Saturday, April 04, 2009

plot assignment day

plot assignment day 2
plot assignment day 4 plot assignment day 3

What a great day! It was fantastic to see so many gardeners today! We assigned about 20 plots to new gardeners. The cool thing was, since so many people came to help with clean up, we cleared the entire front entrance area (about 1000 sq ft of weeds and brush), removed several brush piles, cleared debris from paths, AND cleared space for four or five new plots. We also made a good start at clearing another area (next to my plot) where we eventually will have a number of additional new plots. Someone brought a roto-tiller and at least 10 plots (or more?) were turned. Great to see such enthusiasm for working in the dirt and growing things!

I did my job and picked a new plot for Jennifer and Nate, who got married today (congratulations!). Almost as fun as picking my plot. I hope they will enjoy the big new plot they have.

Our plot selection procedure is very low tech. After an intro talk for new gardeners to review rules and such, we walk around in groups, back and forth, and the coordinator points out available plots. Lots of discussion about plot pros and cons. Everyone picks in the order their application was received. A bit of a commotion, because all the enthusiastic gardeners want to pick first. "I'm SURE I was higher on the list".... OMG.

I thought I took more photos, but it seems this is all I have. I was so happy to be out in the dirt for the first full day that I guess the camera got left behind.

10 comments:

Dan said...

A Honda roto-tiller, very nice machine. I have a Honda snowblower and would have the roto-tiller too if I hand the space to utilize it.

Jennifer AKA keewee said...

Fantastic to see everyone working together.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

What a fun day!

Linnyhb said...

That is so cool. I would love to do community gardening but I've heard so many horror stories of produce being taken.

Just Jenn said...

How wonderful! I bet it was fun to pick their plot. It's nice to see so much enthusiasm. Looked like a productive day too!

Michelle said...

Very exciting! I am getting ready to dig in the dirt in my backyard today...I'm getting a bit of a slow start.

I wish we had a community in our area. The only one we have belongs to the retirement community...and they are a bit guarded. I have poked around a bit a few times, always thinking they'll be "friendly gardeners"...but to my surprise they're not! Good luck with your new plot!

Unknown said...

Looked like you had a great day. Congrats to the happy couple too. We keep getting rain storm after rain storm here so I am getting worried that I may not be able to till when I want to.

MarianLondonUK said...

Hi Kathy and Skippy (did he go?) Looks like a great time for all concerned. My sister and I went to our allotments today and planted first and second early potatoes having been given the nod from the Marigolds. The last plot on our site was allocated this morning to a young very enthusiastic family, which is fantastic as our allotments have recently been saved by relentless campaining of plot holders from several sites throughout the borough to stop the land being sold to housing developers. Taking my aching legs to the sofa now with a large Merlot!
Marian

kathy said...

Marian,

A nice day of gardening does the same to me. Puts my right onto the couch with a Merlot. Or if I had to do a lot of digging, a martini!

Skippy stayed home most of the day. I brought him down in the afternoon when I finally had time to work on my plot.

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