2011 Blog

Garden Challenge success & thanks!

Susan — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:59:34 +0000

WE DID IT!!!

I’m pleased to announce that we’ve made the goal of 100+ garden actions with a combination of garden-sharing, Marin Master Gardeners, land owners and volunteer-led projects!

My deepest gratitude to our main sponsors, Sloat Garden Centers and American Soil and Stone for their support of the project.

I also couldn’t have done this without the efforts of Project Coordinators Fotine, Michael, Lisa, Devon, Dione and Joyce who did an amazing job meeting with and assisting a large variety of gardeners!

The success of the Challenge shows that there is a huge desire to create a more sustainable, thriving community where we can all make a difference. Our actions today determine the kind of future we, our children and grandchildren will face.

There’s a huge conversation going on all over the planet on how we are going to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions which have caused so much devastation. We must learn to respect each other and other cultures, to create win/win partnerships and collaborate to use our strengths and resources to empower creative ideas to deal with these changes.

Thank you, everyone, for your support, encouragement and most of all for caring enough to do something, no matter how small, to help!

If you’d like to help plan next year’s challenge, please send an email to me at susan@maringardenchallenge.org.

Adding compost mix to the new raised bed

The making of a new garden

Susan — Mon, 16 May 2011 02:33:16 +0000

The Marin Garden Challenge got off to a great start yesterday as an enthusiastic group of volunteers helped build a complete 4′ X 4′ raised bed garden, filled it with excellent compost and added a timed drip irrigation system.

Then a second team planted tomatoes, basil, dill, tarragon, marigolds and lettuce, plus squash in another smaller planter. The owner was absolutely thrilled with our efforts, and promised to take more photos as the garden matures.

I’m deeply grateful to Julie, Sarah Rose, Barbara, Bilkis, and Sarah B. for all their hard work and enthusiasm!

If you’d like a similar micro garden installed, please visit http://opengardenproject.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Installing gopher wire

Filling with rich compost

Sarah plants

Finished planting

Bird net cover

Garden warm up

Susan — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:50:33 +0000

Here’s a link to a great article I posted on my other blog last year~ remember to stretch and warm up before you garden. Your body will thank you, and you’ll feel more like being out there when you’re not in pain.

http://maringardenmatchmaker.org/2010/07/11/the-great-gardening-workout/

To your health and happiness in the garden!

Skipper jack butterfly happy on daisy

Ready, set….grow!

Susan — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:32:09 +0000

Just two more days to the Marin Garden Challenge kick-off. Over 40 gardens have been officially signed up, and you can still get on the list to be counted for the 350.0rg tally to fight global warming.

I discovered a nifty piece of software that you can use for 30 days free- click box on the left for GrowVeg.com. Download the software and play with it- very user friendly and you can design your garden plan quickly and make changes easily.

Remember, your garden can be as simple as growing tomatoes in a pot on your patio, herbs on your window sill, or petunias on your porch. Anything which gets you in touch with the amazing plant world around us and helps you to connect more with the Circle of Life we are all part of, in my opinion is a garden!

I’ve read that gardening is the fastest growing business niche in the American economy, with good reason. Gardening makes you happy, healthy and can help reduce food costs. Plus, it’s fun! OK, it’s also work, but when you get into the zone, you may find answers to other issues in your life. At the very least you’ll get some exercise, fresh air, and a sense of accomplishment as your plants thrive.

Happy Growing!

Help Reduce Global Warming….

Susan — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:35:14 +0000

… by registering your garden NOW! We are tallying all the actions people are taking across the country as part of 350.org and TransitionUS.

When you add rich compost to your garden, this creates a way to sequester the CO2 from the atmosphere, where it gets used by plants, which then give off oxygen, which gets used by us. Basic science, but so important.

At the end of the Garden Challenge I will be turning in the number of people who signed up, but will not reveal any personal information, so you won’t be put on anyone’s list except mine.

Thank you so much for taking the time to take action- tell your family, friends and co-workers as well. Every garden counts!

Great compost from American Soil & Stone

Vegetable & Food Gardening Guide

Susan — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:21:41 +0000

We’re less thank two weeks away from the launch of Marin 100+ Garden Challenge and things are really getting busy. We have garden organizers in Novato, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Kentfield, Fairfax and others are being added.

We need more gardeners who want to share space, so be sure to sign up at www.maringardenchallenge.org and let us know you’re available to match up with a great garden.

Here’s a link to Food Gardening from the Marin Master Gardener’s website.

http://ucanr.org/sites/MarinMG/Vegetable_and_Food_Gardening/

I am delighted to have attended the course this year, and will be graduating with the class of 2011 on May 5, 2011!

The Master Gardeners are a wonderful resource for anyone in Marin who needs help or advice with gardening issues. They may be reached at 415-499-4204 Monday- Friday from 9:00 AM- Noon and 1:00-4:00 PM, or online at http://www.marinmg.org

Planning meetings for the Garden Challenge

Susan — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:33:26 +0000

We have lots to get done in a short time so please plan on attending all of these meetings if possible. Bring your friends, co-workers and anyone else who’s interested in creating gardens full of delicious, organic foods and building community connections!

Dates:

Sundays April 10, 17 and May 1, 2011

Place: Sunrise Center, 645 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera

Time: 2 – 4 PM

RSVP to susan@maringardenchallenge.org

I look forward to collaborating with you!

Let's get beeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzy!

Welcome to the Marin Garden Challenge Blog

Susan — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:24:16 +0000

Here is where you will find the latest news on the Marin Garden Challenge project, as well as garden design ideas, more resources and sponsor information. We look forward to hearing from you as we launch this project!