The St. Francis Sustainable Garden Project supports the hungry, at-risk children and their families in our area. We use a garden plot in front of the St. Francis rectory where we grow and harvest herbs, vegetables and flowers. In past years each harvest has produced over 180 lbs. of produce- all delivered to the pantry at Foundations Preschool of Ann Arbor, - child care center for at-risk, low-income families.

The St. Francis Grounds & Botanical Gardens: Several gardens surround the St Francis of Assisi campus of buildings, including, but not limited to, the church, school, rectory and/or parish offices. These gardens need to be a beautiful expression of hospitality, in particular, the entrances, to our fellow parishioners and visitors as well as reflect a statement of our appreciation for God's creation and nature.

Questions? Contact: Scott Wright (734-821-2121)

Summary and Fall Wrap Up

Happy Fall.  What a great warm and sunshine filled week.  The garden still looks terrific
 
First,  Thank you very much for all your time, talent and treasures for this garden.  The garden's beauty and production is because of you and God's grace.
 
Second,  Rose Sherry and Erich Jensen have become co-coordinators of the garden for the next season, as Tracy Nagy does not have as much time to devote to the role.  Many, many thanks to Tracy for her leadership, advice, and energy for this garden for so many years.  We hope she will still join us at the garden in some capacity in the future.  Phone numbers for Erich: 734.771.8511 and Rose: 734.657.0197.
 
Third, Several of you have re-committed to the garden for the 2011 -2012 season through the St Francis Time and Talent survey, and we thank you very much.  No pressure on the rest of you, yet we would appreciate your continuance.  You may let us know by email, too.  Please let us know if you do not continue, so we don't bother you with emails.  We are looking forward to new volunteers through the survey, too
 
Fourth, I offer up a summary which should include most of this year's activities and accomplishments and kudos to all of you for them.  There is a chance I missed a couple:
  • February planning meeting/dinner at the Jensens
  • Spring seed sale and seedling sale (note: 2 events) after 8:45 and 10:30 masses
  • Free truckload/haul of city compost in May (Thanks to Joan and Bob Meagher)
  • Early spring planting of cool season crops (e.g., spinach and peas)
  • More formal crop rotation bedding and companion planting plan (Thanks to Sherrys and Tracy)
  • Second growing season of asparagus plants (Thanks to Tracy)
  • Painted ping pong garden markers for garden and for seed sales (Thanks to Rose's sons, Patrick and Sherry)
  • Perennial (hosta) and bulb (daffodil) planting as well as herb transfer to outside garden perimeter
  • Awarded Master Garden Alumni Association grant of $250 (Thanks to Joan Meagher for application)
  • Seed, hose, and plant donations for garden from local merchants (Thanks to Joan Meagher)
  • Perry School "Pizza Garden" demonstration in June for parents, their kids and staff (Thanks to Meaghers and Jensens)
  • Purchase and set up of rain barrel (Thanks to Joan Meagher)
  • Relocation and active use of 3 compost bins
  • Organization of weekly watering, weeding and composting schedule (Thanks to Rose)
  • Delivery of produce to Perry Nursery School
  • Poster session at St Francis Ministry Fair after Sunday masses (Thanks to Jensens and Sherrys)
  • Fall St Francis Canticle and Sep Master Gardener Alumni Association newsletter article about garden (Thanks to Erich)
  • Purchase of equipment and supplies, as needed (e.g., fine straw mulch, watering can, tools, etc)
 
Lastly, we are planning a late Oct - early Nov Saturday cleanup....stay tuned...maybe a harvest pot luck dinner - get together for all of you and to meet our new talent.  Stay tuned.
 
God bless you,
and regards,
Erich Jensen
 


0 comments

Our Garden Photos


0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)