I thought I'd just drop a quick post on here to let everbody know how the voting is going for my idea on creating a giving garden network.
So far the leader is "The Giving Gardeners" followed by the close second place "Giving Gardens," and I only heard one person say they didn't think I should add network or campaign after it.
So, please if you haven't emailed or posted your comment here, please let me know what you think. And again, if you have a better choice, let me hear it!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Last Day To Apply To Become A Master Gardener
I just wanted to remind everybody that today is the deadline to apply for the 2008 Los Angeles County Master Gardener class. For more information, go to the website at: http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/
Hopefully, those are interested already applied or at least read the requirements, because you needed to get LiveScan fingerprints and complete their very thorough application packet!
Hopefully, those are interested already applied or at least read the requirements, because you needed to get LiveScan fingerprints and complete their very thorough application packet!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Help LA Farm Girl Help Others
Well, I have spent the past few days working on an idea I have and I was hoping for some input on it here. So, here goes.
Basically, I am going to set up a local network for backyard/home and community gardeners who grow their own produce and who want to do something good with the extra that they have, to have a place where they can give their excess produce to those who need it, basically using the Plant a Row For the Hungry Model.
But, I also want to include another component to give flowers to those in the hospital or hospice. So those who grow flowers can donate them in a kind of "Bedside Bouquet" program to local hospitals, convalescent homes, and temporary care centers/transition care centers.
I am hoping that by offering them garden classes and workshops, tips, and classes from local garden experts (hopefully including my fellow Master Gardeners), along with local cooks and maybe even flower arrangers, they will be as excited with this idea as I am and want to get involved. And, it will also be a way for them to help green our local community and we can have people give them ideas and information on that as well, maybe even get some good freebies donated.
I figure with all of my years of community and volunteer involvement, I will put my connections to good use to make this a reality.
Here's where you all come in. I have some names I am thinking of calling it, that I hope will explain what the project is. What I have come up with so far are all related to the concept of "giving."
Here's what I have, please give me your vote, or, suggest something else if these are too lame:
Basically, I am going to set up a local network for backyard/home and community gardeners who grow their own produce and who want to do something good with the extra that they have, to have a place where they can give their excess produce to those who need it, basically using the Plant a Row For the Hungry Model.
But, I also want to include another component to give flowers to those in the hospital or hospice. So those who grow flowers can donate them in a kind of "Bedside Bouquet" program to local hospitals, convalescent homes, and temporary care centers/transition care centers.
I am hoping that by offering them garden classes and workshops, tips, and classes from local garden experts (hopefully including my fellow Master Gardeners), along with local cooks and maybe even flower arrangers, they will be as excited with this idea as I am and want to get involved. And, it will also be a way for them to help green our local community and we can have people give them ideas and information on that as well, maybe even get some good freebies donated.
I figure with all of my years of community and volunteer involvement, I will put my connections to good use to make this a reality.
Here's where you all come in. I have some names I am thinking of calling it, that I hope will explain what the project is. What I have come up with so far are all related to the concept of "giving."
Here's what I have, please give me your vote, or, suggest something else if these are too lame:
- The Giving Gardeners
- The Giving Gardens
- The Giving Garden
- Gardens for Giving
- Gardens of Giving
- Gardens That Give
- And, do I need to add the word, network or campaign?
That's it so far, let me know if you have any opinions or ideas. I will keep you all posted on my progress.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Redondo Beach Farmers' Market
Not only do they have some of my favorite farmers, Ha's Apple Farm, Zuckerman's Farm, MB Farms, and Smith Organic Farm, but it's located in such a beautiful place, overlooking the Pacific, how many other farmers' markets can make that claim?
So, here are a few shots of the market (although not that high quality since I took them with my cell camera). If you are interested in going to the Redondo Beach Farmers' Market, it operates year-round on Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., just above the bike path, next to the Pier and alongside Veteran's Park, http://www.redondo.org/depts/recreation/facilities/farmers_market.asp
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Can You Go Home Again?
I know it's been several days since posting, but I think that's because I haven't been very motivated to write about farms. Why you might ask?
Well, yesterday I attended a funeral for somebody I didn't know but who indirectly has always been a part of my life. First off, it's a very sad story, the man who passed away was only 44 years old (only a year younger than LA Farm "Girl," yikes) and was full of life and love for his family and community, and he died on New Year's Eve.
While I didn't know him, I know his mother and I know his brother, and apparently I did know him when I was a little girl because his mother has lived on the same street for the past 39 years, the street where I lived until my parents divorced and we moved away when I was starting the 4th grade.
But, when I grew up, I came back to my "hometown" and I now live in the house next to my parent's old house and I had the opportunity to "re-meet" this woman several years ago and we developed a new bond and an adult friendship.
This has been one of the nicest parts about returning to my roots, reconnecting or rediscovering people I knew when I was very young. But, it's also brought about some sadness for me, something I never really thought about when I decided to return to my hometown.
Instead of feeling connected to the past, it makes me feel disconnected and I feel a sense of loss because I was so young when I left. I don't remember people, and I just sort of stare blankly as they reminisce about things that happened and I feel left out when they talk about things that happened once I left.
It even connects to my farm writing at times, especially the book I am writing on our farm history, as they look at me incredulously while saying things like "well don't you remember the pig farm at such and such," or "the dairy on so and so."
So, it got me to thinking, can you really go home again? I mean, the place is familiar, comforting and feels natural to you in so many ways, but is it really "home" when you feel like an outsider there?
It’s interesting what funerals can do to us; it hits on emotions and feelings we don't usually think about. I mean, I am a very active member of my community and have so many connections here; it's odd that this has made me feel that way.
But, it's also made me realize yet again, how precious and short life is and that I have to be true to who I am and pursue my passion no matter how hard it seems at times.
There are so many things I want to do to help our farmers, to promote sustainable food systems. For example, I am even thinking of starting my own Victory Garden Network for urban farmers and backyard gardeners to connect and to find ways to get excess produce to those who need and want it. More on that later.
Well, yesterday I attended a funeral for somebody I didn't know but who indirectly has always been a part of my life. First off, it's a very sad story, the man who passed away was only 44 years old (only a year younger than LA Farm "Girl," yikes) and was full of life and love for his family and community, and he died on New Year's Eve.
While I didn't know him, I know his mother and I know his brother, and apparently I did know him when I was a little girl because his mother has lived on the same street for the past 39 years, the street where I lived until my parents divorced and we moved away when I was starting the 4th grade.
But, when I grew up, I came back to my "hometown" and I now live in the house next to my parent's old house and I had the opportunity to "re-meet" this woman several years ago and we developed a new bond and an adult friendship.
This has been one of the nicest parts about returning to my roots, reconnecting or rediscovering people I knew when I was very young. But, it's also brought about some sadness for me, something I never really thought about when I decided to return to my hometown.
Instead of feeling connected to the past, it makes me feel disconnected and I feel a sense of loss because I was so young when I left. I don't remember people, and I just sort of stare blankly as they reminisce about things that happened and I feel left out when they talk about things that happened once I left.
It even connects to my farm writing at times, especially the book I am writing on our farm history, as they look at me incredulously while saying things like "well don't you remember the pig farm at such and such," or "the dairy on so and so."
So, it got me to thinking, can you really go home again? I mean, the place is familiar, comforting and feels natural to you in so many ways, but is it really "home" when you feel like an outsider there?
It’s interesting what funerals can do to us; it hits on emotions and feelings we don't usually think about. I mean, I am a very active member of my community and have so many connections here; it's odd that this has made me feel that way.
But, it's also made me realize yet again, how precious and short life is and that I have to be true to who I am and pursue my passion no matter how hard it seems at times.
There are so many things I want to do to help our farmers, to promote sustainable food systems. For example, I am even thinking of starting my own Victory Garden Network for urban farmers and backyard gardeners to connect and to find ways to get excess produce to those who need and want it. More on that later.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Become a City Farmer---Grow Your Own
Nasturtium are Yummy in Salads
As I mentioned yesterday, community gardens and gardening are a big component of urban agriculture. Think about it; what could be more local than growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables?
As you will see by some of the links I have under LA Farms, most of them are urban gardens, which are basically just small urban farms.
Some of them have the traditional components of "real" farms, i.e. CSA's or Community Supported Agriculture, or farm subscriptions, meaning you can receive a box of produce weekly or biweekly by signing up and paying a fee. Your box is usually delivered to a convenient location or in the case of our own city farms, such as CSU, Earth Works, and the Vet's Garden, you can get your produce at their location or at a farm stand on their site.
If you want to try and grow some of your own produce, consider this. Being a city farmer is good for you because you will be eating the freshest produce possible, and if you grow it organically, you know exactly what's been done to it, namely, that there's no pesticides or non-organic fertilizers added to it. And, if you practice good, basic gardening techniques, you won't need them anyway.
But growing your own is also good for our environment. You are helping to absorb greenhouse gases, greening up the local environment, you are providing a natural habitat for beneficial insects and other critters, and you are cutting down on your need to travel to get your food and for transportation of your food to you, cutting down on gas use.
You might be thinking you don't have the time, the space, or the knowledge to grow your own food. That's why I have included plenty of upcoming workshops and classes under the Farm & Garden events. And, I will be updating these continuously. You don't have to start with your whole yard or patio, start with one pot, grow something you love to eat, have fun and experiment.
I will also be including other links to some great places to get seeds and plants and some hand-outs and information from the UC Master Garden/Common Ground Garden Program as well, starting with this one on Ten Beginning Steps for Every Home Gardener, http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/garden/articles/10steps.html.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Become A UC Master Gardener
Columbia Park Community Garden Demonstration AreaGiven that the deadline is almost here to apply to become a University of California Master Gardener here in LA, I thought I'd take this opportunity to explain how the UC Cooperative Extension Master Garden Program works.
First off, the UC Master Garden program is awesome (disclosure, I am a UC Master Gardener so I am biased). Here in LA, we do have a UC Extension Office that's part of the main UC Davis Ag. and Natural Resources Division.
Here in LA, our program, the UC Cooperative Extension Common Ground Garden Program, focuses on helping low-income residents become successful gardeners, and has been doing so for over 30 years and is run by the very wonderful Yvonne Savio.
According to our newest brochure: "The purpose of Cooperative Extension’s MG Program is to extend to the public UC research-based information on home horticulture, pest identification, landscape management, and other environmental and natural resource issues. The program provides volunteers with more than 78 hours of intense gardening and outreach training.
The curriculum covers vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs, trees, soils, composting, fertilizing, irrigating, pests and diseases, and tools—all based on organic methods and utilizing hands-on techniques.
Upon completion of the training program, volunteers must give back at least 50 hours of service within one year at local gardens or respond to gardening questions on the phone or email helplines. In addition, volunteers must earn at least another 15 hours of continuing education time."
That's basically it, you get UC research and training and become a better gardener in exchange for doing something good by helping others learn to grow their own food and become more successful gardeners. It's a win-win.
And, of course community and backyard gardens are a big part of urban agriculture, which I will talk about in more depth later. I just wanted to make sure you all knew the deadline to apply is January 15th, click here for more information: http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/
First off, the UC Master Garden program is awesome (disclosure, I am a UC Master Gardener so I am biased). Here in LA, we do have a UC Extension Office that's part of the main UC Davis Ag. and Natural Resources Division.
Here in LA, our program, the UC Cooperative Extension Common Ground Garden Program, focuses on helping low-income residents become successful gardeners, and has been doing so for over 30 years and is run by the very wonderful Yvonne Savio.
According to our newest brochure: "The purpose of Cooperative Extension’s MG Program is to extend to the public UC research-based information on home horticulture, pest identification, landscape management, and other environmental and natural resource issues. The program provides volunteers with more than 78 hours of intense gardening and outreach training.
The curriculum covers vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs, trees, soils, composting, fertilizing, irrigating, pests and diseases, and tools—all based on organic methods and utilizing hands-on techniques.
Upon completion of the training program, volunteers must give back at least 50 hours of service within one year at local gardens or respond to gardening questions on the phone or email helplines. In addition, volunteers must earn at least another 15 hours of continuing education time."
That's basically it, you get UC research and training and become a better gardener in exchange for doing something good by helping others learn to grow their own food and become more successful gardeners. It's a win-win.
And, of course community and backyard gardens are a big part of urban agriculture, which I will talk about in more depth later. I just wanted to make sure you all knew the deadline to apply is January 15th, click here for more information: http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/
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