Since most of you are returning gardeners, we can use this post as an impromptu orientation meeting. Some points that I would like to address as we move into the planting season.
- We will get the new nametags on the beds by the end of the week.
- We will not be changing keys this year. Most of you should still have last year’s key. If you don’t, please contact me first before you come into the office to pick it up. New gardeners I will contact you directly if you can’t make it out on Wednesday morning.
- The compost pile is getting full. I will try to remove it soon. So please try to keep it as consolidated as much as possible.
- I know there are beds that are falling apart. I will try to get some of the beds repaired for the season. I plan on replacing them next winter. So please put up with damage one more year.
- Remember that the orchard is for you. There are always volunteer opportunities to help maintain the orchard. If you are interested in becoming a steward and learning about fruit tree maintenance, planting, harvesting, et all. Reach out to me and I will get you in contact with our Giving Grove specialists who run our orchard program.
- Look for our new information kiosk we will be installing this year. It will have important information regarding the garden and orchard. You will also be able to use it as a communication tool.
- We would like to welcome our new community garden education specialist Carter Oberhue this year. He will be a valuable resource for you. Here is a quick bio
Meet Carter your new Community Garden Education Specialist. You may recognize me from one of our workdays at your site, an orchard planting, or plant sale days. While this is a new role for me, I have been at Kansas City Community Gardens in various roles for 7+ years and now I look forward to working with you, our rent-a-plot gardeners. I’ll be visiting gardens throughout the year, offering guidance, helping make supplies like straw, compost, and manure more accessible, and continuing to support you with low-cost seeds and plants.
Please remember to follow our simple guidelines:
- Stay out of other gardeners’ beds.
- Keep the compost and weeds out of the isles so the mowers can do their jobs.
- For safety, avoid working in the garden between sundown and sunup
- Report theft or vandalism immediately
- You must garden the whole year. Do not let your bed become overgrown with weeds. Let me know if you can’t garden in your bed for any reason.
My goal is to have the water on and hoses out by the first week of April.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.
Phil Meyer, Director of Facilities and Rental Plot gardens phil{at}kccg.org 816-931-3877 ext 311
Carter Oberheu, Community Garden education specialist carter{at}kccg.org 816-931-3877 ext 304