Seeds, Seeds and More Seeds

On Sunday, Linda from the Knitwits group at Christ Lutheran Church, made my day by telling me that the Stoddart Avenue Community Garden would again be benefitting from a boatload of seeds from Botanical Interests. Remember last year? This permitted us to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in 2010 and now we can look forward to a similar bounty in 2011. After we finish working on Saturday, the SACG gardeners and volunteers will get to select their own seeds for their own plots. Then, I'll bring the seeds back for our Earth Day work on April 16, our gardeners and volunteers will get a second chance to get seeds for their own plots.

After that, we'll be delighted to share the remaining seeds with any other community garden or Stoddart Avenue neighbors. Just send me an email and let me know when you want to select your seeds.

Here is a list of the seeds which filled one garbage bag and two grocery bags. Linda and her parents sorted all of the seeds, banded like kinds and organized them in bags alphabetically. It's like Christmas in April!

• Amaranth


• Arugula


• Beets (and my childhood friend Susan sent up a bunch of different variety of beets, too).


• Beans (Kentucky Wonder Pole, Royal Burgundy, Trionfo Violetto, Pole Runner Scarlet Emperor)


• Bok Choy (Tatso Rosette, White Stem)


• Broccoli, Broccoli Raab


• Brussels Spouts


• Cabbage (Copenhagen Market, Chinese, Red Acre)


• Carrots (Danvers, Cosmic Purple)


• Corn


• Cucumbers (Straight Eight, Armenian Burpless, Space Master, Japanese Soyu Burples, Homemade Pickles, Lemon)


• Edamame (I grew these last year for the first time. The plants don't look like regular beans, but there were a ton of them).


• Eggplant (Black Beauty, Long-Purple Japanese/Chinese)


• Endive


• Escarole


• Greens (Georgia Southern Collard, Southern Giant Curled, Ruby Streaks Mustard Greens, Mizuna mustard, Red Gian Mustard)


• Kale Nero Toscana


• Kohlrabi (Purple & White Vienna Blend)


• Leeks


• Lettuce (Red Sails, Black Seeded Simpson, Mesclun, Tom Thumb Butterhead, Micro Greens, Romaine Little Gem, Romaine Freckles, Butterhead Buttercrunch, Butterhead Marvel of Four Seasons, Leaf Redina, Romaine Parris Island Cos, & Farmer's Market Blend) and Mache Corn Salad)


• Muskmelon/Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melon and Charentais Melon


• Onions


• Parsnip


• Peas (Wando, Green Arrow, Super Sugar Snap, Oregon Sugar Pod)


• Peppers (Serrano, Purple Beauty, Canary Bell, California Wonder Orange, Early Jalpeno, Yolo Wonder, California Wonder, Cayenne, Ancho/Poblano, Habanero)


• Pumpkins Jarrahdale


• Radish (French Breakfast, Daikon Miyashige White)


• Radicchio


• Spinach Lavewa,


• Squash (Waltham Butternut, Early Yellow Crookneck, Summer, Summer Scallop, Winter Delicata Honey Boat, Black Beauty Zucchini, Baby Round Zucchini, Summer Clarinette Lebanese & Pink Banana Winter)


• Swiss Chard


• Tomatoes (Roma, Cherry Sun Gold, Grape, Rainbow Blend Cherry, Brandywine Red & Yellow, Red Siberian, Silvery Fir Tree, Beefstake)


• Tomatillo


• Turnips


• Watermelon (several varieties)


• Wheatgrass

Herbs

• Basil


• Parsley


• Oregano


• Catnip


• Sage


• Chamomile


• Dill


• Chives


• Rosemary


• Thyme

Flowers

• Alyssum


• Shasta Daisy


• Echinacea


• French Marigolds, Calendula


• Datura


• Butterfly Flower


• Flax Blue


• Bells of Ireland


• Sunflowers (Evening Sun, Autumn Beauty, Mexican Torch, Peach Passion, Sunspot, Mammoth Russian, Mammoth Grey Stripe, Moulin Rouge, Vanilla Ice,


• California Poppy


• Coneflower


• Candytuft


• Pansies


• Chinese Lantern


• Lov-Lies-Bleeding


• Black Eyed Susan Vine


• Butterfly Flower


• Cosmos


• Datura


• Gaillardia


• Sweet Pea


• Impatiens


• Hyacinth Bean


• Stock


• Snapdragon


• Hollyhock


• Bachelor Button


• Larkspur


• Lavendar


• Lobelia


• Lupine


• Forget Me Not


• Hyssop


• Moonflower


• Nasturtium


• Penstemon


• Delphinium


• Portulaca


• Painted Daisey


• Nicotiana


• Rudbeckia


• Verbena


• Zinnias


• Broom Corn

Seeds, Seeds and More Seeds

On Sunday, Linda from the Knitwits group at Christ Lutheran Church, made my day by telling me that the Stoddart Avenue Community Garden would again be benefitting from a boatload of seeds from Botanical Interests. Remember last year? This permitted us to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in 2010 and now we can look forward to a similar bounty in 2011. After we finish working on Saturday, the SACG gardeners and volunteers will get to select their own seeds for their own plots. Then, I'll bring the seeds back for our Earth Day work on April 16, our gardeners and volunteers will get a second chance to get seeds for their own plots.

After that, we'll be delighted to share the remaining seeds with any other community garden or Stoddart Avenue neighbors. Just send me an email and let me know when you want to select your seeds.

Here is a list of the seeds which filled one garbage bag and two grocery bags. Linda and her parents sorted all of the seeds, banded like kinds and organized them in bags alphabetically. It's like Christmas in April!

• Amaranth


• Arugula


• Beets (and my childhood friend Susan sent up a bunch of different variety of beets, too).


• Beans (Kentucky Wonder Pole, Royal Burgundy, Trionfo Violetto, Pole Runner Scarlet Emperor)


• Bok Choy (Tatso Rosette, White Stem)


• Broccoli, Broccoli Raab


• Brussels Spouts


• Cabbage (Copenhagen Market, Chinese, Red Acre)


• Carrots (Danvers, Cosmic Purple)


• Corn


• Cucumbers (Straight Eight, Armenian Burpless, Space Master, Japanese Soyu Burples, Homemade Pickles, Lemon)


• Edamame (I grew these last year for the first time. The plants don't look like regular beans, but there were a ton of them).


• Eggplant (Black Beauty, Long-Purple Japanese/Chinese)


• Endive


• Escarole


• Greens (Georgia Southern Collard, Southern Giant Curled, Ruby Streaks Mustard Greens, Mizuna mustard, Red Gian Mustard)


• Kale Nero Toscana


• Kohlrabi (Purple & White Vienna Blend)


• Leeks


• Lettuce (Red Sails, Black Seeded Simpson, Mesclun, Tom Thumb Butterhead, Micro Greens, Romaine Little Gem, Romaine Freckles, Butterhead Buttercrunch, Butterhead Marvel of Four Seasons, Leaf Redina, Romaine Parris Island Cos, & Farmer's Market Blend) and Mache Corn Salad)


• Muskmelon/Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melon and Charentais Melon


• Onions


• Parsnip


• Peas (Wando, Green Arrow, Super Sugar Snap, Oregon Sugar Pod)


• Peppers (Serrano, Purple Beauty, Canary Bell, California Wonder Orange, Early Jalpeno, Yolo Wonder, California Wonder, Cayenne, Ancho/Poblano, Habanero)


• Pumpkins Jarrahdale


• Radish (French Breakfast, Daikon Miyashige White)


• Radicchio


• Spinach Lavewa,


• Squash (Waltham Butternut, Early Yellow Crookneck, Summer, Summer Scallop, Winter Delicata Honey Boat, Black Beauty Zucchini, Baby Round Zucchini, Summer Clarinette Lebanese & Pink Banana Winter)


• Swiss Chard


• Tomatoes (Roma, Cherry Sun Gold, Grape, Rainbow Blend Cherry, Brandywine Red & Yellow, Red Siberian, Silvery Fir Tree, Beefstake)


• Tomatillo


• Turnips


• Watermelon (several varieties)


• Wheatgrass

Herbs

• Basil


• Parsley


• Oregano


• Catnip


• Sage


• Chamomile


• Dill


• Chives


• Rosemary


• Thyme

Flowers

• Alyssum


• Shasta Daisy


• Echinacea


• French Marigolds, Calendula


• Datura


• Butterfly Flower


• Flax Blue


• Bells of Ireland


• Sunflowers (Evening Sun, Autumn Beauty, Mexican Torch, Peach Passion, Sunspot, Mammoth Russian, Mammoth Grey Stripe, Moulin Rouge, Vanilla Ice,


• California Poppy


• Coneflower


• Candytuft


• Pansies


• Chinese Lantern


• Lov-Lies-Bleeding


• Black Eyed Susan Vine


• Butterfly Flower


• Cosmos


• Datura


• Gaillardia


• Sweet Pea


• Impatiens


• Hyacinth Bean


• Stock


• Snapdragon


• Hollyhock


• Bachelor Button


• Larkspur


• Lavendar


• Lobelia


• Lupine


• Forget Me Not


• Hyssop


• Moonflower


• Nasturtium


• Penstemon


• Delphinium


• Portulaca


• Painted Daisey


• Nicotiana


• Rudbeckia


• Verbena


• Zinnias


• Broom Corn

Being a Good Neighbor; Watching Out for Our Neighbors

There are only two rules at the Stoddart Avenue Community Garden. The first one is: Be a Good Neighbor. Principally, this means do not make a nuisance of yourself, keep things pretty and clean, and make people glad to see you. Lately, it has taken on a new meaning. Since August, two people have been murdered within feet of and/or on the Garden lawn. The most recent was less than a week ago on Monday. It is simply unacceptable that people cannot feel safe at or near a community garden. Being a good neighbor has become more important than simply keeping a tidy garden.

Today was the first meeting in a few years for the Franklin Park Neighborhood Block Watch (FPNBW). For the foreseeable future, it will be meeting the first Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the East Main Street Policing Center at 950 East Main Street. The Co-chairs are Susan Wilson-Brooks and the SACG’s own Barb Carter and is assisted by the area community resource officer, Theresa Kalous. They have applied for grant funding to support a security camera for the Stoddart Avenue neighborhood and to support the reinvigoration of the FPNBW. The FPNBW covers the neighborhoods between Nelson Road and Morrison Avenue and East Main Street and Broad Street.

They are looking for volunteers to organize the residents of each street in the neighborhood so that we all know who are neighbors are and who to call if trouble arises. Barb is the captain for Stoddart Avenue and the SACG’s Mari Sunami is the current captain for Fairwood, but would like a co-captain. Susan would also like a co-captain for Bryden.

We are also organizing social events to take back our streets from common thugs. The First Event will be a neighborhood clean up to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. It will consist of picking up the considerable amount of litter on Stoddart Avenue and in the alley between Stoddart and Morrison. Volunteers should meet at the SACG to pick up supplies and refreshments.

Future events will include a neighborhood beautification effort to pick up more litter and plant flowers donated by Children’s Hospital. Keep Columbus Beautiful will also help us with graffiti remediation projects (so start making a list of the houses and buildings in the neighborhood we should start with). National Night Out will likely be July 5, 2011. [Editor's Note: I've heard from someone else that it is August 2]. We’ll also help with a block party.

Handouts were distributed. You can get more information about Olde Towne East block watches in the 12th Precinct at http://www.oteblockwatches.org/. Select 12th Precinct Block Watch Groups and scroll down to Franklin Park Block Watch. However, note that we are meeting on the first Saturday of the month at 1:00 and not the fourth Tuesday at 7.

For more information, email Barb or Officer Kalous at: tkalous@columbuspolice.org or call 614.645.1412.

Being a Good Neighbor; Watching Out for Our Neighbors

There are only two rules at the Stoddart Avenue Community Garden. The first one is: Be a Good Neighbor. Principally, this means do not make a nuisance of yourself, keep things pretty and clean, and make people glad to see you. Lately, it has taken on a new meaning. Since August, two people have been murdered within feet of and/or on the Garden lawn. The most recent was less than a week ago on Monday. It is simply unacceptable that people cannot feel safe at or near a community garden. Being a good neighbor has become more important than simply keeping a tidy garden.

Today was the first meeting in a few years for the Franklin Park Neighborhood Block Watch (FPNBW). For the foreseeable future, it will be meeting the first Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the East Main Street Policing Center at 950 East Main Street. The Co-chairs are Susan Wilson-Brooks and the SACG’s own Barb Carter and is assisted by the area community resource officer, Theresa Kalous. They have applied for grant funding to support a security camera for the Stoddart Avenue neighborhood and to support the reinvigoration of the FPNBW. The FPNBW covers the neighborhoods between Nelson Road and Morrison Avenue and East Main Street and Broad Street.

They are looking for volunteers to organize the residents of each street in the neighborhood so that we all know who are neighbors are and who to call if trouble arises. Barb is the captain for Stoddart Avenue and the SACG’s Mari Sunami is the current captain for Fairwood, but would like a co-captain. Susan would also like a co-captain for Bryden.

We are also organizing social events to take back our streets from common thugs. The First Event will be a neighborhood clean up to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. It will consist of picking up the considerable amount of litter on Stoddart Avenue and in the alley between Stoddart and Morrison. Volunteers should meet at the SACG to pick up supplies and refreshments.

Future events will include a neighborhood beautification effort to pick up more litter and plant flowers donated by Children’s Hospital. Keep Columbus Beautiful will also help us with graffiti remediation projects (so start making a list of the houses and buildings in the neighborhood we should start with). National Night Out will likely be July 5, 2011. [Editor's Note: I've heard from someone else that it is August 2]. We’ll also help with a block party.

Handouts were distributed. You can get more information about Olde Towne East block watches in the 12th Precinct at http://www.oteblockwatches.org/. Select 12th Precinct Block Watch Groups and scroll down to Franklin Park Block Watch. However, note that we are meeting on the first Saturday of the month at 1:00 and not the fourth Tuesday at 7.

For more information, email Barb or Officer Kalous at: tkalous@columbuspolice.org or call 614.645.1412.

Now Accepting Gardeners for 2011

We are now accepting applications/registrations for the 2011 gardening season. If you would like a garden plot to grow your own fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs, WE’D LIKE YOU TO JOIN US. Plots are only $10 each (and scholarships are available). You will, however, have to plant your own seeds, sometimes supply your own water and fertilizer, pull your own weeds, and harvest your own produce. (We have several barrels and a 550-gallon tank to collect rain which you can use until they run dry). You will also need to volunteer some time to care for the Garden.

You should review the SACG Garden Rules and then sign and return the Garden Agreement.

We encourage all gardeners to donate a portion of their produce to a local food pantry – like the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, the Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry on Champion Avenue or Faith Mission Homeless Shelter. Last year, eleven of our gardeners collectively donated 260 pounds of produce.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Garden Manager at 231-8571 or GardenMgr@gmail.com.

Garden plots will be assigned space permitting on a first-come-first serve basis – with preference given to gardeners from the prior season who also participated in two work days in April and November. The application deadline is April 5, 2011, and we need volunteers on April 9, 2011. If we run out of plots, we will create a wait list with preference given to people who volunteer on April 9, 2011.

Groups and clubs are welcome to share a plot.

Even if you do not want to garden with us this year, please don’t be a stranger. Stop by and say hello when you see us sweating, bending and grunting down the street. Misery loves company.

Now Accepting Gardeners for 2011

We are now accepting applications/registrations for the 2011 gardening season. If you would like a garden plot to grow your own fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs, WE’D LIKE YOU TO JOIN US. Plots are only $10 each (and scholarships are available). You will, however, have to plant your own seeds, sometimes supply your own water and fertilizer, pull your own weeds, and harvest your own produce. (We have several barrels and a 550-gallon tank to collect rain which you can use until they run dry). You will also need to volunteer some time to care for the Garden.

You should review the SACG Garden Rules and then sign and return the Garden Agreement.

We encourage all gardeners to donate a portion of their produce to a local food pantry – like the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, the Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry on Champion Avenue or Faith Mission Homeless Shelter. Last year, eleven of our gardeners collectively donated 260 pounds of produce.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Garden Manager at 231-8571 or GardenMgr@gmail.com.

Garden plots will be assigned space permitting on a first-come-first serve basis – with preference given to gardeners from the prior season who also participated in two work days in April and November. The application deadline is April 5, 2011, and we need volunteers on April 9, 2011. If we run out of plots, we will create a wait list with preference given to people who volunteer on April 9, 2011.

Groups and clubs are welcome to share a plot.

Even if you do not want to garden with us this year, please don’t be a stranger. Stop by and say hello when you see us sweating, bending and grunting down the street. Misery loves company.

Upcoming Gardening Classes at FPC

Franklin Park Conservatory has uncharacteristically posted its educational offerings sufficiently in advance that you might be able to work them into your schedule if you try really hard. This is what's coming up:


For additional information or to register, please call the registrar at 614.645.5923 or Download a registration form here

Food Safety for the Garden
Food safety expert Shari Plimpton, Ph.D., Director, Industry Outreach, CIFT, will discuss the funda-mentals of proper food handling and good agriculture practices for community gardeners, urban growers and those involved in farmers’ markets. Registration required; space limited. Sponsored by Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Program and the Conservatory’s Growing to Green Program.
Wednesday, March 2, 6 - 8 pm
Free with Conservatory admission


Fundamentals of Gardening Series
This three-class series will prepare you for the upcoming growing season. Sign up for all three and save.
$40 Members; $45 Non-members (for series)

Garden Backbone
Learn about soils, drainage, garden prep, compost, mulch and simple plant characteristics.
Saturday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Schedule
Learn how to use the garden calendar, how and when to best sow seeds and transplant, and how to get the garden ready for the growing season.
Saturday, February 26, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Shed
Learn how to use the right tools for your garden chores and how to care for and sharpen them. Class includes proper watering and fertilizing tips.
Saturday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Botany
This four-class series teaches the basics of plant biology. Plant ID and Botanical Families, Plant Physiology, Plant Structure, and Plant Ecology.
Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16, and 23; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$25 Members; $30 Non-members (for four-week series)

Basic Floral Design
Learn the basics of floral design and see how flowers and containers combine to create the feel of the arrangement. Create a simple vase arrangement to take home.
Saturday, February 19, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$20 Members; $25 Non-members

For additional information or to register, please call the registrar at 614.645.5923 or Download a registration form here


Growing and Caring for Fruit Trees and Shrubs
Learn to select fruit trees and shrubs for Central Ohio and what they need to grow. Pollination needs, pruning techniques for productivity, and other maintenance needs will be discussed.
Saturday, February 26, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Plant Identification – Flowering Shrubs
Learn the science behind plants and techniques used to properly identify each group. This class will include classroom and field study time.
Saturday, March 5, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Safety
When we think of garden safety we generally think tools -- but there is much more: soil composition, path widths, and plant safety- is it an irritant? Learn how to keep safe with water, snacks and tools.
Saturday, March 12, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Leadership
Learn from community panel leaders about different styles of leadership, gain insight on best practices when leading or starting a community project, and find out how each panelist manages funding.
Saturday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Composting 101
This hands-on workshop guides you through the different types of compost bins, specific tools needed and what can and can’t go into your compost. Vermicomposting (with worms) and heap composting information will be provided.
Saturday, March 12, 1 - 3 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Fun Crops for Kids
Encourage kids to grow their own plants, starting with seeds all the way to harvest. These kid-friendly crops not only include vegetables and fruit but sensory plants with fragrance and touch.
Saturday, March 26, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

101 Grant Writing – An Overview
Being successful at grant writing requires some fundamental basic steps. Learn about grant research, planning and idea clarification along with strategies to align you organizational goals and needs with grant opportunities. This class is collaboration between Franklin Park Conservatory and the United Way Training Academy.
2 sessions March 31 & April 7 - 6-8 p.m.
35$ (no member discount)

For additional information or to register, please call the registrar at 614.645.5923 or Download a registration form here

Upcoming Gardening Classes at FPC

Franklin Park Conservatory has uncharacteristically posted its educational offerings sufficiently in advance that you might be able to work them into your schedule if you try really hard. This is what's coming up:


For additional information or to register, please call the registrar at 614.645.5923 or Download a registration form here

Food Safety for the Garden
Food safety expert Shari Plimpton, Ph.D., Director, Industry Outreach, CIFT, will discuss the funda-mentals of proper food handling and good agriculture practices for community gardeners, urban growers and those involved in farmers’ markets. Registration required; space limited. Sponsored by Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Program and the Conservatory’s Growing to Green Program.
Wednesday, March 2, 6 - 8 pm
Free with Conservatory admission


Fundamentals of Gardening Series
This three-class series will prepare you for the upcoming growing season. Sign up for all three and save.
$40 Members; $45 Non-members (for series)

Garden Backbone
Learn about soils, drainage, garden prep, compost, mulch and simple plant characteristics.
Saturday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Schedule
Learn how to use the garden calendar, how and when to best sow seeds and transplant, and how to get the garden ready for the growing season.
Saturday, February 26, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Shed
Learn how to use the right tools for your garden chores and how to care for and sharpen them. Class includes proper watering and fertilizing tips.
Saturday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Botany
This four-class series teaches the basics of plant biology. Plant ID and Botanical Families, Plant Physiology, Plant Structure, and Plant Ecology.
Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16, and 23; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$25 Members; $30 Non-members (for four-week series)

Basic Floral Design
Learn the basics of floral design and see how flowers and containers combine to create the feel of the arrangement. Create a simple vase arrangement to take home.
Saturday, February 19, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$20 Members; $25 Non-members

For additional information or to register, please call the registrar at 614.645.5923 or Download a registration form here


Growing and Caring for Fruit Trees and Shrubs
Learn to select fruit trees and shrubs for Central Ohio and what they need to grow. Pollination needs, pruning techniques for productivity, and other maintenance needs will be discussed.
Saturday, February 26, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Plant Identification – Flowering Shrubs
Learn the science behind plants and techniques used to properly identify each group. This class will include classroom and field study time.
Saturday, March 5, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Safety
When we think of garden safety we generally think tools -- but there is much more: soil composition, path widths, and plant safety- is it an irritant? Learn how to keep safe with water, snacks and tools.
Saturday, March 12, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Garden Leadership
Learn from community panel leaders about different styles of leadership, gain insight on best practices when leading or starting a community project, and find out how each panelist manages funding.
Saturday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Composting 101
This hands-on workshop guides you through the different types of compost bins, specific tools needed and what can and can’t go into your compost. Vermicomposting (with worms) and heap composting information will be provided.
Saturday, March 12, 1 - 3 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Fun Crops for Kids
Encourage kids to grow their own plants, starting with seeds all the way to harvest. These kid-friendly crops not only include vegetables and fruit but sensory plants with fragrance and touch.
Saturday, March 26, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

101 Grant Writing – An Overview
Being successful at grant writing requires some fundamental basic steps. Learn about grant research, planning and idea clarification along with strategies to align you organizational goals and needs with grant opportunities. This class is collaboration between Franklin Park Conservatory and the United Way Training Academy.
2 sessions March 31 & April 7 - 6-8 p.m.
35$ (no member discount)

For additional information or to register, please call the registrar at 614.645.5923 or Download a registration form here

Road Trip: Louisville 15K Farmers Seed Swap

On Saturday, I took a rare road trip and drove three hours each way to visit my friend Mary in Louisville and participate in the seed exchange of Fifteen Thousand Farmers in Louisville, Kentucky. Fifteen Thousand Farmers ("FTF") is an initiative to turn Louisville citizens into backyard farmers. They started small and last year had signed up 1250 new backyard farmers for events. They hold a gardening event on the 15^th of each month. Mary briefs me almost every month. This month, it held a seminar by Ivor Chodkowski, a local farmer and entrepreneur, on "Planning your Spring Garden." After the seminar, they had a potluck (filled with garden produce), cooking demonstrations (with spaghetti squash) and a seed exchange. It was extremely well attended (even without cocktails as a draw) and there were at least 200 people there. Johnny's Seed Catalogs were handed out to everyone (until they ran out of catalogs). There were even door prizes, but neither Mary nor I won one.

After answering questions about gardening, Ivor spoke to the audience about grasshoppers distribution, a Community Supported Agriculture organization, and related issues. Sadly, there are virtually no places in Louisville to butcher meat for small farmers or individuals. This makes me sad because my family (i.e., my father and uncle) would buy a cow every year at the county fair and have it butchered to supply our annual meat needs. Although I now certainly could not eat a whole side of beef by myself each year, I could probably eat a quarter if other people wanted to go in with me. My friend Iced Tea Latte butchers a pig every year and a side of been (and graciously shares with me). It's a great way to buy local. However, all meat processors now seem to focus only on factory farms these days. . . . .

My favorite tip from Ivor was to buy seeds which advertise "prolific" fruits. Good sign.

Of course, I really came for the seed exchange. I've never attended one before. I thought that I should contribute something slightly exotic so that I would add value (being from out of town and all). The promotional materials recommended bringing seeds in a jar, so I filled a jam jar with black chick pea seeds. I suspected (correctly) that no one else would bring such seeds. Most people put seeds in plastic baggies (which is much more efficient). I thought that we would walk around with our jars of seeds, meet people, chat, and exchange seeds (for which I had brought small coin envelopes). However, instead, they set up long row of tables (organized by food groups) and people would leave their labeled bags of seeds. Some people just dropped off store-bought seed packets, but most people brought their own seeds. Then, you would just help yourself from each envelope that spanked your fancy. From the seed exchange, I got the following: OT Heimi Vietamese mecum peppers, loofah gourd seeds, sugar pie pumpkins (for Beth and Mike), San Martin Peppers, Thai Basil, Thomas Jefferson Marigold, Arkansas Cow Peas, California Poppies/Orange cosmos, and Okra. Mary gave me heirloom underground railroad tomatoes and jolokia peppers -- but holy jolokia! – I lost the peppers!!! You have no idea how much nashing of teeth and searching of luggage there was this afternoon when I could not find them. My father wanted CaJohn's Holy Jalokia sauce for Xmas and I was seriously looking forward to growing my own hot peppers and making my own sauce. Now, I will have to search them out and buy them.

Life goes on. The event was catered by Heine coffee and I met Gary Heine – who is one of the organizers of 15K Farmers. I'm not even a coffee drinker and I had coffee (with lots of milk and sugar). It also has a new home – the Dismas Charities St. Ann's site site, which is a re-entry program housed in a former Catholic church school. 15k Farmers is associated with Growing Power, which you've read about here before.

It was a nice way to spend a few hours on Saturday afternoon. Then I let Mary spoil me for the rest of my trip.

Road Trip: Louisville 15K Farmers Seed Swap

On Saturday, I took a rare road trip and drove three hours each way to visit my friend Mary in Louisville and participate in the seed exchange of Fifteen Thousand Farmers in Louisville, Kentucky. Fifteen Thousand Farmers ("FTF") is an initiative to turn Louisville citizens into backyard farmers. They started small and last year had signed up 1250 new backyard farmers for events. They hold a gardening event on the 15^th of each month. Mary briefs me almost every month. This month, it held a seminar by Ivor Chodkowski, a local farmer and entrepreneur, on "Planning your Spring Garden." After the seminar, they had a potluck (filled with garden produce), cooking demonstrations (with spaghetti squash) and a seed exchange. It was extremely well attended (even without cocktails as a draw) and there were at least 200 people there. Johnny's Seed Catalogs were handed out to everyone (until they ran out of catalogs). There were even door prizes, but neither Mary nor I won one.

After answering questions about gardening, Ivor spoke to the audience about grasshoppers distribution, a Community Supported Agriculture organization, and related issues. Sadly, there are virtually no places in Louisville to butcher meat for small farmers or individuals. This makes me sad because my family (i.e., my father and uncle) would buy a cow every year at the county fair and have it butchered to supply our annual meat needs. Although I now certainly could not eat a whole side of beef by myself each year, I could probably eat a quarter if other people wanted to go in with me. My friend Iced Tea Latte butchers a pig every year and a side of been (and graciously shares with me). It's a great way to buy local. However, all meat processors now seem to focus only on factory farms these days. . . . .

My favorite tip from Ivor was to buy seeds which advertise "prolific" fruits. Good sign.

Of course, I really came for the seed exchange. I've never attended one before. I thought that I should contribute something slightly exotic so that I would add value (being from out of town and all). The promotional materials recommended bringing seeds in a jar, so I filled a jam jar with black chick pea seeds. I suspected (correctly) that no one else would bring such seeds. Most people put seeds in plastic baggies (which is much more efficient). I thought that we would walk around with our jars of seeds, meet people, chat, and exchange seeds (for which I had brought small coin envelopes). However, instead, they set up long row of tables (organized by food groups) and people would leave their labeled bags of seeds. Some people just dropped off store-bought seed packets, but most people brought their own seeds. Then, you would just help yourself from each envelope that spanked your fancy. From the seed exchange, I got the following: OT Heimi Vietamese mecum peppers, loofah gourd seeds, sugar pie pumpkins (for Beth and Mike), San Martin Peppers, Thai Basil, Thomas Jefferson Marigold, Arkansas Cow Peas, California Poppies/Orange cosmos, and Okra. Mary gave me heirloom underground railroad tomatoes and jolokia peppers -- but holy jolokia! – I lost the peppers!!! You have no idea how much nashing of teeth and searching of luggage there was this afternoon when I could not find them. My father wanted CaJohn's Holy Jalokia sauce for Xmas and I was seriously looking forward to growing my own hot peppers and making my own sauce. Now, I will have to search them out and buy them.

Life goes on. The event was catered by Heine coffee and I met Gary Heine – who is one of the organizers of 15K Farmers. I'm not even a coffee drinker and I had coffee (with lots of milk and sugar). It also has a new home – the Dismas Charities St. Ann's site site, which is a re-entry program housed in a former Catholic church school. 15k Farmers is associated with Growing Power, which you've read about here before.

It was a nice way to spend a few hours on Saturday afternoon. Then I let Mary spoil me for the rest of my trip.