Benton Park Garden Committee
 

Work Day

Work Day Summary for March 10th 2007

At English Cave Community Garden

First off a big round of applause to those 14 who helped out on this first spring-like weather day at our garden. These folks were: Bob and Sandy LaRouche, Bill Kranz and Marian Amies, Carol Brayton and son Bryan, Daven Schanche and his friend Tim, Lisa Watson, Tamara Gegg-La Plume, Beth Heine and Nancy Galvin, John Doggett and Dan Guenther.

Here is a brief summary of our accomplishments:

1.) The plots are all taken at this time; we will however keep you informed of any new openings in case someone has to step aside. Let the digging begin. Note you can use the map to locate your plot, which are outlined in orange or white spray paint. Dan, Bill, Nancy, Bob and John helped lay out the plots which are 4 by 6 foot with a main 27 inch access path and a 12 inch secondary path. Grow on brother, grow on because you’re good to grow! Note that the plots numbered 2,5,9,14 and 20 do not directly abut the brown path line on the map. The path curves away and there is grass there plus a dotted white line of paint. If you stand centered on plot No. 1, face the grey garage door across Provenchere and walk towards Provenchere you will bisect the plot numbers I just mentioned.

2.) The rest of the trees were planted with the help of Daven’s tractor, Dan’s key advice/help and Bill’s carbide cutting tool. Beth Heine, Tamara Gegg-La Plume, John Doggette and Nancy Galvin also worked with the trees.

3.) Several folks worked on laying out and mulching the paths, namely Carol Brayton and her young son Bryan, Tamara Gegg-La Plume and others.

4.) Tim - Daven’s friend, brought some nice flowering perennial plant seeds for the black-mounded border along Provenchere. This will need careful attention as regards watering but will turn our very beautiful in future years. We have made a cut-through path through the black earth mound so be careful not to step on, dig, etc. the mound otherwise it is a sacredly seeded planting area now.

5.) Carol and son Bryan plus Tamara cut back the mulch overlay on the native plant area along Herman’s house border under the direction of Lisa.

6.) Tamara spruced up the mulch area cardboard.

7.) We determined a second picnic table may be a good fit by the orchard area.

8.) Marian provided a flavorful spinach soup, bread, drinks and cucumber/cream cheese sandwiches. She also took photos like the first dirt being turned over by Dan Guenther in his plot, quickly followed by Nancy Galvin.

9.) We used the hand tools as provided to us by Gateway Greening. Remember in April we’ll need to install the picnic table. I suggest we chain it down to 80 lb. concrete bags underground for safety’s sake. We have those concrete bags.

Thanks again to everyone who helped!! Already the small bulb area has new growth along with the wildflowers from previous years.

Reminder the next workday is March 17th noon till best you can work. Be advised don’t overdue you’re volunteer efforts, it will be a long season so be careful with the blisters.

Some of the next tasks may be tilling of the vegetable area, establishing the wire supports/border for the berry area, watering, shopping at Bell Garden, sprucing up, planting, signage issues, no-vehicle barriers?? and your ideas. (Budget-wise we may owe money for the three soil tests.) Folks are always welcome to work on their plots also.

Call Bill Kranz at 772-1190 or stop by 1960 Arsenal if you have further questions about your plot.

Please note I was told that “Taller” plants go along the outside borders and since I have an outside plot I want to build, per your approval, a wood-supported, green wire framed, blackened chicken wire and totally vine covered “nameless art museum.” There will be a small, barely open door so that a thinner person and 1 possum can sit inside it. There will be turrets and candy canes, etc. and the highest point(s) may be 6 ft. with a width of 3 ft.

IT will be very bizarre, IT will be very weird, and once inside, IT will be very strange, but will IT be allowed???


Your feedback is appreciated.

Thanks, Bill Kranz

Last updated: Friday, November 14, 2008