We decided it might be fun to host a potluck garden party. The turnout was twice what we expected! People brought all kinds of great food to share and nongardeners really enjoyed getting a first hand look at all the plots and what we’ve been able to grow.
It’s a Garden Party!
April 16th, 2011
We have squash!
January 10th, 2011
And other tasty veggies growing this year. Last year, all the squash and most of the cucumbers scummed to a plaque in the soil. This year we are having much better luck, thanks to all the compost and manure worked in last year.
2011 Season!
January 10th, 2011
The community garden is back up and in fine form for the 2010-2011 season. It was a rainy start with the deluge of September which gave us plenty of rain and weeds to contend with. Last year’s plots (14) were cleaned and the soil augmentations seemed to be taking hold. Many more plots were created so now all in all we have approximately 30 total plots of varying sizes and shaped. The soils in both the new plots and existing plots were rejuvenated with new infusions of organic matter (leaves, green mulch, etc.) as well as goat and chicken manure.
Garden members Ramon and Ophelia took the organic gardening course over the past summer in Arroyo Seco and they have started a huge compost pile that should be ready at the start of 2011. Another pile will be started right on the heels of the first.
Challenges this year are new and varied as is common in any garden. The La Nina climate is about as popular with the tomatoes as it is with all of us who miss the warmer mornings and nights. Two large and beautiful Iguanas have swooped in to take a lot of the early arugula, lettuce and bean sprouts. Both challenges have been countered with short chicken wire surround fences on plots with cover cloths draped over the top of the chicken wire to hold some heat and help cut down on the breeze.
The mission statement continues to be one that welcomes all to try your hand, lend your wisdom, have some fun, converse, and expand your horizons while in La Manzanilla.
Since there has not been 1mm of rain in La Manzanilla since the deluges of September, we may certainly be facing a somewhat dry growing season from January 2011 until the rains return. Nobody knows.
Stop by the garden at the corner of Calle Concha Molida and Calle Manglares, you can’t miss it. June and Rick live in the single story green house just beside the garden and invite you to stop in if you have questions. Come join us, and we especially invite any locals you know to come along as well.