Community Garden Workday for October

One Saturday a month, local Master Gardeners devote the day

to nurturing the Community Garden in nearby Denver, NC.

Because of another commitment, I missed last month's workday.

It was good to get back to the ritual this past weekend.

Although the day was cool and drizzly,

we managed to accomplish our main goal.

Before beginning on our group project,

I had a few minutes to look around.

The loofah is cascading so gracefully over the fence.

Look at the gorgeous lemon-yellow blooms just covering the vines.

This is one crop I will definitely plant next season.

This year I had trouble with germination,

but I'll get a better head start on it in the spring.

I'm looking forward to growing my own sponges

to use for cleaning and in the shower.

I have a gazebo frame just waiting for something stunning!

Here are a couple of the gourds hanging from the vines.

The one on the left has dried and will be ready for harvesting.

The one on the right is still a bit green,

but with the weather turning colder,

it may have to be picked and left to air dry.

Here's what the gourds look like after processing.

In other parts of the garden,

some folks still have veggies growing in their beds.

Here are a mix of peppers with some gorgeous blossoms.

Quite a nice splash of color on this dreary day!

The constant dribble of rain made a bit of a mess

in the walkways.

It's times like this when I am so grateful for my Sloggers.

 

Feet stay warm and dry in style!

Most of the beds will be empty through the colder weather.

There is still a smattering of veg to be harvested before frost hits.

Our task on this workday was perfectly timed.

Our mission revolved around these aromatic bulbs,

and one bed is dedicated to growing this kitchen staple.

All of the garlic grown here will be donated 

to the local food bank.

No doubt they will be grateful to have an abundance

of such a necessary ingredient.

The bag of garlic was acquired at a local merchant,

with care being taken to purchase USA-grown.

Once the heads were separated into individual cloves,

they were planted 2 inches deep and about 4 inches apart.

By the time we started planting, it was raining a bit harder,

and my camera was safely stashed in the car,

so I couldn't get pictures of that process.

In a couple of weeks, this crop should be sprouting,

and then it will go dormant for the remainder of the fall/winter.

Once spring is ushered in, it will reboot and grow in earnest.

You can read about our home garlic (and shallot) sowing here.

Even though the weather didn't much cooperate,
we managed to complete our assigned task.
It's always a pleasure working with like-minded folks,
those who believe in their hearts
that we are a small part of the BIG picture.
Our ample blessings encourage us to give back.

"Real generosity toward the future
lies in giving all to the present."
~Albert Camus