I am always feeling blessed. It seems that when I (and the Nature Center and Garden) need something, whatever it might be pops up. My most faithful volunteer, Adela, has moved on because her grandaughter has graduated. But, lo and behold, a new mother of a kindergartener has appeared! AND, not only has she been coming weekly to help out, but she is an Artist. Please thank new parent, Janis, for the beautiful new mural that she is donating - concept and materials - to our space. It will unite the two parts of our Nature Center and Garden. We also owe our new partner, Home Depot, for the donation of primer for the wall. We can't wait to see the finished artwork!
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Hard to believe, but it is nearly October already! It was a quiet summer, not nearly as hot as last year. Our Garden continued to produce fruits and vegetables - the iguanas and mice in Mr. Zawacki's science lab, and the wild birds were all appreciative of the bounty, as was I. The students that were here for summer classes got to enjoy grapes and apples. The Aquaponics system had to have a few adjustments - the shade cover that was originally built was not sufficient to prevent major algae growth. The algae consumes the nutrients produced by our goldfish, so the lettuces, collard greens and basil were not growing. We had to remove all the water and start again. Don't worry, the water went to our tropical orchard and was not wasted! I am happy to welcome our students back to school! I always enjoy speaking with the parents, especially the ones who are not familiar yet with the Niemes Elementary Nature Center and Garden. People are always surprised at how extensive it is, and how many types of fruits and vegetables we grow. Once the September heat is done, we begin having Garden Club, Garden Helpers, and teacher visits. My students will be harvesting all the summer, warm weather fruits and vegetables: bananas, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, melons, guava, and sweet potatoes and planting cool season vegetables - radish, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, onions, garlic and peas. |
Kathleen IrvineCertified Horticulturist, Artist, Teacher Categories
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