Some pics

(Closeup of magnolia bud)

(Magnolia tree)

(Johnny & Betty)

(Carolin & Natalie planting seeds)

(The Team making plans in front of the magnolia tree)

Some pics

(Roberto)

(Carolin)

(Stacey)

(The Team planting seeds)

(The Team planting seeds)

Some pics

(Roberto)

(Natalie)

(1 of our compost bins)

(Fig tree)

(Rose bush)

Some pics

(E 111 St. being prepared for planting)

(Our tools in our new tool shed)

(Tara and Natalie)

(Stacey)

(Tara and Natalie)

Ist Seedlings and 1st sowing at E. 111 St.

(Expanded pellet after water has been added)

(Close-up of Spinach seed packet)

(3 Seed packets)

(Tara, Joyce and Natalie)

(72 pack seed starter kit before water is added)

We started Sugar Baby watermelons, Georgia southern collard greens, Vittoria eggplant, sweet pepper(green), Roma Italian tomato and Chadwick Cherry tomato as seedlings in a 72 pack seed starter kit. We started Genovese sweet basil, Sugar Baby watermelon and Georgia Southern collard greens in pots. We sowed Spinach(Lavewa), Arugula(Rocket Salad-Roquette), Lettuce(Mesclun Chef's Gourmet Spicy Mix) in the last bed near the fence in 9 rows of 3 each alternating {Spinach, Arugula, Lettuce}. We planted morning glory in a bucket near the fence with the hope that as it grows it will grow entangled in the fence. We made paths between the 6 raised beds.

The Beginning of Season-2011

Work has begun. Stacey, Natalie, Roberto, Tara, Caroline, Joyce and Betty have met at both locations to discuss our plans for this season. We talked about which plants to plant again, (tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, swiss chard, collard greens, kale, etc.). Plants that have done well all 3 or 4 seasons that we have been gardening. We talked about which new plants to plant, (spinach, plum tomatoes and multiple varieties of both old and new plants). We talked about which herbs to plant, (basil, arugula, cilantro, rosemary, shiso, oregano, sage, etc.). We talked about what labor needed to be done at both sites. We discussed planting bulbs again. Last year we planted tulip narcissus bulbs(perennials) and they are regrowing now. We discussed planting lavender and a rose bush at Iyana House to fulfill the request of a staff member who asked for greenery in the back yard. I planted tulips there last year but I dont know if they are blooming now because of the cats at Iyana House and the poor soil in their back yard. Natalie informed us that one day this spring Goldman Sachs employees will plant some of our seedling with us. We discussed either purchasing a greenhouse or finding an available one in the Bronx or Manhattan that we can use. We harvested the garlic/scallions that we planted last season. We organized the closets and cabinets at Morris Ave. We moved our tools from the closet into our new toolshed at E. 111 St. Finally, we turned over the soil once at both sites as we await a delivery of fresh topsoil to the Morris Ave. site.

Season 2011

With March approaching, spring also is approaching. Work will probably begin soon. We will be deciding what vegetables and herbs to plant for this season and will determine if we will plant anything new this year. I look forward to working in the gardens during the warm weather. I have looked at the soil at Morris Ave. when I go there weekly to maintain the wormbin since the snow has finally melted. Unfortunately, we were not able to plant a cover crop last season. We will continue our annual practice of adding much compost to the soil to improve the soil structure. Finally, I will harvest both the work wormbin and my home wormbin during the next few weeks.