Photo : MAura Daly
Photo : wib Middleton
Raking in compost and its amendments — in January — and covering it with straw to provide the microbes a warm blanket allowed new gardeners a chance to get an up close and personal experience with the miracle of soil . Spreading wood chips into the paths helps to suppress weeds , conserve water , and build healthier soil over time .
Photo : courtesy kpc archives
Planting cool season veggies such as kale and lettuces one sunny day provided participants a chance to enjoy the nourishment of community while learning about growing food and dedicating themselves to ensuring that others will have enough to eat . support demonstrations and food production for those in need . As KPC nun Ani Tenzin Wangmo says in her inimitable Aussie accent , “ Where once there was lawn , there will be food !” Now , hands-on garden work days allow volunteers to learn experientially about a variety of garden topics , from strengthening soil to composting to companion planting to harvesting .
Claire Seesman , a landscape design and permaculture professional who serves as Food Garden Project Manager at KPC , notes , “ People knowing how to start with the soil and grow their own food is true food security . The people come to KPC to work together and learn and take that experience back to the communities where they live .”
Although KPC is located in the Ag Reserve , many of its participants come from more suburban or urban areas of the County . Seesman observes , “ We get to be a bridge and a demonstration garden where volunteers can participate and learn . The Food Garden has benefitted from our long-standing connections with our neighbors and friends in the Reserve who are helping us with their expertise and experience . We were especially grateful when our always-generous neighbor Jake Kinzie , a generator contractor and former professional fence builder , assisted us with our deer protection .”
With a smile , Seesman reflects on the enthusiasm she sees from new and longtime KPC volunteers : “ People show up really wanting to be effective and helpful . It ’ s powerful to be able to put the right tools in their hands . Thanks to the Gardening Grant Program , we have
plenty I summer growing 2021 35