Well, the end of winter kept up its crazy weather pattern right through Saturday. The big question was how many layers of clothing did we need to be comfortable, until that 60 degree day when we needed sunblock! We did get to enjoy our first lunch at the picnic table in the warm sunshine.
We had such a great turnout of volunteers this week. 26 people came to help us start thousands of seedlings for transplanting into our tunnels and prepared beds. We now have lettuce, onions, leeks, Swiss chard, herbs, and annual flowers all in the seedling trailer. Saturday was another great boost from volunteers. Two tunnels are now planted, one is full of spinach and the other has 400′ of sugar snap peas. They both look so good! Thanks Saturday crew!
Our first school group of the season arrived and got nice and wet and muddy! This group of ambitious middle schoolers hauled compost, made soil blocks, and helped unload a fertilizer delivery without complaint. Such a big help to Carrie and me. Thank you Harpswell Coastal Academy.
We had our first organizational meeting of the 2022 Fix-It Team. Priorities were set and some brainstorming has begun. We have designated 2 days–Tuesdays and Fridays–as Fix-It Team work days. If anyone is interested or knows someone who would like to help this team, Cathy has the sign-up ready.
The Spring pruning continues with Abbie leading some volunteers in the elderberry orchard and Rebecca with the willows. The groundwork for a living willow arch has been accomplished and next the willow scions will be planted and nurtured. Someone asked me if it will be like the one at the Botanical Gardens–we can only hope!
It was so great to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones. No one seemed to mind the chilly damp weather, dodging the puddles or navigating the mud. Just to all be together, doing purposeful work, lifts us all up. Thanks to everyone who came this week. I am excited to witness what we accomplish this sixth season at Growing to Give.
Happy Spring! – Theda