Where did the year go? A year ago this month was the start of the Alamo Heights Community Garden. It was a cold start, but after some unusually chilly days in February and March we saw the beginnings of some great vegetables. The Garden has had and continues to have some great crops and we have all learned about worms, aphids, water, and that you can really eat broccoli greens. The Garden’s success would not have been possible if not for the many volunteers who have built planting beds, shoveled soil, pulled weeds, sowed seeds, planted seedlings and fruit trees. We must not forget the grant from the Brown Foundation that kick-started our effort. Additionally, many thanks to the City of Alamo Heights Staff who got us organized and stuck with us from the beginning; they continue to support our efforts. Thanks to the City Council for your support and confidence in our determination to make the Garden a special place in the city; I think we hit the mark.
We started the garden with the goals of community building, education, friendship and organic healthy food. I think we have achieved these goals for this year. The garden has become a place to visit, walk or garden. I have seen many families visit the garden to see what is growing, and for some it is the first time seeing carrots that did not come in a bag. Additionally we had several garden potlucks to meet neighbors and share some great food and drink. Yes, the garden is building a community. The garden is a living classroom for everyone who volunteers or visits the garden, from the science of watering just enough, to recognizing beet plants. Yes, the garden is providing an education. Many friendships have evolved as a result of a shared interest in the garden. This was especially evident on our workdays or at the potluck dinners. Yes, the garden has developed friendships. It’s amazing the amount of great organic vegetables the garden has produced. It does not get much more local and healthy than that. Yes, the garden has provided organic and healthy food. So for this year, I think we can call it a success.
As we look to the future we are always looking for ideas on how to improve the garden. So if you are still looking for a New Year’s resolution, add the Community Garden to your list and get involved. Share your ideas or any special skills you may have that will benefit the future of the Alamo Heights Community Garden.
Gregg
We started the garden with the goals of community building, education, friendship and organic healthy food. I think we have achieved these goals for this year. The garden has become a place to visit, walk or garden. I have seen many families visit the garden to see what is growing, and for some it is the first time seeing carrots that did not come in a bag. Additionally we had several garden potlucks to meet neighbors and share some great food and drink. Yes, the garden is building a community. The garden is a living classroom for everyone who volunteers or visits the garden, from the science of watering just enough, to recognizing beet plants. Yes, the garden is providing an education. Many friendships have evolved as a result of a shared interest in the garden. This was especially evident on our workdays or at the potluck dinners. Yes, the garden has developed friendships. It’s amazing the amount of great organic vegetables the garden has produced. It does not get much more local and healthy than that. Yes, the garden has provided organic and healthy food. So for this year, I think we can call it a success.
As we look to the future we are always looking for ideas on how to improve the garden. So if you are still looking for a New Year’s resolution, add the Community Garden to your list and get involved. Share your ideas or any special skills you may have that will benefit the future of the Alamo Heights Community Garden.
Gregg