Hello Members,
The gardens are looking so nice. Many of us are already harvesting and the food bank donations are growing.
Upcoming Work Party — Saturday, June 4: We have a lot of maintenance projects so if you are able to attend and complete at least 2 of your required Community Service hours (more if you bring additional workers) we would really appreciate it. Assignments will be given at the gazebo from 7:15 to 7:30 as you enter and will adhere to social distancing from other participants.
Please let us know if you will be attending by replying to this email so we can plan accordingly.
All Plots are required to have 2 hours completed by Dec. 31. Don’t procrastinate — come Saturday! As a reminder the garden will be closed Saturday morning to the general membership during the work party and will open at 9:30.
Pet Adoption Event: On June 11 Animal Care Services will be having a very large event from 10 AM to 3 PM. Delays to enter the garden are expected. We will have a booth at the event and we are looking for several volunteers to represent us at the booth. Shift 1 is from 10 to 12:30 and Shift 2 is from 12:30 to 3 PM. You will receive community service hours to volunteer for this event. Please let us know ASAP if you can volunteer.
July 30 ~ Annual Picnic: We are excited to have a picnic this year on Saturday, July 30 starting at 4 PM. Details will be sent out next month. We will be needing volunteers to set up, take down and help during the picnic. Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering and if you plan to attend the picnic, please RSVP by replying to this email with your plot # and how many attendees. It will help us to know how many to expect in the planning process.
Accessibility at the Garden: Ours is an inclusive garden. We welcome people with all levels of abilities. Please keep this in mind as we use the garden facilities:
- We have one accessible table in the gazebo. Keep it clean and clear for everyone to use.
- Try to keep the road access pathways clear.
- Keep plants and support structures from obstructing the pathways.
- Return wheelbarrows and wagons in an orderly way. Don’t turn wagons upside down or leaning over.
- Drive the posted speed limit (5 mph) and watch for gardeners on the roads.
- Park on the pavement to allow gardeners access to areas adjacent to the road.
- Wound hoses back on the rack and not a tangled mess or obstructing the pathway.
Snakes in the Garden: Mid-spring is the time of year when snakes come out hunting for food. There are 4 types of native snakes that live around the gardens and all are protected. None of them are harmful to people. They can sometimes be seen during the day basking in the sun or hiding under garden equipment. They are an important part of the ecosystem. Gophers, rats, mice and other small rodents are their main diet.
If you see a snake, leave it alone and let it move away. Watch for them on the roads in the early morning or evening. Do not try to pick one up. If there are any issues, notify Animal Care Services.
Squash Plants and CMV Virus: In past summers, we experienced a problem with the CMV virus on squash plants and it ended up infecting cucumbers, tomatoes and other plants. If you “think” plants may have it do not wait — remove the entire plant immediately including all roots. DO NOT put zucchini back in the same place and DO NOT rototill or you will pass the disease on to other parts of the garden. Simply turn over your soil. More info HERE.
Garden Reviews: All plots will be reviewed on the first week of every month with a 2nd review in 1-2 weeks. Please be sure your plot is in compliance and dig out all weeds in the plot and pathways and be sure that there is no overgrowth of plants outside of your plot borders.
Thanks for Food Bank Contributions: The amount of produce contributed to the Long Beach Mission and other charities was amazing this year. Those of you who contributed your 10% and more should feel very good about this at a time when so many are in need.
Happy Gardening!
Greg Marcotte