A Wonderful Beginning!

A very, very heartfelt "Thank you" to all the Aveson families, students, staff, and our very own master gardener, Jill MacArthur. Forty-five people turned out bearing seedlings, seeds, shovels, snacks, and smiles to turn the soil, re-connect irrigation, even pathways, clear weeds and debris, and set the gardening program in motion for the 2009/ 2010 school year! Thanks to their gifts of time and effort, Aveson WILL have a fabulous garden this year. Volunteer hours have been logged and pictures from the day are on display!

If you missed the fun, don't fret. Every Wednesday (excluding Community Days and holidays) is an opportunity for YOU to work with students in the garden. Do come out for all or part of the time if you can. Additionally, there will be Saturday gardening days scheduled monthly. Our next community gardening day is set for November 21st. Put it on your calendar now. Join in and be part of something truly rewarding. As you scroll down, you'll find there is still MUCH to do!

Below is the laundry list of above and beyond stuff that still needs doin':

*cement anchors placed in the rear wall and thickly wired to trellis our 2 grapevines
*repair of 2 sprinkler valves on the upper berm
*smothing primer and chalkboard paint for outdoor classroom on the backside of ACIS classroom (6'x15' or larger)
*moving several large oak rounds for seating (approximately 300 lbs. each!)

This is the wish list of goodies that are still needed:

10-12 cinder blocks or other materials to create steps for northeast corner near compost
1/2" green plastic ties
several garden hose diffusers/ gentle sprinkler heads
tall stakes to keep hoses out of beds
3 more orca-board beds - approximately $200 each
12 large rocks for a sundail
several bales of hay
A shed for the garden tools
several large clay pots for container gardening
lots of mulch (can't use the stinky manure during the school year because it's a school garden and kids will be walking, digging, playing in it... stinky stuff can be spread in the summer)
MARIGOLDS!!!
white cabbage
spray bottles for soapy pepper water to control pests
lavender (to be placed at top rear of berm... it attracts bees)
lemon verbena
California bay
butterfly bush
climbing plants (grapes)
shade netting (4'x8', mobile)
potting soil
white plastic knives

We'd love to hear from YOU so please post a comment below.... and we'll see ya in the garden soon!

2009 Gardening Volunteer Day

Please join us in the garden on October 24th, 2009, from 8AM ~12PM. We will provide coffee and Bagels ( so please DO RSVP with a comment below!), you provide hands, seeds, spades, shovels, and smiles! Bring gloves if you have them, and we need SEEDLINGS!

Seeds and seedlings we need:

* broccoli (seedlings only)
* cauliflower (seedlings only)
* beets
* celery
* purple cabbage
* carrots
* bok choy
* collard greens
* kale
* leaf lettuces
* head lettuces
* herbs (not basil)
* radishes
* rutabagas
* spinach
* chard

POPPIES and CA Wildflowers

Without your support the garden WILL NOT HAPPEN. Students CANNOT do it alone. It's time to back up our words with actions! RSVP with a comment below! We need YOUR support... no one else is going to do it!

Thanks SOOOO mulch!~)

Gardening Wednesdays, 2009

October 7, 14, 28 - We need seedlings and lots of help to get the soil turned and plants placed.

November 4, ... There is no class on the 11th or 18th but we still will need volunteers as the next gardening day is not until December 2nd.

December 2, 9, ... Adult community members are welcome on the 16th though no class is scheduled.

Welcome!

This blog is dedicated to keeping our Aveson garden GROWING STRONG! It is forum for coordinating project volunteers, sharing ideas and resources, finding out what your child is learning, and generally anything that we need to communicate about as a community with respect to the garden.

Visit often and participate!


3-5 Academic Focus

Students have an abundance of opportunities to explore in the garden. Among them, the opportunity to learn about compaction, amending soil, organic fertilizing and pest control methods, composting, irrigation and water conservation, sustainability, plant structures, and soil versus dirt. The three main areas of focus are :

BUILDING SOIL- now that the bungalow has been removed, we have a great deal of soil that needs to be revived and replenished in order that it may again nourish growth. Your muscles, tools, and donations are all welcome! Post a comment to let us know you're in!

COMPOSTING- What better way to dispose of your green (only plant matter, please!) waste... (breads, meats and fats= RATS!) especially if you don't have a compost bin of your own! Bring it to Aveson! Along with cafeteria green waste, it just needs a few turns and some air and water to do its thing.

SUSTAINABILITY- We need your help on this one, folks. Community members with advice, expertise, willingness to find out - come out and work with us on Gardening Wednesdays! Let's connect and get some gardening DONE!