Dear Fellow Gardeners and Supporters of PPUG,

As promised July was a very interesting month. We were presented some gardening challenges that well be exciting for us.  Here is a bit of what we were up to last month.

The Shadow Wood Apartments is learning about the time and commitment it takes to keep a garden going. The hot weather has been unforgiving. Hopefully they will be able to rally and jump back in. This is a good lesson for all. They are already talking about "next season" and how they could do things different and better. PPUG will continue to support this project in the fall of '08 and spring of '09.

       
The Holy Theophany Community Garden continues to be a huge success. The last time we visited on July 30, veggies were "busting" out of their raised beds. I know this is in part to the great work they did in preparing the soil in the spring! Elizabeth is seen (left) holding her just harvested onion. Al and Ruth are seen (center) tending the gardens. Next are three very healthy tomato plants. We discussed how they needed to be trimmed for better production. Stephan and Al are on the right.

In July we had a meeting with Pikes Peak Community College, Centenial Campus. Present were Dr. Kinkel, President, PPCC,  Nathan, a culinary student at the college, Charlie Read, a member of Solidarity of Hope, and myself representing PPUG. It looks like we will be assisting, and advising them in a large, 1/3 to 1/2 acre school-farm vegetable garden. Most of the produce will go to the student food bank at PPCC. Dr, Kinkel is hoping to free up some staff time to get some help on this worthwhile project.


We had a meeting in July with the fine folks at Beth-El Mennonite Church on Union Blvd (between Austin Bluffs and Academy). It looks very promising that they will have the support of the church members to begin planning for a community garden somewhere on their 10.5 acres. PPUG will be there from start to success on this project.

     

More later………..Happy Gardening,

Larry Stebbins,                                                                                                      

Botanist, Lifelong Gardener, President of the Old Farm Community Gardens, Co-Founder of PPUG, Educ Coordinator Pikes Peak Community Foundation
 (719) 651-3416        www.ppugardens.org        larry@ppugardens.org