Last week I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Chicago. Not only did I get to see three generations of Bushes (my favorite being Barbara) and Kevin Bacon, but I was surprised at the theme of gardening that came through loud and clear.
At the conference, we participated in a fun service project where we got in long lines with a tub and as we went through, other volunteers put items in them like rakes, gloves, seeds, and at the end of the line we ended up with a complete community garden in a box, which would be given to Chicago schools. That got me thinking . . .
Now that I’ve been gardening for a couple of years now (although definitely not a master gardener!) I realized how much I don’t know about gardening. It seems simple enough: Buy seed. Stick it in the ground. Water. Harvest. However, I’ve discovered it’s much harder than that. When does one plant the seed? How deep? How close? What about companion planting? What needs full sun and what can live with some shade? How do I know when my crop is ready to pick? Do I cut it off or pull the whole plant? Whew! Good thing for the internet!
At the conference we heard about community gardens, corporate giving gardens, and all sorts of gardens that reach out to others for the greater good of our country. I know there are some in my own community, but I’ve never thought I was knowledgeable enough to help out. Plus I really don’t need ANOTHER organization with which to volunteer, but I still plan to do some research to find out who’s around me and perhaps give financially.
Are you involved in any “philanthropic” gardening activities? Let me know in the comments below!
Oh, I almost forgot! Here’s that front yard garden update video I promised. I spent probably 10 hours working in my gardens this past weekend. It was very relaxing but I am so sore now.
This post shared at Tuesday Garden Party, Real Food Wednesdays, Fight Back Friday
WOW! I am impressed! It looks wonderful!
Is there any lovelier landscaping than food? Nice job. I recently read an article (can’t remember where) about Ample Harvest, an online matchup service between gardeners with surplus and food pantries with need. http://ampleharvest.org/ I like the idea, as it is food-giving directly from the grower to the pantry. Those who cannot involve themselves with something community-based (like those of us who live out in the country) can still help out.
In other years when we were tired of picking beans and had enough put up for the winter, we would call a family in need to come and pick for themselves. Not many are willing/able to do that, and it was always such a relief to find someone who would/could, and who appreciated the fresh food enough to take on the burden of picking. Earlier this spring, while picking strawberries with my mother in law, I remarked that people would value food more if they had to grow/pick it themselves. None of this throwing away food business that bothers me so much.
Thanks for letting me know about ampleharvest – will need to check them out! And, I totally agree about valuing our food. Funny story – when I was growing up, we always needed more workers during weeding and harvest than we ever could find. My mom used to see people with “will work for food” signs along the highway and she’d ask if they wanted to work on the farm. They never took her up on it.
Wow, 10 hours! No wonder you’re sore. Looks good though.
Thanks! I can’t believe how long it took. And of course it’s never done, those pesky weeds keep coming back 🙂