September 2, 2014
It's hard to believe that the summer has gone already. Although we still have plenty of hot weather ahead, the evenings have gotten cooler and the days shorter.
Over the summer, the garden continued to thrive. Friends and volunteers were the happy recipients of zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, peppers of many types, basil, tomatoes, chard, cucumbers and green beans. The grapes ripened but the birds enjoyed them before our students could see the fruit. The pumpkins and melons are nearly ready and the dry beans are drying. Soon it will be time to to pull out the summer plants and get the garden beds ready for fall planting - lettuce, carrots, radishes, peas, kale and beets.
We had seed donations over the summer from Walmart and Lowe's and thanks to Lowe's and our parents donations, we acquired a new Goji Berry bush. Our fruit trees will be planted in October as the weather cools down a little more.
The Nature Center hosted many birds and insects, and our very first squirrel made an appearance. In the coming year perhaps we will spy some other new guests - opposums or raccoons would be a big possibility. The clearing of dead brush and overgrown plants continues. We will be using grant money to plant new California Native Plants this fall. Pray for rain!!!
We will be planning Days in the Garden so that parents and other community members can come to enjoy our wonderful Nature Center and Garden. There will be plenty to do as we get ready for fall and winter. Stay posted for dates - we look forward to seeing you!