Houston Community Garden

Hello friends!

As usual, there is much to say, but I'll keep it short!

Garden Numbers:

Numbers for the year, as of the end of Septemberish:

Food harvested from community garden beds: ~600#

volunteer hours in community garden: ~350

number of volunteers/visitors: 80 (not including rental families)

number of "rental" boxes for personal families: 8 (~28 people?)

number of people who benefit from community garden harvest: ~120

Untold amount of food harvested from and time spend on personal boxes (I didn't add them up as not always written down)

Youngest helper award goes to Dalton Lewison (almost 2 years old)

So, even though we had a cool summer and a relatively late start, we still managed to do some good, yes?

Along the way we even managed to terrorize a few frogs, bother a momma bird and her hatchlings, paint the shed and kiosk, keep the lawn mowed, sort of keep up with weeds, have a celebration of all things pesto!, enjoy the few apples that grew on our trees, and plan for the installation of a well.

The crop of the year probably goes to Kale, which is still producing prolifically, but the lone yellow squash plant, celery and parsley should also be noted as contenders. the Marigolds have also been an attractive sight inside the garden this fall, and the late season carrots and cilantro (which i planted at the end of July) are producing nicely right now. And, oh my, do we still have herbs and horseradish to contend with!

Television Taping:

After two failed attempts to schedule a taping on site, I drove to Austin to record a segment for the KMSQ public television station. This was a very short segment as part of an episode featuring a personal garden and a chef. I really don't know what to expect. I wasn't able to represent all we've done over the past six years into essentially 7 minutes broken into three parts. I'm not sure when it will air, but I am told that I will be informed and I'll pass it on everyone else. I am assured it will be made available on YouTube as well. It is exciting, however, to note that what is happening in Houston in our garden is getting statewide attention!

Well

Shortly after I returned from Alaska, the garden received a check from the Land O Lakes Foundation for essentially the balance of what we needed to put in the well. (Thank YOU very much!) Yea! We have been working since then to finalize how we get electricity to the well with the goal of putting it in yet this fall. Wouldn't it be nice not to worry about water every summer? And I'd love to be able to remove the big water tank, too! So, for now, still working on details.

Wrapping up the year: HELP REQUESTED!

This Saturday, around noon, we're planning a garden clean up day. Roger Meyer is going to bring a truck load of manure (to give our beds a good boost after six years!) and we need shovelers! It will also be a good time to clean out beds and move the compost into beds that are ready for it. The more folks the faster and more fun it will go! Let me know if you can help, or just show up!

Pancake Breakfast October 26th (MONEY!) Help requested!!!

The Lions Club is sponsoring a pancake breakfast to benefit the garden on Sunday, October 26th from 7 am - 12:30 at the Community Center. All proceeds (by donation) will benefit the community garden. (After the well is put in we will still need money for mulching the garden next year and general maintenance on the fence, etc...) Helpers are needed for taking money, serving food, clearing tables, and general hobnobbing. You don't have to work the whole time, but even an hour or two would be most appreciated! We are planning to also offer a seed swap or seed drop for a future seed lending library, food art fun activities for kids of all ages (with the help of HARC) and will have some garden preserves and goodies available for extra donation. Your donations of money, time or items are always welcome! I will be making a poster and sending it out separately in the next days as all our activities are finalized.

I think that's it---for now! Enjoy these beautiful fall days! Hope to see you soon!

Cheers,

Audrey