The old African adage that it takes a village to raise a child has a similar meaning for Master Gardener volunteers. On Tuesday, September 22 we proved that it takes a village of Master Gardener volunteers to build and plant a raised bed! The response of volunteers who helped with landscaping around the sign at the Children's Garden that morning and on days prior was truly amazing. Prior to the workday, David had contacted the City regarding location of water lines. Jim J. and Gail marked off the space where the trench should be dug and then David took care of the trenching. Jim and Gail installed the drip irrigation line and then it was time for other MG volunteers to help. In two hours on the workday, a raised bed was constructed, filled with soil, and planted and mulched. Carl and MG students Mike and Carolyn did a great job constructing the raised bed. Cheryl, Jennifer, Shirley, Dee, Nancy S. and Arline helped with filling the bed with garden soil and potting soil that were mixed thoroughly before the space became home for Pride of Barbados, butterfly weed, bulbine, yarrow, and Mexican heather. The plants were provided by Jennifer, Cheryl, Arline, and Fran from their own gardens. Jury duty kept Fran from participating on Tuesday.
The other raised beds were also tidied up during the work session. The monstrous sunflower plants were removed, zinnias were deadheaded, and the tomato plant was removed. Someone was counting pumpkins some of which were becoming quite sizable and turning orange. I am not aware of what will be done with the pumpkins but if there are enough to share with each of the eleven first-grade classes, I think that would be a real treat for those kids to have a pumpkin grown in their own garden. Also the first grade teachers should be encouraged to take their students on a walking field trip to see the pumpkin patch.
Nancy F. stopped by on Tuesday morning as well and mentioned that she was really impressed with the beauty of the garden. In the flurry of activity and my going after more spike nails, I didn't realize until later that she had not stayed to help. Thanks for stopping and sharing your words of encouragement, Nancy! And thanks to our photographers of the morning, Jennifer and Cheryl, who photographed the busy morning's activity.
Nancy F. stopped by on Tuesday morning as well and mentioned that she was really impressed with the beauty of the garden. In the flurry of activity and my going after more spike nails, I didn't realize until later that she had not stayed to help. Thanks for stopping and sharing your words of encouragement, Nancy! And thanks to our photographers of the morning, Jennifer and Cheryl, who photographed the busy morning's activity.