple of hours looking up different articles regarding this topic and write about it, to have the time to start and maintain a community garden.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-51501136876944065492012-10-28T10:42:00.000-07:002012-10-28T10:42:18.702-07:00ANC 5E10: Edgewood Knocking on Doors - Shared Thoughts<a href="http://anc5e10.blogspot.com/2012/10/knocking-on-doors.html?spref=bl">ANC 5E10: Knocking on Doors</a>:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Getting speed humps and no truck signs on streets (Neighbors on V Street have already done this on their own)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Concerned about break ins and crime</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Concerned about the increase in rodents this year</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Would like to see more gardens and fruit trees in triangle parks in the neighborhood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Want to know about the future of the Shaed Elementary School</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Concerned about the amount of trash produced and left at the rec center after Beacon House football practice</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Concern about car break ins</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Dead tree removals</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Developing a system to make sure all seniors in the neighborhood are checked in on by their neighbors</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Redevelopment of the Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Planning neighborhood field trips to sporting games, amusement parks, National Parks</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Creating a community newsletter with articles by neighbors of all ages</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Outing to Farmers' Market for neighborhood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Planning social events for the neighborhood like block parties</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Would like community meetings to start on time</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Dog waste not being picked up</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* More sit-down restaurants in the neighborhood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Affordable housing</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Street lighting on Douglas Street is too dark for those walking from bus stop at night</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Groups of young men hanging out on corners not from neighborhood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Cromwell Terrace NE being converted into a one-way street</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Lincoln Road Streetlights are not lit or bright enough for safety</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Increase in retail options for the neighborhood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Seniors concerned about property taxes rising higher than their deductions while on fixed incomes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Helping seniors age in place</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Improvements need for a real Edgewood Recreation Center with DPR programming for all ages in the neighborhood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* The alley between 2523 and 2525 needs to be re-paved as the repair work was not adequate</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* More activities for children </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Outdoor exercise classes at Edgewood Recreation Center</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Building of pedestrian bridge to Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Food Stores</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Repairing sidewalks and widening them on Rhode Island Ave NE</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* More community events</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">* Community bulletin board</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-89425910666306465892012-10-20T15:01:00.003-07:002012-10-20T15:01:48.489-07:00Fall Photos<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-39376438599645104042012-10-17T19:24:00.002-07:002012-10-17T19:24:14.486-07:00First Harvest Season Thoughts<br />
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It has been about 10 months since the Edgewood Community Garden idea was born. It was born with a lot of hopes and dreams. I find it is difficult to remember where we started with and where we are today, compared to those hopes and dreams. Is this how Obama feels? <br />
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I have had Edgewood Community Garden on my mind a lot lately....if you can imagine that. I've been trying to figure out how to articulate my feelings and not only mine, but also what I've heard from our community, my partner and the one who inspired this project - Cassie, the supportive members of Friends of Edgewood and more. <br />
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This project inspired me to grow my very own first vegetable and flower garden this year at my house. Gratefully, Edgewood saw a greater success in growth than my own. I could get down about the few handfuls of green peppers, garlic cloves I harvested, but I prefer to think that my own, one person, first time garden project wasn't as successful because I didn't have the energy and knowledge and experience that Edgewood has had. I look at the photo above and where we were and where we are today is more clear........<br />
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I have had an up and down roller coaster of emotions. At times, I feel so full of encouragement and most of the time, I have felt that way, but then I think I'm falling behind by not doing enough by getting out there and connecting with Edgewood neighbors. I met with Pertula, the wonderful director at Common Good City Farm, and I felt relieved when I heard that some of the obstacles Common Good experienced in its earlier years are similar to what we have experienced in the past year and encouraged for next steps to take in the coming year.</div>
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Then....I see what Wangari Gardens has done in only one year and I get discouraged. See: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/172777392/wangari-gardens-fall-expanison?ref=home_location" target="_blank">Wangari Gardens Fall Expansion</a>. We're tired and exhausted. Anyone who starts a community project (no matter how small or big it is, they are all big), I give my hats off to them because you put your blood, sweat and tears into it. You don't start a project without a buy-in, hope, dreams, losing sleep over it, knowing there is always a stone out there that has yet to be unturned. </div>
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Today, October 2012 - I am eternally grateful to Ms. Cassie Phillips for suggesting this project and to Erin Bullock for igniting in me a passion for local food - not only by consuming it, but growing it as well (see her CSA blog at: <a href="http://www.mudcreekfarm.com/" target="_blank">Mud Creek Farm in Victor, NY</a> and to Courtney Malin for even introducing me to Mud Creek which ultimately led me into this world. But most of all, for Edgewood - thank you Friends of Edgewood, Academy of Hope, AmeriCorps volunteers, Edgewood neighbors, friends and family for making this garden a success this year. We look forward to growth and improvement for our SECOND harvest year. </div>
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If you have any interested in leading any workshop, please contact us at: edgewoodcg@gmail.com. </div>
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Interests we have for coming programs: </div>
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Youth</div>
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Cooking Demonstrations</div>
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Planting Demonstrations</div>
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Nutrition</div>
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Science behind plants</div>
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And more.....!</div>
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What else can we bring to the garden? We want to hear from YOU, yes YOU. You are the reason why the garden exists and we continue to exist every day. Please share your thoughts - no matter what they are - with us. We want to make this a place that you feel is your own for the next harvest season</div>
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We're working with Friends of Edgewood, our partner, to better streamline our groups, so we can bring more people together in the Edgewood neighborhood.</div>
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Thank you a million times over, Edgewood. I have learned so much from each and every one of you I've met, communicated with and felt your positive vibes from; thank you. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-37427129180529967912012-09-09T11:11:00.001-07:002012-09-09T11:11:23.823-07:00Organic vs. Local vs. Big Argi-Business vs. ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The original article that was published on September 4, 2012</u>:</span><br />
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<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9xa8R7DgNLySEF0MjlMbmg4MkU" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Standford University Benefits of Organic Produce on Health Article</a></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/science/earth/study-questions-advantages-of-organic-meat-and-produce.html?ref=stanforduniversity" target="_blank">Scientists Cast Doubts On Organic Produce</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/organic-food-vs-conventional-food/?ref=earth" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Organic Food vs. Conventional Food</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robyn-o/organic-food-vs-conventio_b_1857802.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Huffington Post's Response Re: What the Stanford Study Missed</a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.infowars.com/busted-co-author-of-flawed-stanford-organic-study-has-deep-ties-to-big-tobaccos-anti-science-propaganda/" target="_blank">Co-author found to have connections and support to tobacco farming industry</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2012/09/five-ways-stanford-study-underestimates-organic-food" target="_blank">5 Ways the Stanford Study Sells Organics Short</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/09/04/stanford-study-organic-food-is-not-healthier-than-non-organic/" target="_blank">Organic food is not healthier than non-organic</a> (the more conservative, buy-in perspective to study contribution :) )</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.times-standard.com/ci_21479392/unconventional-approach-local-farmers-unfazed-by-stanford-study?source=most_viewed" target="_blank">Times-Standard article: Unconventional approach; local farmers unfazed by Stanford study on organic food benefits</a></span></li>
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I realize I'm very biased in this discussion because I am very pro-local produce, but that doesn't mean I'm 200% on board with organic all the time either. Also, as a MPH student at George Washington University, I've learned what the quantitative data presented in an article discussed here, actually signifies. Media can flash all sorts of "grab" you headlines, but what is the actual "meat", the background and details, to those headlines? In order to better understand this past week's news about organic and the significance of the Stanford study, I've posted access to the original article at the top (unfortunately, it is difficult for most people who are outside of academia to obtain access to these scholarly articles to understand as a consumer yourself, what all these studies are actually saying and if the numbers actually do show significance). Organic business is not always the best practice either. You can read about some of the pitfalls in organic business here: <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/business/organic-food-purists-worry-about-big-companies-influence.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank">Has 'Organic' Been Oversized?</a>. </span></div>
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I think this last article, published by The New York Times, is very important for everybody to read when they are thinking about organic vs. local vs. "big agribusiness" farming practices and what you want and decide to consume. Me, I think the beautiful garden that Cassie, the Edgewood neighborhood, and I have built and grown since April 2012 is the best route to go (along with other local gardens and initiative such as <a href="http://commongoodcityfarm.org/" target="_blank">Common Good City Farm</a>, <a href="http://www.neighborhoodfarminitiative.org/" target="_blank">The Neighborhood Farm Initiative</a>, <a href="http://www.pcdcedgewoodfarmersmarket.com/" target="_blank">Edgewood Farmers Market</a>, and you can also view the DC 2010 Garden Census that lists most DC gardens and parks <a href="http://fieldtoforknetwork.org/community-gardens/" target="_blank">Field to Fork's</a> website). The Edgewood garden is local, we haven't used any form of chemicals (organic or otherwise) on our plants and it is located right there in our neighborhood....so you don't need to use a car filled with gas to get your healthy food, you can walk to it and cook it up right away! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-37055837081724971602012-09-08T19:12:00.003-07:002012-09-08T19:26:36.706-07:00Fall Planting and Cleaning Up<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/RJlxWSmuQ7" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n1ApUlBjKPI/UEvvIH8ouQE/AAAAAAAABV4/qj2yNfraSfA/s160-c/FallPlantingAndCleaningUp.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Thanks to all those who came out today for yoga, weeding, planting and laughs.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We had a lovely time kicking off the fall harvest season with yoga, led by our Eckington neighbor, Megan Berry, then weed whacking, weeding of the several beds that have needed some love for the past month, then PLANTING!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">In the coming months, we will have plenty of greens and squash to share with you! In the meantime, please come on down and pick what you want! All are welcome, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Happiness!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-72326633815649688602012-08-12T15:49:00.001-07:002012-08-12T15:49:58.250-07:00Edgewood Farmer's Market!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was wonderful meeting so many lovely people! And we had some friends stop by too, Heather and Sally! See y'all soon! </div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0ZPWyd0DN2M/UCgxfIcCO7E/AAAAAAAAA2o/S5PQi4MA92s/s160-c/EdgewoodFarmerSMarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0ZPWyd0DN2M/UCgxfIcCO7E/AAAAAAAAA2o/S5PQi4MA92s/s160-c/EdgewoodFarmerSMarket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-47119625436426857792012-08-07T08:34:00.001-07:002012-08-07T08:34:01.561-07:00Beets!<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/HpsUDQS10W" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z48JiNx8ANQ/UCE0Fsno2mE/AAAAAAAAAyg/hZcrMXZ79qc/s160-c/AugustFriendsOfEdgewood.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-60758107457943585832012-08-04T07:22:00.003-07:002012-08-04T07:22:40.017-07:00God's MinuteThe U.S. Surgeon General, <a href="http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/about/biographies/biosg.html" target="_blank">Dr. Regina Benjamin</a>, attended and spoke at the weekly lunch held at the Common Good City Farm yesterday. She is a wonderful speaker, has a beautiful presence and is inspiring. She is an advocate for health prevention programs and sees that they're vital to improving the overall life cycle of an individual and a community. She concluded her speech with a poem that she said was conjured many times during the civil rights movement, God's Minute. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">I've only just a minute,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Only sixty seconds in it.</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Forced upon me, can't refuse it,</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Didn't seek it, didn't choose it,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">But it's up to me to use it.</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">I must suffer if I lose it,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Give an account if I abuse it,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Just a tiny little minute,</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">But eternity is in it.</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><br style="text-align: -webkit-center;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">By Dr. Benjamin E. Mays</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-center;">If you haven't stopped by the Common Good City Farm yet....you should. They're doing some pretty amazing things there. They started a youth program this summer that lasts 6 weeks, a dozen or so youth work on the farm every day, learn about gardening, food preparation, life skills, etc. They are paid for this work. Any of the kids I spoke with (they're not kids, but teenagers) I spoke with seemed really happy having taken this opportunity this summer. Also, the kids can bring food back home, on top of making money. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><a href="http://commongoodcityfarm.org/" target="_blank">Common Good City Farm</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The farm is located at 3rd and V St NW</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515186859664861356.post-31690782513218958832012-07-16T09:31:00.001-07:002012-07-16T09:31:03.788-07:00Harvesting, TLC & PVCing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby squash & tomatoes are growing!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377250838594858677noreply@blogger.com0