A weekend of cooperation in review...

Here are some great pictures from all the efforts that took place this past weekend at the Coventry Hills Community Garden.

Coventry Garden construction...

Well the weather was a huge improvement over last year. Not a drop of precipitation and definitely no snow. There was an amazing turnout, and by the time I lazily rolled in about an hour after the construction began, it looked as though it would soon be over.

Everything looked to be organised and operating like clockwork. Trailers and tents were set up with saws positioned strategically for cutting, the drills were whirring, and the sawdust flying in the wind. But most importantly and as per usual, everyone was enjoying themselves with big grins on their faces.

For some it was the first time meeting, for others it was a reunion from last years gardening. It was clear that this determined group were going to have a great day. A day that will surely be just the beginning of a  great growing season and very bright future. I'm looking forward to following Coventry's progress this year.

Tomorrow the plots will be put into position and filled with soil, the garden will really start to take shape. Pictures will follow shortly, there are bound to be some great ones.

Ignorance was working...

Last year was the first year for Harvest Gardens and many of its gardeners. Our knowledge was largely lacking but our spirit and energy more than compensated for it. I think most of us would say that we were fairly proud of what we were able to accomplish. We had some great help from the more experienced gardeners, which certainly went a long way, and that tradition continued this past weekend.

Composterrific!

About 20 of our gardeners were lucky enough to sit in on an excellent beginner gardener session that we hosted and was conducted by Janet Melrose from the Calgary Horticultural Society's Community Garden Resource Network. It has been a long time since my brain felt that full. Climate, soil, planting, harvesting, it was a little bit of information overload but I definitely think my garden will be the better for it. I already figured out why my carrots were lackluster performers last year. It was great to see a large group of new gardeners from the Coventry Garden and I can't wait to see how things turn out at both of our locations. All I can say is if ignorance was working last year, I can't imagine what the results will be like this year.

If you missed this past educational session keep checking in for our next event. We are planning a hands-on composting experience with an expert. His name is Bert Einsiedel and he also has a blog with some great info, check it out and stay tuned for when we finalize dates.