SPRING 2011 URBAN GARDENING ISSUE #75
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Urban Gardening A
IN THIS ISSUE 2 Volunteer in the Spotlight 3 Community Garden in the Spotlight 4-5 Events Schedule 6-7 Welcome New Staff Members 7 School Greening Name Change 8 Elementary Celebrates Harvest 8 Thank You Volunteers 8 Put Your Seeds to the Test 8-9 Starting Seeds in Newspaper Pots 9 Harvest Fest: A Poem 10-11 Seedlings For Sale 11 Ryan Barker’s Demonstration Schedule 12-13 Announcements 14 Looking Back: City Seeds Urban Farm
A Letter From Our Executive Director
Peg Whitmire December 18, 1918 - December 12, 2010 The St Louis gardening world lost a champion in December of 2010, Peg Whitmire. She was an ardent supporter of Gateway Greening, and her generosity was unmatched in our world. Like many of you, she “got it” about what we did and knew instinctively that we did it right. Upon listening to stories from garden leaders at the Bell Garden, Blanton and Peg decided that what Gateway Greening needed was science based evidence that would back these stories up. So they donated significant funds to support the Whitmire Community Garden Study, the first of its kind nationwide that looked at the results of a community garden on its immediate neighborhood. The Study showed funders that what community gardeners did was a process that worked; that by growing one’s own food on under used urban land people could solve all sorts of issues. Like community gardeners, Peg understood that the borders of a garden reach far beyond the fence line of one’s back yard, and one’s community garden. People deserve to see beauty, eat healthy fresh food and receive the satisfaction of a job well done. Here’s to you Peg! Even though we all miss you, I am sure heaven is now reaping the benefits of your gardener’s eye and kindly spirit. Gwenne Hayes-Stewart
A Letter From Our Program Director People as Assets
It’s only February and I’m already itchin’ to get out in the garden. And, you can bet that I’m not the only one thinking along those lines. As you are planning for the upcoming growing season, take stock of your biggest assets: people! Community gardens are very rewarding, but they are also hard work. All this hard work is accomplished by people, skilled and unskilled, who see community gardens as a way of growing their own food, improving their physical and mental health, and building up the neighborhood.
Publication
Some gardens are blessed with many gardeners; others struggle to attract people to their cause. But, there are people who would love to become involved – they just need to be asked! Now more than ever, people want to give their time and talents to a worthy cause, something tangible, an opportunity that when completed progress is evident. Community gardens can be many things: a safe place in the neighborhood; a place of beauty; a provider of food; hands on learning and doing; a place for solace; a workout; a social gathering space. Whether you have enough gardeners or you are looking for more people to participate – let people know what your garden is doing to improve lives in your neighborhood. There is a place for everyone! Mamie Bolden August 12, 1927-January 3, 2011 Mamie Bolden, the garden leader at Bolden-Olivette Park Community Garden in East St. Louis, was a testament to what individuals can do to improve their lives and the lives of others through gardening. Since the garden’s humble beginnings in 1996, Mamie diligently worked the land to grow food for themselves and others. When possible, Mamie and her son Roderick partnered with local organizations to provide youth an opportunity to learn about the wonders (and hard work) of gardening. Mamie had a delightful spirit and a contagious can do attitude. She was a strong willed, warm hearted, independent lady who was always involved in a project and never hesitated to ask people for help or get others involved in what she was passionate about. “Mercy” (as she was fond of saying) will she be missed! Mara Higdon
Peg Whitmire
Mamie Bolden
URBAN GARDENING ISSUE #75 SPRING 2011
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GATEWAY GREENING
VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
CHUCK BRUST
My name is Chuck Brust, and this will be my third year in St. Louis. I moved here in the fall of 2008 from Virginia Beach, VA, where I had spent the last 28 years. I was stationed at NAS Norfolk for the last four years of my 20 year career with the U.S. Marine Corps. When I retired from the Marines, I stayed in the area, working as a computer programmer for a civilian defense contractor. Over the years, I had developed a passion for gardening, so after I retired from my second career, I applied for the Virginia Beach Master Gardener program. I was accepted and finished my training in October 2008. Three of my five children live in St.
Louis and although I grew up in Green Bay, WI, and spent my adult life traveling around the world with the Marines, I had never lived here. But when the opportunity came to move here a week after graduation, I went for it. I had not had time to put in the required 50 hours of volunteer service for certification as a Virginia Beach Master Gardener so I thought I was out of luck. Volunteer opportunities are scarce during winter, but I was fortunate enough to get accepted for a once a week position at the Kemper Center Information Desk in the Missouri Botanical Garden. During the first monthly training session I men- I enjoy talking tioned my sad story ‘plants’ with about not being able anyone with to get certified in a passion for Virginia Beach. To the garden. make a long story short, I was allowed I especially to complete my 50 enjoy being hours here and be- able to share come certified as my knowledge a St. Louis Master with new or Gardener. potential Gardening is pretty much the gardeners. same wherever you live. The major difference that I have seen is the cold hardiness zones. In Virginia Beach’s zone 8, I was able to grow plants year round
that here in St. Louis are treated as annuals or potted plants. I got involved with Gateway Greening through Urban Roots that first spring and summer. A fellow Urban Roots volunteer, Ron Stevens, talked me into helping with Community Garden installations the following spring. That was so rewarding that it lead to volunteering for the Youth Garden selection committee and then the Community Garden selection committee. I used to do long distance bicycle touring in addition to my gardening hobby, but since I got my second metal knee, I’ve had to give up the biking. Up until this fall when I bought a house in South County, I had been living in a Central West End apartment, so my hands on gardening opportunities were all through Gateway Greening, the Flora Conservancy at Forest Park or the Missouri Botanical Garden. Now that I have my own garden, I may cut back on some of the weed pulling opportunities. What I don’t see happen-
ing, is cutting back on volunteer opportunities that allow me to interact with both seasoned and novice gardeners. I enjoy
talking ‘plants’ with anyone with a passion for the garden. I especially enjoy being able to share my knowledge with new or potential gardeners. Chuck Brust Master Gardener Volunteer
SPRING 2011 URBAN GARDENING ISSUE #75 COMMUNITY
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GARDENS
COMMUNITY GARDEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
WILLIAM L. CLAY SR. The William L. Clay Sr. Community Garden (WLCCG) is in their 9th year of gardening, and was awarded a tool rack and additional gardening tools in 2010. The garden has been approved for expansion grants many times by Gateway Greening since its inception. Gateway Greening has provided a water system, benches, vegetable beds, shrubs, flowers, and gardening tools. WLCSCG has instituted collaborative partnerships with community organizations that have been instrumental in maintaining the garden. The 7th District Community Service Program, allowed adults to payoff tickets and minor offenses by working in the garden. The community service workers have benefited from education and information re- They worked garding planting, side by side weeding and grow- to teach ing fruits and veg- youth about etables. gardening and The seniors have shared inter- how to grow generational expe- food. riences with high risk youth through the Detention Alternative Program. They worked side by side to teach youth about gardening and how to grow food. Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers (PHC) is another valuable partner that provides in-kind services, grass maintenance, and volunteers. The William L. Clay
Sr. Leisure Living Community Complex, the residence where seniors 65 and over reside, provides the meeting space, storage for our tools, and administrative support as needed. Without all these collaborations, our garden would not be the success it has been for 9 years. In 2010, the garden produced 150 pounds of vegetables and is planning to exceed that number this year. The seniors have completed their 30 hours of volunteer service and are looking forward to another
successful year of gardening. Many of our seniors have had serious health problems, but they love the garden and take great pride in the harvest produced, relationships established and the collaboration with Gateway Greening. Sherrill Jackson, Coordinator of the The William L. Clay Community Garden, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
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EVENTS February March April --------------------- --------------------- --------------------5th Growing Healthy Kids awards
announced, 10am in the GGI office at 2211 Washington
10th Youth Garden applications available
11th Volunteer Valentine Happy
Hour. 5pm-6:30pm in the GGI office at 2211 Washington. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s about showing appreciation for those you care for. Come celebrate the ‘Hallmark Holiday’ with fellow GGI volunteers! RSVP to Theresa at 5889600x23.
16th Pints & Plants. Beekeeping Basics, 7pm-9pm at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St. 19th Community Garden Summit.
9am-4pm at the Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St. Registration and light breakfast begin at 8am. RSVP to Theresa at 588-9600x23.
22nd Community Garden Award
Ceremony, 6pm-7:30pm at the Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St.
5th First day at Bell and Volunteer
Orientation! Bell is open on Saturdays throughout the growing season from 9am1pm. Volunteer orientation to begin at 10am at 3871 Bell Ave, 63108. RSVP to 5889600x28.
12th Potato Day and Spring Planting Demo! Several varieties of potato seed available free to community gardeners (limit 1 lb. per gardener). Ongoing potato and spring planting demonstrations available, 10am-12pm at Bell Garden. 16th Pints & Plants!
7pm-9pm at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St. Topic TBD. Want to present? Contact Matt@ gatewaygreening.org.
31st Community garden leadership
training workshop. Staff and well established garden leaders will share lessons learned and best practices for community garden leadership. 6pm-8pm. Open to community and school gardeners. FOR THE LATEST ON EVENTS
------------------------Check out gatewaygreening.org and click on Upcoming Events.
2nd Bell Garden Volunteer
Orientation, 10am at Bell Garden, 3871 Bell. RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600x28.
2nd Collection Site soil and pot pickup, 9am-1pm at the Carriage House, 3815 Bell, 63108
4th City Seeds Urban Farm opens! 5th Hub Garden applications due by
4:30pm
7th City Seeds Volunteer Orientation, 8am at the farm on the 2200 block of Pine. RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600x28.
16th Urban Roots Soil Prep Day, 9am-12pm. Meet on the south sidewalk of Kiener Plaza, and help prep the Market Street medians and Kiener Plaza for their annual planting. 20th Pints &Plants!
7pm-9pm at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St. Topic TBD
21st City Seeds Volunteer Orientation, 8am at the farm on the 2200 block of Pine. RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600x28.
27th-May 1st Collection sites open! Contact Hannah at 588-9600x28 to volunteer as a collection site.
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EVENTS May ---------------------
18th Pints &Plants!
June ---------------------
3rd-5th Set-up for the Great
19th City Seeds Volunteer Orientation,
2nd City Seeds Volunteer Orientation,
Perennial Divide (GPD) at the Carriage House! Call Hannah at 588-9600x28 to set up a 3-hour volunteer shift.
5th City Seeds Volunteer Orientation, 8am at the farm on the 2200 block of Pine. RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600x28. 6th-7th Great Perennial Divide!
Pick up appointments to be scheduled on May 6 from 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm and on May 7 from 8am-1pm at the Carriage House (3815 Bell Ave.)
7th Tower Grove Farmers’ Market
opens for the season! Support City Seeds by purchasing produce Saturdays from 8:30am12:30pm.
13th Kiener Plaza Planting!
9am12pm. Meet at Kiener Plaza & help fill the St. Louis planters!
13th Youth Garden applications due by
4:30pm at the Gateway Greening Office.
14th Urban Roots Planting! 9am1pm. Meet on the south sidewalk of Kiener Plaza. Contact Hannah at 588-9600x28 to volunteer for median planting days. 15th Hub Garden awards announced
7pm-9pm at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St. Topic TBD.
8am at the farm on the 2200 block of Pine. RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600x28. 28th—Bell Garden closed in honor of Memorial Day
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 4TH
TOUR DE PLANTS
8am at the farm on the 2200 block of Pine. RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600x28.
4th Tour de Plants! 15th Pints &Plants!
7pm-9pm at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St. Topic TBD.
16th City Seeds Volunteer Orientation,
-------------------------
8am at the farm on the 2200 block of Pine. RSVP to Hannah at 588-9600x28.
Registration: 8am - 9am
17th Solstice with the Stars! Join the stars of St. Louis horticulture and familyowned nurseries for a live and silent auction for the benefit of programs and projects of Gateway Greening! 5pm – 8pm at a location TBD.
Join Gateway Greening in partnership with Trail Net, Big Shark, and Whole Foods for a bike tour of Community Gardens and urban gardening sites around St. Louis.
Start: Carriage House, 3815 Bell Avenue, 63108 Bike Tour Route: Approximately 13 miles with multiple stops Terrain: Urban, mostly flat Admission: FREE, with lunch available for $5
URBAN GARDENING ISSUE #75 SPRING 2011 YO U T H
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PROGRAMS
GATEWAY GREENING WELCOMES TWO NEW FULL TIME STAFF MEMBERS
Ryan Barker I am excited to be a part of the Gateway Greening crew, and look forward to fulfilling the expectations of the organization’s newest position of Community Educator. I have a firm background in teaching about environmental issues, natural sciences, and urban food growing and enjoy standing in front of an eager group of folks looking to learn and have a good time. Various positions over the past decade have taken me to environmental education centers in Pennsylvania and Ohio, three separate federal agencies in Wyoming (including a stint as Smokey the Bear!), a 119-year-old garden in New Hampshire, the deserts of Califor-
nia, the frigid cold of Minneapolis/St. Paul where I completed a masters in landscape architecture, and the neighborhoods of St. Louis, working with community gardeners just like yourself. My main responsibility at Gateway Greening will be to direct education to gardens, schools, community groups, and visitors at Bell Garden. I will be teaching gardening techniques that can make your growing experience more successful, fun, and fruitful! Acting as the traveling, or “roving”, horticulturalist, I am on-call to make visits in your neighborhood for 1-2 hour long demonstrations and I have a firm workshops that will background emphasize unique in teaching methods and strategies for growing about more food in the environmental current space avail- issues, able. These sessions natural range from basic sciences, and vegetable gardening urban food to advanced techniques, such as four- growing. season intensive gardening and computer design. However, I have a long background of making difficult topics easy for everyone to understand, and will accommodate for each unique situation. Depending on the topic, some sessions will include an installation for the garden. Keep abreast of these workshops and trainings by checking our website, read-
ing the Bell Bulletin, and watching our social media postings on Facebook and Twitter. Check the demonstration schedule on page 11 for upcoming topics. You can also call me at 588-9600 x.33, or drop me an email at ryan@gatewaygreening.org . Look for me at Bell Garden on Saturday mornings in March, where I will be teaching one-hour sessions that emphasize hands-on demonstrations. During the growing season, I will be available Tuesday-Saturday, so please contact me for audiences young and not-so-young. I’ll see you in the garden! Ryan Barker Community Educator Steve Eigsti 2010 was an exciting year for me as I finished my second year of full time volunteer work with the St. Louis Mennonite Peace Center and joined the Gateway Greening staff as the Youth Programs Coordinator. I am really pleased to be part of Gateway Greening and to have the opportunity to support youth oriented gardens throughout St. Louis. Having grown up on a farm in a rural area of north central Illinois I have had the opportunity to do a variety of outdoor and agricultural jobs, such as detasseling corn, picking strawberries at an organic farm, and being a camp counselor. In 2005 I received a degree in History Education from Goshen College. After graduation I remained in Goshen, Indiana and taught seventh grade social studies and coached a variety of middle school sports.
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PROGRAMS In 2008, I joined the St. Louis Mennonite Peace Center and began working with the Columbia Peace and Hope Garden at Columbia Elementary School in St. Louis. I was drawn to the opportunity to explore a new city, while working with a combined school and community garden. During the garden’s offseason I taught restorative justice and conflict resolution classes with Community Conflict Services in two St. Louis Public Schools. I really appreciated that Gateway Greening staff provided great support to me when I was a garden leader with the Columbia Peace and Hope garden. My goal is to follow in the footsteps of previous Gateway Greening Education Coordinators (now called Youth Programs Coordinators) by providing support to youth based gardens throughout St. Louis City and North County. I am available to provide garden based curriculum assistance and other advice to educators in St. Louis City schools, St. Louis County Special School District schools, child care providers,
and other youth focused community organizations. I am also available to present garden education workshops and professional development at schools. Additionally, I distribute applications for any school or youth focused community organization that is interested in applying for a new garden Most or expanding on an enjoyably, I existing garden. I will also work close- get to report ly with schools or the successes youth organizations and positive that are awarded a stories that Gateway Greening I hear from Youth Garden Grant teachers, on planning and installing the new in- students, and garden frastructure. Another ex- leaders. citing part of my job is representing Gateway Greening on committees or task forces related to improving the diet and health of students. I have a particular interest in increasing the amount of fresh local produce that is part of school lunches. Lastly and most enjoyably, I get to report the successes and positive stories that I hear from teachers, students, and garden leaders in Gateway Greening publications. I’m amazed at the positive changes in attitudes towards gardening and school nutrition that I’ve seen from my limited time in St. Louis and I want make sure that everyone knows what great work the teachers, students, administrators, counselors, principals, parents volunteers, custodians, and cafeteria staff are doing to make this generation of students healthy and active. Steve Eigsti Youth Programs Coordinator
School Greening Is Now Called Youth Programs Gateway Greening’s School Greening Program has received a name change. School Greening has a rich tradition of teaching people about growing food using experiential education so that youth learn sustainable food production and healthy eating. That tradition will continue under the new name Youth Programs. In recent years there have been exciting opportunities to promote garden based learning in day care facilities, state run institutions, and youth oriented not-for-profits. Emerson YMCA Friends and Family Garden, St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center Youth Garden, and Simms Childcare Garden are just a few non-school locations that are teaching youth about sustainable food production and the science behind plant growth. The name Youth Programs reflects Gateway Greening’s continuing desire to reach youth both in school and non-school settings. Gateway Greening supported gardens are a strong presence in St. Louis public, charter, and independent schools and will be incorporated into new school locations in the future. Applications for new youth gardens as well as expansion to current youth gardens will be available on February 10, 2011. For more information on applying for a Youth Garden grant contact Steve Eigsti: 588-9600 x24, steve@gatewaygreening.org.
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PROGRAMS grant last year. From Gateway Greening, they received dozens of gardening tools, a garden hose, a wheel barrow, seeds for planting and all of the timbers, soil and plant covers to create the garden. “Our students take great pride in the garden,” Walsh noted. “They now know the process for planting, maintaining and harvesting the garden. They know how to tell if the cantaloupe is ripe and ready to be harvested by the smell and touch of it. They understand the importance of the blooms and the ongoing visits of so many butterflies that act as pollinators for our plants. This garden Marvin Fifth grade student Destiny Vargo truly benefits our students in many different uses a shovel to scoop dirt into a wheel- ways.” barrow. Fifth grade students, teachers Excerpted from Ritenour School District News and parent volunteers recently moved dirt 9/22/2010 from the parking lot as they installed and planted a garden in the school’s courtyard.
Marvin Elementary Celebrates Harvest
It’s harvest time at Marvin Elementary School. Last year, the school earned a grant from Gateway Greening to create a beautiful garden in the outside courtyard. After months of planning and growing, students are collecting many different fruits and vegetables. Students use the garden in many ways, gaining real-life, hands-on knowledge of plant life, ecosystems and earth science. Summer Academy students even used vegetables from the garden for their cooking classes. “We have been fortunate to have an abundance of cantaloupe, cabbage and tomato,” explained Marvin Project Challenge teacher Steve Walsh. “The cantaloupe and tomatoes are currently being eaten as classroom snacks. The cabbage has been turned into fresh cold slaw.” Walsh and third grade teacher Cindy Murray successfully applied for the garden
Thank You Seed Sorting Volunteers
so they will be easy to distribute in the spring. Thanks to the youth of Cross Roads College Preparatory School and Gateway Greening community gardeners for all your help.
Put Your Seeds To The Test
Try sprouting a test sample of left-over seeds before ordering new seeds for spring. Roll up 10 seeds in a damp paper towel. Keep moist and warm. Check for germination in a week. If fewer than half sprout, order fresh seed.
Starting Seedlings At Home in Newspaper Pots
Get a head start on growing seedlings for your garden by starting them indoors. This gives you more control over the plant instead of relying on the perfect temperature and rainfall. A fun and cheap way to do this is by making plant pots from newspapers. Grab a can from the kitchen (soup or vegetable cans work great) and cut long strips of newspaper about 2 inches wider than the can. Lay the can on its side, and roll it up in the newspaper as if you were wrapping a gift. Once it is completely rolled, tape the side so it stays tight on the can. Stand the can up on one end, and squish the paper closed around the end of the can. Use a few pieces of tape to keep it shut. Carefully push the can out of the newspaper wrapping and leave the end open. You can now use it just like a pot you would buy at the store, however, the cool thing about these newspaper pots is when you’re ready to transplant your seedlings outside you can put the entire pot straight in the soil. Here are a few key reminders when using these pots:
Students from Cross Roads College Preparatory School and Gateway Greening community gardeners volunteered to help Gateway Greening sort seed packets for the coming gardening season. The students were part of a school wide program called Good Work which sent small groups of students, accompanied by an adult, to work at organizations throughout St. Louis. Several students and an adult advisor came to the Gateway Greening office and brought contagious energy and excitement to the volunteering process. One great way Gateway Greening supports educational youth gardens throughout St. Louis is by providing free seeds. Gateway Greening’s seed stock comes from donations, bulk seed purchases, and seeds saved from the previous year. By the end of the year the seed storage area often resembles a mosaic picture with many different types and varieties of seed mixed together. The volun- • Keep the soil mix moist but not soaking teers did a fantastic job organizing the seeds wet. These pots are easy to water. Just put
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PROGRAMS them in a waterproof tray and pour some water around the pots. The newspaper will soak up the water. It is also good to moisten the surface with a spray bottle. • Keep air flowing around the pots. Have a fan on low near the pots to keep them from getting moldy. • Young seedlings love warmth and light. Try putting plastic wrap around the tops of the pots when waiting for the first signs of germination. Once you see little plants popping out of the soil mix, give them as much light as possible from sunny windows and fluorescent bulbs. Twelve to Fourteen hours is ideal. Using outside soil for your pots is no good for starting your seedlings, as it might have diseases that could kill your young plants. However, you could “cook” the soil to kill these bad guys. Have an adult spread some soil on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 160 for an hour. Let it cool completely before putting into your pots or adding seeds. You could also use finished compost and old ground up leaves as an alternative. For the coolest alternative, do a quick internet search for coconut coir. • When planting the newspaper pots, it’s important to plant the seedling at or just below the depth of the soil in the pot and carefully tear away the remaining newspaper that is sticking out of the soil. If you don’t do this, the newspaper will pull moisture from your new plant and dry it out faster. You might also pull off the tape from the bottom of the newspaper pot so the roots can easily dig their way into the soil.
HARVEST FEST BY N’DEA COLLINSWHITFIELD, AGE 16 Leaves are whistling As the extravagant trees blow Children’s laughter fills my ears Tables of gifts, leaving them covered and unique Pumpkin residue gets on clean hands Markers are distorted in relevance to each youth’s creation And the sun rises and satisfies the clouds ...and my skin The food fills my stomach with all its flavors While I sit, stunned of the knowledge and beauty that is all, Fall Its red-orange leaves in metamorphic phase The skies blue Wondrous Captivating Fall surrounds earth Takes a picture of the world And is beautiful Copyright © 2010 by N’Dea Collins-Whitfield
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BELL DEMONSTRATION
GARDEN
SEEDLINGS FOR SALE Spring will be here soon! Read on for details and delicious varieties of seedlings we’ll be providing to our members and gardeners in 2011. All members of Gateway Greening are welcome to purchase seedlings and seeds. Seedlings are available for sale at Bell Garden every Saturday morning, 9 a.m.- noon, 3871 Bell Ave, just east of Vandeventer and two blocks north of Delmar.
Nautic F1 Brussels Sprouts
Primax Cabbage
Nero Toscana Kale - Lacinato
High disease resistance. Tight, 1” sprouts spaced far apart on 30” stem.
Early fresh market cabbage with tender leaves and excellent flavor.
This heirloom dates back to the late 18th century. Also called “dinosaur kale.”
Ho Mi Z Mustard
Red Express Cabbage
Bright Lights Swiss Chard
Medium green, frilled leaves with red veins. Slow to bolt. Spicy!
Early, red, delicious and pretty!
Belstar F1 Broccoli
White Russian Kale
Uniform, dense, blue-green 6’ heads. Good in both cold and hot weather.
Great-tasting, especially after frost or light cooking. Tolerates wet soils well.
This super food green has tasty rainbowcolored stems. Continuous harvest.
Multiple varieties of Lettuce Plant 6” apart. Beautiful color variety.
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BELL DEMONSTRATION
GARDEN Some of these crops will be available as soon as Bell Garden opens
in March, others will take more time. We will distribute seed potatoes and onion plants in early to mid-March. Summer seedlings and sweet potatoes will be available in May! We love to hear your questions and comments on our seedlings! Contact: Ariel Buback, Urban Farm Manager, 314-588-9600 ext. 27, ariel@gatewaygreening.org.
Herbs: Italian Basil Red Rubin Basil
Georgia Southern Collards
This pre-1880 heirloom is heat-tolerant and delicious.
Rosemary
February ----------------
March ----------------
Parsley, Flat or Curled Chervil Dill
Uniform, upright bunching onion. Dark green, no bulbing, mild flavor.
Acting as a traveling, or “roving”, horticulturalist, Ryan Barker of Gateway Greening is on-call to make visits in your neighborhood for 1-2 hour long demonstrations. If interested in a demonstration call Ryan at 588-9600 x.33, or drop him an email at ryan@gatewaygreening.org.
Summer Savory
Oregano
Parade Scallions
SCHEDULE
Marjoram
Thyme
Early, mild, and easy to clean! No hilling required.
DEMONSTRATION
Week 1 Constructing Cold Frames and Row Covers Week 2 Growing Seedlings at Home Week 3 Planning the Vegetable Garden Week 4 Sketchup for Gardeners
Sage
King Richard Leeks
RYAN BARKER’S
Cilantro Chamomile
Week 1 Seedling Propagation (13th St. Hub); Vegetable Gardening 101 Week 2 Spring Garden Start-up Week 3 Planting Potatoes and Onions Week 4 Techniques for High-
Yield Gardening/ Square-Foot Gardening
April ---------------Week 1 Techniques for HighYield Gardening/ Square-Foot Gardening. Also Weigh station demo at Bell Garden on April 2nd. Week 2 Thinning Seedlings, Succession and Relay Planting Week 3 Cucurbit and Melon Crops Week 4 Home Brewing Compost Tea
May ---------------Week 1 Floating Row Covers for Pest Managment.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Gateway Greening Celebrates 7 Years With Urban Roots
Gateway Greening celebrates 7 years in 2011 as an Urban Roots participating organization assisting with the creation of significant seasonal color displays in downtown St. Louis. Since the spring of 2005, Gateway Greening, in association with the St. Louis Master Gardeners, has nurtured and lead a unique team of creative talent, dedicated volunteers, green industry professionals, and generous financial supporters to facilitate this endeavor. The 2011 displays have been designed and plant material ordered. The Kiener Plaza display will feature the theme Follow the Yellow Brick Road, a blend of vibrant yellow and gold colors as a tribute to the 72nd birthday of the movie version of Wizard of Oz. The Market St. Median will feature bold tropical foliage and striking seasonal flowers as a tribute to the 2011 Muny cast of the “Little Shop of Horrors� stage production. Come join the volunteer fun at the following spring 2011 implementation days: Saturday, April 16: 9:00am-Noon: planting bed preparation at Kiener Plaza and Market St. Median. Friday, May 13: 9:00am-Noon: Kiener Plaza planting day Saturday, May 14: 9:00am-1:00pm: Market Street planting day Bill Rupert, Board Member Civic Greening Committee Chair
2011 Tool Loan Policy
Having the right tools can make gardening easier. Gateway Greening can help throughout the growing season through our Tool Loan Program. Who: GGI Member Community, Youth, and School Garden Projects. Loan Deposit: $20 Deposit will not be returned if tools are, broken, missing, dirty, or late Hours: Saturday - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Fridays - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (By appointment only) Additional appointments may be made by special arrangement. Location: Carriage House, 3815 Bell Ave. 63108 Loan Period: Must schedule a return appointment, two week maximum Tool Condition: Items should be returned at the designated time. Items should be returned clean, free of soil and debris, and in good working order. In the event that an item is returned broken, your deposit will used to replace the broken equipment. If items are returned later than the agreed upon time on your form, your deposit will also be reserved. Contact: James Anderson, 588-9600 ex 30 or james@gatewaygreening.org.
St. Louis Beekeepers Annual Beekeeping Workshop
The Eastern Missouri Beekeepers Association will offer full-day courses of instruction
for beginning and experienced beekeepers on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Maritz in Fenton, Missouri. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration is available online at www.easternmobeekeepers.com, or by completing and mailing the downloadable registration form. Tuition cost is $75 per person before January 23rd. Tuition cost is $90 per person for those registering on or after January 23rd. Registration closes February 5th unless filled sooner. The Eastern Missouri Beekeepers Association has been supporting beekeeping in St. Louis since 1939.
Hub Garden Applications
Gateway Greening is happy to announce that the second round of Hub Garden Applications are now available. Through this grant, GGI bolsters infrastructure at selected St. Louis area gardens to provide educational opportunities and technical assistance for gardeners nearby (similar to Bell Community and Demonstration Garden). The Hub Gardens will strengthen existing and future GGI-sponsored gardens, including community gardens, school gardens, daycare facilities and ornamental pocket parks with a strong emphasis on food producing gardens. Hub Gardens will provide services such as vegetable gardening workshops, food preparation demonstrations, seedling propagation
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ANNOUNCEMENTS When: Saturday Feb. 19 from 9am-4pm Where: Christ Church Cathedral at 1210 Locust Street. Registration and light breakfast begin at 8am, followed by a keynote address from American Community Gardening Board President Bobby Wilson! The morning session includes an update on Missouri farm-toschool initiatives, the St. Louis Regional Food Policy Council and Gateway Greening Hub Gardens. Following lunch, participants will Gateway Greening has received many great regroup at breakout sessions featuring local applications this year for both new communiprofessionals in the community on these topty garden projects and expansions to existing ics: gardens. Our wonderful Selection Committee volunteers have been hard at work reviewing Round 1: 1:00pm-2:15pm applications and visiting garden sites in the Vegetable Gardening 101 January snow. An announcement of selected Farm-to-School Strategies garden projects will be made shortly. Please Garden Leader Best Practices join us at Christ Church Cathedral for the Our Hub Gardens are already preparing for 2011 Community Garden Award Ceremony So you want to be a Hub Garden? the upcoming growing season and are antici- to welcome the new community gardens and Community Gardens and Health pating a successful year. With Hub Garden congratulate the expanding gardens. Round 2: 2:30pm-3:45pm status, we are excited to announce that a Jr. February 22, 2011 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Intensive Vegetable Production High Tunnel will be granted to 13th Street Christ Church Cathedral Garden-Based Curriculum Integration Hub Garden in February. This will allow 1210 Locust Street Marketing the Garden the garden ample space to do seed starting Saint Louis, MO 63101 Small Grant Research and Writing and propagation on site for the surrounding Developing Food Distribution Networks community. If you are in Old North, make sure to stop by and check it out. Register now by going to our website’s Up Wayside hub Garden is also gearing coming Events page at www.gatewaygreenup for the upcoming season beginning with a workshop on natural pest control. Wayside Join fellow community gardeners at our 2nd ing.org or by calling 588-9600x23. Free to has been improving methods to enhance the annual Community Garden Summit. Net- attend. volume of produce coming out of their gar- work and help make community gardens a den. In 2010, almost 1600 pounds of pro- key component of regional food security. or tool lending. Please visit our website to learn more about our Hub Gardens. You will also find information on our current Hub Gardens who were awarded in 2010, 13th Street Community Garden in Old North St. Louis and Wayside Community Garden in Normandy. Both of the current Hub Gardens will be presenting at the second annual Community Garden Summit, on February 19th to speak about their experience as a Hub Garden. Contact us if your garden is interested in applying to become a Hub Garden or are simply interested in learning more. GGI staff will be available to meet with you to explain the process and help you participate. Applications are available now and are due April 5th, 2010.
duce came from their vegetable beds in Normandy. Both Hubs are furthering their drive to become strong leaders by members attending the 8-week Growing Gardeners class held by Gateway Greening. Make sure to be on the look-out for events and watch these two flagship Hubs continue to grow.
2011 Community Garden Grant Awards
Hub Garden News
Register Now For The Community Garden Summit
URBAN GARDENING ISSUE #75 SPRING 2011 CITY SEEDS
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URBAN FARM
FIVE YEARS AND COUNTING:
CITY SEEDS URBAN FARM “Three months ago I wouldn’t have thought any of this was possible. Overhead are pictures of my friends and I working on the farm. I give a speech about the wonders of nature that exist outside, that most don’t experience. I get applause. Applause? Couple of months ago I was lucky to find food in a trashcan when I was starving, let alone find friends and acceptance and…applause?” -City Seeds farmer following graduation A similar sentiment is echoed as we look back on the birth and growth of the City Seeds program since 2006. Embarking on our sixth growing season, it is a good time to reflect on the many accomplishments achieved by the collaboration of so many. Since 2006 to the present, over 240 St. Patrick Center clients have participated in the program. The program has graduated 140 indi-
viduals who have made substantial personal progress towards sound mental health, coping with addiction, and building job skills for greater self-sufficiency. Since August of 2009 37 out of 45 employment graduates have been placed in jobs, equaling Over 35,000 an 82% placement pounds. of rate!! Over 35,000 food has been pounds of food has harvested been harvested, of of which which over 10,000 over 10,000 pounds. have been donated to various pounds. have food banks, pantries been donated and transitional liv- to various ing facilities. Nearly food banks, 7000 hours of vol- pantries and unteer service have transitional been contributed by individuals and ser- living vice groups. Over facilities. $50,000 in sales has been generated by produce distribution to sustain the program. As we look toward the next five years, there will be even more…acceptance, applause, harvest and jobs. In the short term… Come check out the hardcore hardscape improvements at the farm. City Seeds looks more polished each season, as more training projects enhance the farm and teach job skills. Farmers installed amendment areas for soil, mulch, compost and gravel deliveries.
They also installed a 20’ x 20’ group square and patio to improve our outdoor classroom space. Thanks to Horstmann Brothers Landscaping and Lawn Works Unlimited! The farm team is awaiting the arrival of the newest City Seeds AmeriCorps VISTA, Robert Kocher in late February. Welcome, Robert! Meanwhile, the farm team is making the most of winter by evaluating last season, planning next season, streamlining the therapeutic curriculum and making employer contacts. Seedling production has started! Clients began seed starting in the hoophouse in the last week of January. Look for exciting new varieties available at Bell Garden as early as March. There is no shortage of work, but luckily it’s mostly the indoor kind for now. Contact Annie Mayrose if interested in volunteering at the City Seeds Urban Farm. The first volunteer orientation is on April 7th. Annie Mayrose City Seeds Coordinator
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GATEWAY GREENING MEMBERS New Members
Director’s Circle Ms. Linda Kloth Gardener Ms. Catherine Bishop Ms. Marilyn Burba Ms. Shirley Canup Ms. Mariella Funk Mr. Dan Goetz Ms. Katherine Holzem Mr. and Mrs. William January Ms. Jane Keel Ms. Celeste Ledwidge Ms. J.E. Leonard Ms. Jen Parker Ms. Nancy Quigley Ms. Patricia Samel Ms. Jane Shea Rainmaker Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Patricia Gray Ms. Anne Kirkpatrick Ms. Kathleen Puhr Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tubbs
Renewing Members
Director’s Circle Ms. Phyllis Huettner Gardener Mr. and Mrs. James Alseth Mr. John Asbury Ms. Leona Bohm
Mr. and Mrs. Doug Brockhaus Ms. Susie Butler Ms. Martha M. Cole Mr. and Mrs. John Gianoulakis Mr. and Mrs. Jack E. Harding Ms. Joan Hummel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas V. Korte Ms. Ruth H. Lacy Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Lutz Ms. Cat McCreary Ms. Mary Ann McGivern Ms. Betty Mueller Mr. Alan R. Newman and Ms. E. Wendy Saul Ms. Diana Oleskevich Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rezny Mr. and Mrs. James Smith Ms. Susan Smith Mrs. Rowena Van Dyke Ms. Cara E. Watters Rainmaker Mr. and Mrs. Philip Barron Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Bilchik Ms. Catherine S. Bollinger Ms. Gayle Fritz Ms. and Mr. Martha Peters Mr. and Mrs. Mike Raney Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stark Ms. Betty Struckhoff Tower Grove East Neighborhood Association Thank you for supporting Gateway Greening.
GATEWAY GREENING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nannette Baker Robert Ballsrud Sarah Davis Noel Fehr James Fetterman Loura Gilbert, Chair Bonnie Hamid David Hoffmann Mark Lawson Kevin McGowan
Robert Neu, Treasurer Randall Parker William Ruppert Lynn Suydam Julie M. Thomas, Secretary Michael Turley Elizabeth Walker Dennis Woldum, Chair Emeritus Howard Wynder Victor Zarrilli
GATEWAY GREENING STAFF Executive Director Gwenne Hayes-Stewart x21 Program Director Mara Higdon x22 Development Specialist Lauren Maul x26 Administrative Assistant Theresa Lopez x23 Community Development Coordinator Hannah Reinhart x28 Community Gardens Coordinator James Anderson x30 Youth Programs Coordinator Steve Eigsti x24
Community Educator Ryan Barker x33 City Seeds Coordinator Annie Mayrose x25 Urban Farm Manager Ariel Roads Buback x27 AmeriCorps VISTA City Seeds Rachel Deffenbaugh x32 AmeriCorps VISTA Community Outreach Matt Even x29 AmeriCorps VISTA Fundraising and Communications Will Flynn x31
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