Volunteering My Family (they love that)

After getting a better idea of the size of Sacred Heart Community Center's La Mesa Verde Project, I "volunteered" my husband and son to help with the delivery of beds and soil. Here we are at the Gardner Center where the materials are being stored.  Remember, 100 families, 1-2 beds per family, 950 lbs. of soil per bed.

Don't they look thrilled? 

Luis




Nathan



But we weren't alone....

Today there were about 10 volunteers (including Malin's family again) and Malin, Sofia and Evelyn from the program, ready to rock.                                           

 Here we arrive at a family's house that is getting 2 beds and they pitch in.

The two beds will go here and it will be so beautiful!

 We are on our way to growing our own organic produce.

We are changing the world one garden at a time.

 We are Urban Gardeners......

Next..preparing the soil.



Malin



The Beds Arrive!

So, now it's February, I've taken all the nutrition classes and it's time for the beds and soil to be delivered.  Today the "volunteers" are  Malin, the program manager, her mom and stepdad and her niece. Hmm...

Each bed is 8' X 4' and  takes about 19 bags of soil at 50lbs each. That's 950lbs. per bed. Remember, I'm just 1 of about 100 families.

Next: I decide to volunteer my son and husband (they love that) I'm sure they'll be happy to help.

Let me tell you about my garden!

Saturday is planting day! I'm so excited that it's finally here. I'll start at the beginning...

   A few months ago Evelyn and Sofia from Sacred Heart Community Center in 
San Jose knocked on our door and invited us to be one of 100 families in our neighborhood participating in this year's La Mesa Verde (organic gardening) Program.
   La Mesa Verde, (The Green Table) is yet another of the excellent programs that SHCC has made available to the community. I later met with Evelyn, who checked out our yard for space, sunlight conditions and water access. She explained that we would receive the bed(s), soil, plants and a drip irrigation kit. Our job was to attend the provided nutrition classes(3), organic gardening classes(4) taught by volunteer Master Gardeners :), and periodic reunions.
In addition we agreed to take care of the garden (duh!), and do our  best to use or share everything we grow .
   Everything we need to grow a spring organic garden, delivered and installed ....with the help of volunteers if necessary. In exchange, we agree to learn, to eat and to share.
   It seemed crazy to pass up such an opportunity. So I didn't. Now I'm just a little crazy with anticipation.

 


This is the side of the house where the garden will go.
Front view.

 

Back view.

  Please stay tuned.....