Garden Team Meeting - 10 January 2008

Our small gathering last Thursday focused on the much needed implementation of the garden's irrigation system and the garden's curriculum.

Third grade parent Matt is collaborating with Plant Manger Phill to outline next steps for bringing water to our expectant raised beds.

After exploring infinite intersections of science, math and art that could be introduced to our students through the garden, we agreed to "keep it simple" and adapt Alice Waters' Edible Schoolyard & Ecoliteracy Programs as we get started - largely focusing on growing, journaling and cooking in the garden and Aveson kitchen.

To learn more about these tried and true programs click here: Edible Schoolyard and the Center for Ecoliteracy

Our long term vision includes a designated Garden Teacher or Manger to collaborate with our Aveson Teaching Team to integrate California standards into our learning garden, coordinate parent and community volunteers, pursue funding and guide our students' outdoor learning experience.

TO DO NOW:

We need volunteers interested in donating time or resources to erect our shaded learning arbor and lay down hardware cloth in our remaining beds, if you are interested please telephone Elizabeth - 626.824.3726!

16 August Design Meeting & Dreaming

The Gardening Action Team met with Master Gardener Jill (MG Jill) this evening to map Aveson's designated organic gardening space and exchange ideas about layout and intended use.

The eastern wall was earmarked for a composting area. The compost system will be progressive - with four cycles. Each cycle will occupy a 36x36 inch cube. To be constructed.
Classrooms and the lunch area will be outfitted with 5 gallon buckets for student collection and delivery of compost.

An arbor was proposed to provide a shaded learning area that can be adapted for lectures, hands on activities, feasting and community gathering. Grapes and vines may be trained along the arbor. Hay bales - which are inexpensive, easy to move and can be turned into mulch - will be used to create a circular seating area. To be constructed.

3x10ft planters will be positioned throughout. To be constructed.
To maximize harvests, MG Jill is proposing the Square Foot Gardening Method. See Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew.

A split rail/ found wood fence decorated with recycled materials - by the students - was proposed to create a visual entry point on the West side. To be constructed.

A deep outdoor sink for washing hands and produce is needed.

A tool shed is needed.

Drip irrigation and multiple hose outlets will be installed by Aveson's Facility Manager, Phil.

The following resources were identified:

Compost
Von's - Pick up is in Sunland; email curt7.smith@safeway.com

Zeke the Sheik - though MG Jill advises that this compost requires more "cooking" time and is best to collect over the summer months when it has time to develop.

Curriculum

Life Lab Science Program - LOTS of gardening info for teachers

The Banana Slug String Band combines science and music. Their website contains infectious song lyrics about garden science.

Path to Freedom - Pasadena's Dervaes family offers a power point presentation for older students about sustainable living, gardening and urban homesteading.

Solar Living Institute

In Phase II there are visions of an orhcard at the West end, a greenhouse, a line of recycled bicycles that can be used to generate electricity and/or grind and blend foods.