Wylde Center Fall 2016 Magazine by Wylde Center

FALL 2016 A MAGAZINE FOR WYLDE CENTER MEMBERS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2

W Y L DE CE N TE R A DDS A FIF TH GA R DE N W E LCOME, M U L BE R RY FIE L DS! FA L L GA R DE N I NG

CL A S SE S

E V E N T PHOTOS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WYLDE CENTER 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030 404.371.1920, wyldecenter.org

A GLANCE AT THE WYLDE CENTER page 5

OUR MISSION The Wylde Center educates, cultivates greenspaces and builds community in the areas we serve.

WYLDE ADDS A FIFTH GARDEN pages 6-7 EVENT PHOTOS Mulberry Fields Gone Wylde pages 8-9 Beer Garden pages 10-11 Ice Cream Social page 12 Picnic in the Park page 12 HOMESTEAD ATLANTA CLASSES page 13 VISIT A WYLDE CENTER GARDEN pages 14-15 MEMBERSHIP ROLL Gifts received March 1 - July 31, 2016 page 16 SALLY WYLDE DISCOVERY ROOM page 19 GARDENING Gardening with JC - Unique herbs page 20 Garden News: Bee City USA, Garden Tour, Garden Certifications page 21 Sugar Creek, Wylde’s Herb Garden pages 22-23 Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden page 24 SPROUT’S CORNER Crossword Puzzle page 27 UPCOMING FALL EVENTS page 28

HOURS Wylde Center is open Monday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM Wylde Center garden sites are open daily from sun up to sun down. photo by Isadora Pennington (Left to right) Stephanie Van Parys, Executive Director and Blair Keenan, Development Director at Mulberry Fields Gone Wylde.

Dear Members, Please join me in welcoming the beautiful Mulberry Fields garden to our fold. Read more about how this relationship was formed based on a friendship between two women, our founder Sally Wylde and Candler Park resident, Jesse Bathrick on page 6. With Mulberry Fields, the total number of gardens managed by the Wylde Center now equals five. We certainly are growing! Summer was a time for celebration. We hosted four different events featuring three of our gardens. Photos start on page 8. To see what we have planned for you this fall, turn the magazine over to the back page to view our full calendar. In this issue, we continue the tradition of featuring our site coordinators and the gardens they manage. On page 22, we spotlight our Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm with Jen Wassum. It is time to plant your garden with fall vegetables. They are so much more better behaved than the unruly summer crops! If you plant everything suggested on page 24, your fall garden will be bountiful. See you in the garden! Stephanie Van Parys Executive Director

15 YEAR OLD DONATES HER FESTIVAL PROCEEDS TO THE WYLDE CENTER.

Kheyal Roy-Meighoo, a Decatur High School sophomore selling her jewelry at the YEA! festival last September.

WYLDE CENTER GARDENS Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road, Decatur Sugar Creek, 415 East Lake Drive, Decatur Hawk Hollow, 2304 1st Avenue, Atlanta Edgewood Community Learning Garden, 1503 Hardee Street Northeast, Atlanta Mulberry Fields, 1301 Iverson Street, Atlanta FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @wylde_center Instagram: WyldeCenter Facebook: facebook.com/WyldeCenter MAGAZINE AND PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Jesse Bathrick, Halley Beagle, Shelby Buso, Sarah Dasher, JC Hines, Rick Kern, Susan T. Moss, Isadora Pennington, Carla Roncoli, Clint Thornton, Stephanie Van Parys (Editor), Jen Wassum FRONT COVER Black swallowtail butterfly visits a zinnia at Mulberry Fields. Photo by Carla Roncoli. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shelby Buso (Chair), Josh Becker (Vice-Chair), KC Boyce (Treasurer), Jenna Mobley (Secretary), Shelby Brennan, James Cobb, Allison Dixon, Todd Foreman, Adele Gipson, Ardath Grills, Rex Hamre, Caroline Herring, Beth Krebs, Gena Rawlins, Lynn Russell, Mike Sage STAFF Office Manager Neida Arrington Oakhurst Garden Site Coordinator Halley Beagle Lead Educator Sarah Dasher Education Director Allison Ericson Greenspace Director JC Hines Hawk Hollow Site Coordinator Tamara Jones Development Director Blair Keenan

“I love working with my hands, whether it is through my arts and crafts, or by planting seeds in my family garden. I chose to donate some of the proceeds of my earnings from the YEA! event to the Wylde Center because it helps to make Decatur green and it encourages community engagement.” -Kheyal Roy-Meighoo

Mulberry Fields Site Coordinator, Plant Sale Coordinator Mary Jane Leach

Thank you, Kheyal, for your donation! We really appreciate your support.

Farm to School Manager Nichole Lupo Edgewood Community Learning Garden Site Coordinator and Garden Coach Derek Pinson Public Programs Coordinator Clint Thornton Executive Director Stephanie Van Parys Sugar Creek Garden Site Coordinator Jen Wassum

DILL PICKLES Cucumbers and dill don’t mean much unless you’ve had a childhood filled with Ball jars lining basement shelves and a grandmother who made the best pickles every summer. My brother and I helped, all hands filling clear vessels with small dimpled fruit, white vinegar, coarse salt and fresh herbs from a local farm stand. Crisp and savory might capture the first bite of those yearly treats of green gold, but this wouldn’t say enough to describe that moment. A sharp taste spread over our tongues and lingered on our lips. Breathing slowed and nothing else mattered, not the past nor the reality that this ecstasy couldn’t last forever.

Previous page: Dill flower (Anethum graveolens) growing at Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm, a Wylde Center greenspace. In 2010, Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm was the second Wylde Center greenspace to be established and it was initially supported by the City of Decatur as part of its urban agriculture initiative. Now, Sugar Creek is fully funded by the Wylde Center, and in late 2014 it was decided that the focus would be on growing herbs to be sold to restaurants and in the community. Sugar Creek is also home to native gardens, a labyrinth, and a community garden. Sugar Creek is located at 415 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA (Behind the Presbyterian Church).

Grandma has been gone a long time and so has her recipe. For years my brother and I have searched grocery stores for something which might come close to the indelible taste only she could achieve. We could try to make our own pickles, but the possibility quickly shape-shifts into more than the end product, a thing beyond our capacity to recreate, even though we know the basic ingredients. Susan T. Moss, “Dill Pickles” from Your Daily Poem. Copyright July 24, 2015. Reprinted by permission of Susan T. Moss.

A GLANCE AT THE WYLDE CENTER

A note from Wylde Center’s Chairperson, Shelby Buso What a year we’ve had at the Wylde Center! From new greenspaces to robust educational programming along with our events, the staff and volunteers went above and beyond all expectations in 2015 and continue their great work in 2016 guided by our three year strategic plan. The five greenspaces now operated by the Wylde Center serve as a living laboratory for the community. Oakhurst, Sugar Creek, Hawk Hollow, and Edgewood Community Learning Garden were joined by one more spectacular space this year – Mulberry Fields. This exciting addition opens up a new neighborhood to the Wylde Center’s work, which will inspire even more engagement with nature and environmental education. In addition to field trips and planned events, the gardens offer tranquility during our busy lives. Did I mention that with Mulberry Fields we have goats now? There is so much more fun to come in our gardens and programs!

OUR MISSION: The Wylde Center educates, cultivates greenspaces and builds community in the areas we serve. We educate.

During the 2015-16 school year, the Wylde Center education staff was busy delivering programs. 1,047 students participated in field trips to our gardens. At schools, we worked with 1,084 students and at school festivals we interacted with 697 students. Farm to School programs served 1,265 students in the Atlanta Public Schools and 5,306 in the City Schools of Decatur.

We cultivate gardens.

The Wylde Center has six staff members on its horticulture team who manage seven acres across five garden locations. A rainwater irrigation system was installed at Oakhurst. Pathways and native plants were installed at Hawk Hollow. Edgewood has a new community center courtesy of the Zeist Foundation. Sugar Creek has expanded its herb growing area.

The continued impact of our comprehensive environmental eduction programs which includes the Farm to School program is astonishing. Reaching over 9,398 children during the 2015-16 school year, the staff and volunteers are instilling values that our children will carry on for the rest of their lives.

We build community.

Events are a fun way to gather the community at our five gardens. S’mores For All filled the tummies of many with marshmallows. Earth Day educated hundreds about bees. We formed an important relationship in 2015 with Hands-on Atlanta. They now post our volunteer opportunities and people from across metro Atlanta come to serve in our gardens.

I joined the Wylde Center to get a front row seat to all of the hard work (and play!) that happens here. The organization has grown tremendously over the past few years and is truly encompassing the vision set by Sally Wylde. Yours in service,

FY 2015 Revenue & Expense Breakdown

13% In Kind & Earned Revenue

21%

31% Grants

12% 23%

Memberships & Donations

REVENUE

$534,063

Fundraising

11%

Administrative

Education Program Fees

Special Events

14%

Grants Memberships & Donations Special Events Education Program Fees In Kind & Earned Revenue

$164,974 $123,840 $ 63,994 $110,244 $ 71,011

75% Programming

EXPENSES

$478,762 Programming Administrative Fundraising

$360,178 $ 50,165 $ 68,419

RETAINED EARNINGS $55,301 5

MULBERRY FIELDS

Mulberry Fields, the Wylde Center’s newest garden. Photo by Isadora Pennington

MULBERRY FIELDS FOREVER Wylde Center adds a fifth garden! On July 1, Mulberry Fields Community Garden and Green Space became Wylde Center - Mulberry Fields Garden joining the Wylde Center’s four other gardens: Oakhurst Garden (Decatur) Sugar Creek Garden (Decatur), Edgewood Community Learning Garden (Atlanta), Hawk Hollow (Atlanta). We are excited to share more about this partnership, how it came to be, and the resources Wylde Center brings to the garden. The story really begins 25 years ago when Jesse Bathrick, a Candler Park resident since 1979 met Sally Wylde, resulting in a friendship that spanned similar interests in art, gardening, and community building. In 1997, Sally Wylde and her husband, Britt Dean, started the Oakhurst Community Garden Project in Decatur. In 1999, Jesse and Dick Bathrick started Mulberry Fields Community Garden in Candler Park on an acre that neighbors, including Betsy Abrams and Matt Crowther, saved from development in 1993. You could say that these two gardens have grown up together. Fast forward to 2013 and much has changed at both gardens. The Oakhurst Community Garden Project is now known as the Wylde Center named in honor of the late Sally Wylde. The Wylde Center manages four gardens including the original Oakhurst Garden (Decatur), Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm (Decatur), Hawk Hollow in Kirkwood (Atlanta), and the Edgewood Community Learning Garden in Edgewood (Atlanta). Mulberry Fields has grown into a cherished greenspace beloved by its community and plot holders. For these many years Jesse and Dick have been managing the daily operations of this community garden including workdays, field trips, birthday parties, and so much more. It was at a meeting about chickens in 2013 that Jesse introduced the idea to Stephanie Van Parys, executive director of the Wylde Center, about passing on Mulberry Fields to the Wylde Center. Thus, the idea was born, and as with any big concept, it takes time to think through what the end result might look like. A year ago, the conversation started in earnest, resulting in a decision to pass the management reins of Mulberry Fields to the Wylde Center. On July 1, 2016, Mulberry Fields officially became the Wylde Center’s fifth garden. 6

MULBERRY FIELDS Jesse Bathrick (JB) and Stephanie Van Parys (SVP) sat down together and shared their thoughts about this new partnership and what it means for Mulberry Fields. JB: What was it about Mulberry Fields that you thought it should be part of the Wylde Center? SVP: When you and I first spoke three years ago, the idea immediately made sense. The friendship between you and Sally and the efforts you both put into your respective gardens was one that I wanted to honor by making Mulberry Fields a sister garden to the Oakhurst Garden. I first visited Mulberry Fields when you were on a Georgia Organics farm tour back in the late 90’s. I was impressed then and continue to be impressed by this oasis your group has created in the middle of the city. To have your garden join the Wylde Center’s other gardens and to have a part in helping sustain its longevity is a decision based on a gut feeling that says, “we have to do this.” Plus, we love being able to establish a relationship with the Candler Park community -- really a neighbor to our home base in Oakhurst. JB: As the word has gotten out about this new relationship, I have been asked many questions including how will this partnership affect the feel of this garden? Will it suddenly have an increase in visitors who may not necessary live in Candler Park? SVP: Mulberry Fields will be listed on our website along with our other gardens and is always open to the public. I think you will get new visitors who are curious about the space. However, the majority of the people who will be spending time at Mulberry Fields are those who live nearby and can walk over with a picnic or want to visit with the goats. Mulberry Fields will be used for our education programs and those field trips will take place during the school day. JB: Yes, let’s talk about education at Mulberry Fields. Will you share more detail? SVP: Sure! In addition to the Wylde Center managing five different gardens, we also have an extensive environmental education program which includes outreach to schools in Decatur and Atlanta. These programs cover science and farm to school topics as well as field trips to our gardens. Mulberry Fields is going to be a special and popular destination for field trips. We will encourage the local schools to take advantage of our fee-based field trips at Mulberry Fields as well as schools that come from a distance. Field trips are limited to 25 students at a time. JB: Another question I’ve been asked is what is staying the same? SVP: It is so important to us the that the welcoming and “let’s explore nature” feeling you get at Mulberry Fields stays the same. It is an artsy, magical, intown oasis that we love and wouldn’t change for any reason. Like the Wylde Center’s other gardens, this garden will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.

raise important funds to support our work at Mulberry Fields. JB: How can the Candler Park community support this transition? SVP: There are so many ways the community can support the Wylde Center coming to Candler Park and Mulberry Fields: continue to visit the garden with your friends and family; volunteer for a work day or join a committee; encourage your school to come on a field trip; celebrate your child’s birthday at the garden; invest in the effort being made by the Wylde Center staff and Mulberry Fields’ volunteers by donating to the Wylde Center. www.wyldecenter.org is the place to find out more information about all of these activities. JB: Will you talk a bit more about donating to the Wylde Center. Will these donations support Mulberry Fields? SVP: Certainly! All monies raised through Mulberry Fields are (a) tax-deductible and (b) will be used to directly support this beautiful garden. We are counting on several streams of income to support the garden and staff working on site. Income from field trips, site rentals, fundraisers, and personal donations are all vital for making this partnership work. We love it when a community invests in their local garden. A donation makes you a member of the Wylde Center and it also supports our work in Candler Park. We raised over $2,000 in donations at the Mulberry Fields Gone Wylde party. We are already off to a great start. SVP: What about you? Why are you excited about this partnership and Wylde Center’s presence in Candler Park? JB: I believe that the Wylde Center and its staff will be able to take Mulberry Fields to the next level. The Candler Park community loves Mulberry Fields exactly how it is, but also wants more from the site. They want to bring their children for field trips or have their birthday parties there. Wylde Center offers the structure to make that all happen. With the Wylde Center, we have room to dream about the future such as adding an environmental playscape, building a permanent bathroom, expanding the native and edible gardens, partnering with Master Gardeners, bringing in honey bees, etc, etc! I couldn’t be more excited. For more information about how to get involved, please visit www.wyldecenter.org. Please follow us on social media: Facebook: Wylde Center - Mulberry Fields Community Garden and Greenspace Instagram: @wyldecenter Twitter: @wylde_center ***This article was originally printed in the July 2016 Candler Park Neighborhood Organization’s newsletter.

We don’t have any major site changes in mind at the moment. What you will see in addition to the twice-a-year plot holder workdays will be regular workdays with volunteers that sign up through Hands-on Atlanta. The children’s play area will be tidied up. Perimeter areas that are overgrown will slowly transition to beds featuring plants that host our pollinators. Signage will be added. We will build on the already strong infrastructure. JB: What will the Wylde Center bring to Mulberry Fields? SVP: Very exciting is that Mulberry Fields will be managed by both JC Hines, our Greenspace Director, and Mary Jane Leach acting as the site coodinator. Mary Jane will lead workdays, communicate with the plot holders and community, and manage day-to-day needs of the garden. Clint Thornton is our Public Programs Coordinator who will be the contact for birthday parties and other site rentals. He is also in charge of community events. In the fall, Mulberry Fields will host a S’Mores for All (October 30), a very popular event we host at all of the gardens. Sarah Dasher and Allison Ericson are the educators you will see working regularly at the garden. Blair Keenan is our Development Director and she will be working with the Candler Park community to

(Left to right) Jesse Bathrick (Mulberry Fields co-founder), Stephanie Van Parys (Wylde Center Executive Director), and Mary Jane Leach (Wylde Center’s Mulberry Fields Site Coordinator) standing in the Mulberry Fields garden.

MULBERRY FIELDS GONE WYLDE Myrna Perez with Lotta Frutta passed out 100’s of fruit popsicles and vegan ice cream cups to enthusiastic attendees of all ages. Here she (middle) takes a break with Dick (left) and Jesse (right) Bathrick.

MULBERRY FIELDS GONE WYLDE

photo by Carla Roncoli

On July 16, over 400 people gathered at the Mulberry Fields garden on a warm summer night to enjoy food, great music, fun games, each other’s company, and the beautiful garden itself. The party is an annual event long hosted by the Mulberry Fields garden community. Now that Mulberry Fields is managed by the Wylde Center, the party was also a celebration of this new relationship.

SPONSORS Silver AtlantaBen * Atlanta Birth Center * Britt Dean * The Candler Park Conservancy * Candler Park Neighborhood Organization * ChadSells! * Harris Bathrick Basch Family * Small Business Services

photo by Isadora Pennington

Bronze Brewhouse Cafe * Joanna Colrain, LPC, CGP, ACS * Ecoworks * Engle & Völkers Intown Atlanta, Lynda Cox * Garden*Hood * Kashi Atlanta * Pimsler Hoss Architects * Additional Donations Euclid Avenue Yacht Club * The Vortex

FOOD SPONSORS

Thank you to following businesses for your donations!

Cameli’s Pizza L5P, Euclid Avenue Yacht Club, Little 5 Points Corner Tavern, LottaFrutta, The Mercantile, Old 4th Distillery, Palacsinta LLC, Radial Cafe, Raging Burrito & Taco, Treehouse Milk, Trader Joe’s—Atlanta,GA

MUSIC PROVIDED BY

photo by Carla Roncoli

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Betsy Abrams, Jesse Bathrick (Co-Chair), Doug Brandenburg, Allen Broyles (Volunteer Coordinator), Lauren Chekanow (Food & Drink Chair), Cathy Cornelius, Bernardo Gomez, Gayla Jamison, Brandon Jones, Tom Painter, Polly Sattler, Mondie Tharp, Clint Thornton, Celeste Tibbets, Linda Weiscoff, Shana and Tim Wood (Entertainment)

SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE

Richard Bathrick (Chair), Jesse Bathrick, Ollie Green, Shanna Jackson, Eizabeth Noel, Johna Rogavin, Lauren Welsh

photo by Isadora Pennington

MULBERRY FIELDS GONE WYLDE

photo by Carla Roncoli

photo by Isadora Pennington

photo by Carla Roncoli

photo by Isadora Pennington

photo by Carla Roncoli

BEER GARDEN 2016

All photos by Isadora Pennington

BEER GARDEN- CHEERS!

On June 25, over 400 people gathered at the Wylde Center’s Oakhurst Garden for the 4th Annual Beer Garden event. They sampled beer from some of Atlanta’s best breweries, and enjoyed a delicious selection of food from local restaurants and shops and bid on fun items in the silent auction. All proceeds support the Wylde Center’s greenspaces and educational programming. $30,538 was raised.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BEER GARDEN SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

PATRON SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BEER GARDEN 2016

SUMMER EVENTS

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Top off your week with a serving (or two) of delicious ice cream at the Oakhurst Garden. That is exactly what our members did on July 29. A crowd of Wylde Center members gathered on a warm summer night for ice cream, sprinkles and toppings. It is our way of saying “thank you” to our members for their generous support over the year. Entertainment was provided by Farmer Greenthumbs from Ladybug Entertainment.

PICNIC IN THE PARK On June 4, the Wylde Center hosted its first Picnic in the Park at Hawk Hollow, our Kirkwood garden in Atlanta. One hundred people attended, spreading their picnic blankets throughout the garden. Beer, lemonade, marshmallows for roasting, and icy pops were on hand in addition to the picnics folks brought with them. For music, a live bluegrass band played. Children ran around enjoying the early summer evening and playing with the yard games. As one person stated at the event after joining as a member, “the event shows me how the Wylde Center is building community.” We are excited about Hawk Hollow and the many different ways the community might enjoy the space.

CLASSES

WYLDE CENTER PARTNERS WITH HOMESTEAD ATLANTA TO HOST CLASSES WYLDE MEMBERS RATES FOR ALL CLASSES!

Discover the history and benefits of cultured food with a pioneer in the fermented food movement, Lupa Irie. Saturday, September 10, 2016; 11 am-1 pm; $30 for Wylde Members

Whether you’re growing in containers, raised beds, or in the ground, you’ll find the information you need to grow a beautiful fall bounty. Sunday, September 11, 2016; 10 am-1 pm; $35 for Wylde Members

You’ll learn: drawing & planning, sourcing materials, carpentry tools, fasteners & joining, basic carpentry rules, measurements & cutting. Sunday, September 18, 2016; 1-4 pm; $45 for Wylde Members

Learn to successfully plant, grow, maintain and harvest fresh produce from fall through winter including: arugula, potatoes, parsnips, radishes and figs. Sunday, September 25, 2016; 2-5 pm, $40 for Wylde Members

Now that you’ve decided to keep bees, one of your biggest and most rewarding challenges is to keep your colony healthy and thriving through the winter. Sunday, October 2, 2016; 10 am-12:30 pm; $25 for Wylde Members

Vermiculture harnesses the magical abilities of worms to turn your kitchen scraps into slow-release superfood for your garden. Saturday, November 5, 2016; 10 am-12 pm; $30 for Wylde Members

The land around you is chock full of edible and medicinal plants – come discover what’s in your back yard and how to properly identify plants. Sunday, November 6, 2016; 11 am-1 pm; $20 requested donation

Discover the empowering experience of creating plant medicine and learn techniques you can use to create your own home apothecary. Sunday, November 6, 2016; 2-4 pm; $30 for Wylde Members

Join Véronique Perrot, beekeeper of the Edgewood Garden hives, and learn about how pollinators survive and thrive. Saturday, December 3, 2016; 10 am-12 pm; $20 for Wylde Members

Take a class! Register online at thehomesteadatl.com We will cover the workings of a bee colony, the role of honey bees and native bees, and the basics of beekeeping equipment and paraphernalia. Saturday, December 3, 2016; 12-2 pm; $30 for Wylde Members

Discover an innovative way to successfully start plants from seed without the expense of an extensive lightstand or even a greenhouse! Saturday, December 10, 2016; 10 am-12 pm; $25 for Wylde Members

All classes take place at the Edgewood Community Learning Garden 1503 Hardee Street NE Atlanta, GA 30307

WYLDE CENT

OAKHUR

MULBERRY FIELDS

435 Oakview es

1301 Iverson St, Atlanta 30307 est. 1999

Kat Goduco Photography

photo by Isadora Pennington

HAWK HO

2304 1st Ave, Atl est. 201

EDGEWOOD COMMUNITY LEARNING GARDEN 1503 Hardee St NE, Atlanta 30307 est. 2009

Did you know... Wylde Center now manages five beautiful greenspaces in Atlanta and Decatur?

That you can buy your veggie plants at the Oakhurst Garden? That Mulberry Fields has chickens and a goat named Clover? That many of our Sugar Creek herbs are sold to local restaurants? That we have great events in each of these locations? Did you know that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a

TER GARDENS WE HAVE A GARDEN TO FIT YOUR EVENT!

RST GARDEN

w Rd, Decatur 30030 st. 1997

OLLOW

lanta 30317 12

SUGAR CREEK HERB FARM 415 East Lake Dr, Decatur 30030 est. 2010

cool swing in Hawk Hollow? That we have a beautiful new building at Edgewood Community Learning Garden? That each of our gardens are free and open to the public each and every day? And that each of our five gardens are excellent field trip destinations?

Did you know you can rent all of our gardens for your birthday party, social, cookout, wedding, or other fantastic event? Visit wyldecenter.org to learn more!

MEMBERSHIP

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE WYLDE CENTER GIFTS RECEIVED MARCH 1 - JULY 31, 2016 GROWING CIRCLE MEMBERS ($500-$5,000) Anonymous Stephanie Stuckey Benfield and Robert Benfield, Jr. Jim Bowman Rebeccah Brown James and Gretchen Cobb David Cofrin and Christine TrybaCofrin Caroline and Joe Crespino Allison Dixon Jenna Mobley Melissa Ely-Moore Lynn Russell and Donna Inkster Christopher Sidor and Bobbi Kay Rita Sislen IN MEMORY OF Estelle Bogle by Kelley Peace Bill Chepul by Mary Alice Crowe-Taylor and William Taylor Jennifer Kathleen Davis by Kathy Davis Frank and Val Hale by Heather Hale Bianka Kucelin by Ana and Klaudio Kucelin IN HONOR OF Cass Gannaway by Callie Harris Jesse and Richard Bathrick by Anne and Andy Sheldon FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTIONS Community Center of South Decatur Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta John & Mary Franklin Foundation The Sara Giles Moore Foundation Scott Hudgens Family Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation The Zeist Foundation BUSINESS CONTRIBUTIONS AmazonSmile Foundation Brick Store Pub* Butter and Cream* Cakes & Ale Restaurant* Core Therapy Services Farm Burger* Leonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Full Service* Makan Restaurant & Bar* Mojo Pizza* ProLogis Sanofi Seven Hens* Soulshine, Inc. The Marlay House* Wahoo Grill* *Spring Decatur Farm to School Dineout Participants MEMBERSHIPS RECEIVED Betsy Abrams Kris Adams and Roger Hertel Judy Aehle Patrick and Toni Allitt Lewis and Kimberly Amos Debra Armstrong Kelly and Norman Arnold Ariel Asa Amanda Avutu Steven Bales and Andy Bailey Mike and Tiffany Barcik Jessica and Trip Barnes Rebecca Barria Jessica Bell Eva and Peter Belle

Judy and Don Bender Judith Berger Margot Blam Betty Blondeau Ksenia Bocharova Paula Bokros Bonnie Bordelon Bob and Evelyn Brewer Trish and Tim Bricker Julie and Bernie Brody Alice Brookner Lauren Brown Emilie and Charles Bryant John Buckner and Rui Hu Shawn Burns Allison Caffyn Latissia Caldwell Marcus Calloway Jeanne Canavan Penny Cannon Nicole Smith Carlson The Carter Family Cyndi Cass and Larry Skowronek John Chapman Teresa Cheshire Gayle and William Christian Rachel and Chuck Cochran Nancy Cornish and Brad Williams Elizabeth Corso Susan Crawford and David Warren Johnette and David Crum Tommy and Kathleen Dean Patricia Decraene Patricia Del Rey Kevin Delaney and Robin Lee-Delaney Angela Deokar Kimberly Diamond Holly Doe Eugenia and Kip Duchon Brian Dulisse and Barbara Mahon Gates and Michael Dunaway Mark and Jennifer Eagle Kristin and Colton Ebersold Vivian and Kenneth Ernstes Amanda Evans Bill Everitt and Amelia Fusaro Lisa Federico Nancy Fernandez Nicole and Brandon Forde Sara Fountain Nan Franklin Phillip Ganes Colin Garrett Melissa Garrett Dana Geller Brian Genco Rita and Craig Gilbert Doug Glasgow and Yun Jung Lee Betsy Goss Audrey Graf Anthony Greco T. Clifton and Jennifer Green David and Heidi Grenda Sam Gris Jason and Dalia Gulick Cindy and Stephen Gundersen Shirley and Phil Guy Craig and Jessica Hadley Christy Hall and Joshua Netherton Anita Hall Nancy and John Hamilton Linda Hanberg and Todd Bell Kathy Hardwick and Jan Brown Jody and Cynthia Hatcher Alice Hickcox Elizabeth Hill Drue Hocker Lindsay Hodgson Ashley Holmes Patrick and Wendy Holmes Barbara Hotz Suzahn Huffman-Donaldson

Rachel Ibarra Martha Ille Julie Jacobson Alyssa and Randall James Emily Janke Michael Johnson Rob and Carolyn Johnson Bradley and Leslie Joiner Jenny Kapella Nick Kask Brian Kavanagh Stephen Kay and Jennifer Weissman The Kedzuch Family Susan Keenan Susan Keith Michael Keller and Richard Kern Michelle and William Kelly Kari Ann Kemnitz Jack and Pat Kent Hillary Kilfeather Cece Kimble and Stephanie Saunders Walter and Sandra Kruger Adam and Chris Kuropatwa Clara Kwon Richmond and Heather Lamb Mary Jane and John Leach Joshua Lefrancios and Sarah Peterson Julia and Adam Levy Cheryl Lindern Carla Linkous and Samuel Stewart Lesley Lochridge Lyn Longini Dale and Kelly Mann Kathy and Tim Marker Laura Markson Margaret and Viraj Master Therese and David May Tracy and Melissa McArthur Melinda and John McCuan Peter and Rebecca McElroy Jane and Alan McNabb Joseph McNelly Charles and Christine McNerney Meghan McNulty Ramsay McWhirter Mealor Family Gardens Paul Meechan Elissa Meites Walter and Kimiko Miller Ken Mitzel Carin Molchan Connie Monson Deborah Mook and John Painter Monica Morgan Matthew Morgan and Eleanor Click Erin and Jeff Morrison Kate Mosley Dorothy Moye Erin and Mike Murphy Alice Murray Aimee and Scott Nash Gardner Neely Cameron Octigan Brenda and Mark Oprisch Katina Pappas-DeLuca David Patton Veronique Perrot and Rustom Antia Lawrence and Annika Perry Jared Poley and Laura Carruth Leigh Priestley and Ninetta Violante Lisa Provost and Jeremiah Drueke Andrew Reisinger Michelle Rice Ann Ritter and Bob Holmes Ruthann Rodekohr Johna and Jeffrey Rogovin Matthew and Elizabeth Rose Antoinette Rosenberg Susan Rossi Kimberly and Michael Rossi Gail Rothman and Doug Altizer Kheyal Roy-Meighoo

Faith Russler Robin Sanders Christy and Neil Sawyer Clare and Jay Schexnyder Brittany Schwartzwald Scott and Jennifer Seitz Jenny and Pete Shannin Kerri Shannon and Joseph Younkins Tina Simmons-DeFoor Michael and Heather Silver Gail Smith Shelby Smith Bryson and Brad Smith Kevin and Natalie Snedden Christa and Tim Sobon Christine Spencer Mary Starck Jason Steidel and Gerard McCann Thomas Stemen Jeff and Cindy Stemple Amanda Styles Amy Swank Seegar and Michelle Swanson Anita Tamirisa Susan Tevis Corie and Anuj Tewari Margaret Thompson Virginia and Cory Thompson Claudia Tillman Terri Tingle Tracy Trentadue and James Monacell Stephanie Troncalli and Carol Harrison Jeanette Mairead Troung Naomi Tsu Julia Vastola Ann Viers and Richard Taylor Cathy and Steve Vogel Stephanie Wachs Bradley Wagner Lindsey Walsworth Helen Ward Jessica and David Wasserman Wendy Watkins Tim Watts Rebecca and Jonathan Watts Hull Donna Weagel Robert Weintraub and Lorie Burnett Stacy Williams Stacey Willocks Brent and Margaret Wolff Theresa Woodgeard Greta Woods John and Katherine Yntema Madeline Zavodny and George Rainbolt

Each week, a free farm stand is set up for residents in the Edgewood community using produce from the Edgewood Community Learning Garden. So far in 2016, 132 pounds have been distributed.

The Bee Previous Page: Bumblebee visiting the flowers of a Joe-pye weed at Hawk Hollow. Did you know that like honeybees, bumblebees live in colonies with a queen, drones and worker bees? Did you also know that bumblebees have a way to let other bumblebees know when the nectar is all gone in a particular flower? They mark the flower with a scent secreted from their tarsus.

I am a rollicking bumblebee. I sail through the air as it pleases me. I sail by the trees and around the flowers; I love the sun and hate the showers. I have a taste does credit to me; I never eat bread and such fiddle-dee-dee. For honey and pollen is the sensible food; They favor digestion and suit the mood.

Hawk Hollow was donated to the Wylde Center in 2012. Hundreds of native plants are being added to the site to replace the exotic plants that currently grow there. In addition to the community enjoying the space, Wylde Center uses the garden for field trips and other education programs.

I sleep in my nest all winter long, But rush fearlessly forth in the March wind’s song, For I’m sure there is someone waiting for me, Since a hyacinth blue’s in love with this bee!

Hawk Hollow is located at 2304 1st Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30317.

-Margaret Warner Morley, 1897

SALLY WYLDE DISCOVERY ROOM

Concept drawing of the Sally Wylde Discovery Room named in honor of our founder. Artwork by Halley Beagle

SALLY WYLDE DISCOVERY ROOM

Wylde Center has identified a need for a welcoming, educational and interactive indoor space at the Oakhurst Garden, our flagship greenspace. Thousands of visitors, including community members, students on field trips and event attendees visit the garden each year. To fill this need, Wylde Center is creating a discovery room with a library, exploratory science equipment and natural objects. These additions will enhance visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience at the Oakhurst Garden by deepening their understanding of the environment and the flora and fauna living in the Wylde Center greenspaces. Your donation will help remodel and fill the room with the resources we need. To say thank you and recognize your support, all donors will be listed on a plaque inside the Sally Wylde Discovery Room. $25 may purchase a field guide for the library

$150 may purchase paint and paint supplies

$50 may purchase an educational display, such as honey

$200 may purchase the largest displays, such as a beauti-

$75 may purchase tools and equipment, such as a set of

$300 may purchase carpet tiles and a new ceiling fan for

$100 may purchase larger displays, such as a 40 gallon

$500 may purchase wooden tables that will be used for

bee lifecycles or beneficial insects binoculars or magnifying glasses

aquarium to house live animals or a mason bee house

ful framed display of soil horizons the space

programs and displays

To contribute online to this special project, please use this website: wyldecenter.org/sallywyldediscoveryroom/ For questions, please contact Blair Keenan, Development Director at blair@wyldecenter.org. Please note, donations to the Sally Wylde Discovery Room are separate from and do not count towards your annual Wylde Center membership.

GARDENING WITH JC

GARDENING WITH JC: UNIQUE HERBS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR GARDEN by JC Hines, Greenspace Manager We are all familiar with the tried and true herbs many of us plant each season: basil, oregano, thyme, sage. We love them and use them on a regular basis, but there are other unique options that all gardeners should have in their herb patch. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is found in its dried form as a natural sweetener in the grocery aisle next to Splenda and Sweet-n-Low. The fresh leaves are sweet and may be added with mint to make a lovely hot or iced tea. It is a tender perennial that grows in full sun. Star Anise (Illicium verum) is a wonderfully fragrant spice that is harvested from an evergreen shrub. We recommend that you order your shrub from an online nursery. Star anise is harvested green and then dried to be used for cooking and baking. It is a frost tender shrub that appreciates partial sun. Winter Savoy (Satureja montana) is perfect for winter foods like stews and roasted meat. With its peppery thyme and a hint of mint taste, it adds great flavor to hearty dishes. It is evergreen and does well as a border plant. Plan to cut it back in the summer as it does get leggy. For best results, plant in full sun. It’s also a great plant if you have a mosquito repellant garden. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) may be grown right from a root you buy at the grocery store. Due to its tendency to spread, plant horseradish in it’s own pot buried in the ground or in the ground near your herb garden in full sun. Horseradish is great for preserving or pickling and when used raw it can be quite spicy. It is also medicinal and can clear up sinuses. Comfrey (Symphytum sp.) is not an herb in a traditional sense, but rather a unique medicinal plant whose flowers pollinators love. With

beautiful lush green leaves and purple flowers, it is used to help alleviate bruising or applied to cuts to help healing. It also may be used as a natural pesticide and fungicide. Chickens love the leaves! Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) is another non-traditional herb that is a must for herb gardens. Why choose this plant? The beautiful silvery foliage is a show stopper. The best part is when you are feeling under the weather, sprigs of the plant can be cut and placed on the floor of your shower to release the eucalyptus into the steam. Eucalyptus is frost tender. If you don’t want it to grow into a tree, prune regularly. Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a great herb for those who love the flavor of celery in recipes, but hate buying bags that always seem to go bad in the veggie drawer. Lovage is a perennial that can grow up to five feet tall and has beautiful yellow flowers. All parts of this plant may be eaten, but the stalks are more pungent than celery. Lovage is great for stews, soups, and stuffings! Full sun, please. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) may make you wrinkle your nose at first thought because of the highly concentrated oil that people wear. However, don’t be too quick to judge the actual plant which has thick dark green leaves that help keep the mosquitoes away. Not only can it be planted along with other repellent plants to help ward off mosquitoes, but it can also be rubbed on the skin to help keep them at bay while you work in the yard. Full to partial sun is preferred by patchouli. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) Chives you say? We already know about chives, but do you know about their blooms? Flowers are bright purple and form a globe at the top of the chive. They can be sprinkled into salads for color or added to greek yogurt with some dill and garlic to make a delicious salad dressing or dip. Plant in full sun.

404.373.0023 www.inbloomlandscaping.com

GARDEN NEWS

2017 WYLDE CENTER GARDEN TOUR WILL BE IN MEMORY OF RYAN GAINEY Ryan Gainey’s garden was a popular destination each year for the Decatur Garden Tour, now the Into the Wylde: Garden Tour. In honor of his memory, the 2017 tour will be dedicated to his commitment to creating beautiful spaces. He will be missed.

photo credit Ron Harris

photo credit David Schilling for Atlanta Magazine

Ryan Gainey died tragically on July 29, 2016, while trying to rescue his dogs from his burning house in Lexington.

(Left to right) JC Hines, Jennifer Leavey, and Deborah Palmer after their presentation to the City of Decatur’s Commission in support of Decatur becoming a Bee City USA.

CITY OF DECATUR BECOMES THE FIRST BEE CITY USA IN GEORGIA On June 20, 2016, the City of Decatur’s Commission voted unanimously to become a Bee City USA, becoming the first Bee City in Georgia. Decatur resident, beekeeper, and chair of the Decatur Bee City USA affiliate committee, Deborah Palmer made the presentation to Commission members expressing why pollinators are important and should be protected. As a designated Bee City USA, Decatur is expected to annually celebrate being a Bee City USA with a proclamation and public awareness activities; publicly acknowledge commitment to the program through signage and web links; and annually report activities to Bee City USA to renew the certification. Applying for the designation was a collaborative effort between the City of Decatur, Wylde Center, and community residents. An active committee with these same representatives are now planning bee and other pollinator education opportunities throughout the year. What is Bee City USA? Bee City USA is a nonprofit national organization that fosters ongoing dialogue in urban areas to raise awareness of the role pollinators play in sustaining three-quarters of the world’s plant species and what each of us can do to provide them with healthy habitat. It is based in Asheville. At this point, 30 communities across the USA have become certified. For more information, visit beecityusa.org. Take a beekeeping course October 2, 2016: Beekeeping 102: Caring for your hive, Homestead Atlanta, thehomesteadatl.com October 22, 2016: Beekeeping, Atlanta Botanical Garden, atlantabg.org December 3, 2016: Intro to Native Pollinators, Homestead Atlanta thehomesteadatl.com December 3, 2016: Beekeeping Basics, Homestead Atlanta thehomesteadatl.com January 21, 2017: Short Course in Beekeeping (Full Day), Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association, metroatlantabeekeepers.org Stay connected Facebook: Bee City USA: Decatur GA Instagram: BeecaturGA Twitter: BeecaturGA

Volunteers have been planting natives at the Mulberry Fields garden for years. In 2013, this sign was placed to honor these efforts.

WYLDE GARDENS ARE CERTIFIED! As a result of our land management efforts to provide habitat for insects, animals, and plants, we have received several certifications from local and national organizations. Oakhurst Garden Certified Wildlife Habitat from the National Wildlife Federation Certified Pollinator Habitat from Monarchs Across Georgia Pollinator Spaces Project with the University of Georgia’s Center for Urban Agriculture Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm Certified Naturally Grown Mulberry Fields Garden Native Habitat Certification with the Georgia Native Plant Society Hawk Hollow Garden Certified Pollinator Habitat from Monarchs Across Georgia

HELP SCIENTISTS STUDY BEES

Use your camera to help track bumblebees across North America using BumbleBeeWatch. org. Bumble Bee Watch is a collaborative effort to track and conserve North America’s bumble bees. As a result, you will learn about bumble bees, their ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts as well as connecting with other citizen scientists. Who knows, you may find a new population of a rare and endangered bumblebee.

SUGAR CREEK GARDEN AND HERB FARM

SUGAR CREEK - WYLDE CENTER’S HERB FARM Jen Wassum, Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm’s site manager harvests herbs each week for restaurant sales and is already thinking about how to get more herbs into more dishes.

Jen Wassum harvests lemon basil at Sugar Creek. Each week she harvests several types of herbs that are then sold to restaurants. These beautiful herbs are also available to the community through a unique herb CSA.

When the position of site manager became available at the Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm, JC Hines, the Greenspace Director was looking for a farmer to fill that role. Enter Jen Wassum, an experienced farmer who had recently moved from Charleston, South Carolina, looking to continue her agriculture work here in the urban setting of Atlanta. She brought with her her growing knowledge and her ability to market her goods to local restaurants, two skills vital to this position. Stephanie Van Parys (SVP) recently sat down with Jen (JW) to ask about her interest in farming, her current work with Wylde, and the future. SVP: Why did you choose farming as your career? JW: I wasn’t always a farmer. Before 2008, I worked for a mutual fund company with a plan that it would serve as a stepping stone to becoming a broker. When the market crashed, I had already figured out that that future was not for me. With our move from Virginia to Charleston, I grabbed the chance for a career shift that was opposite of sitting all day in a cubicle. I love being outside. I started grad school and while taking classes, I connected with a nonprofit that had a farming apprenticeship. I volunteered and I loved it. Volunteering led to a paid position and I love that, too! I decided not to go to grad school and kept working on farms. After working on farms for eighteen months, I met a guy who owned land and wanted to start a farm on newly cleared pine forest. It’s called Rebellion Farm and I worked there for two and a half years. When we moved to Georgia in 2016, I found the Wylde Center. Here I am! SVP: What is your position with the Wylde Center? JW: I maintain the Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm primarily focusing on growing herbs to be sold to local restaurants, harvested by CSA members, or donated to the community.

SVP: Tell me about the Herb CSA. JW: We are in our pilot year with ten families participating who live in the area around Sugar Creek. The participating families went through an orientation of where herbs are growing and how to harvest. Every Monday I send an email telling CSA members what they can harvest for the week. My plan is to grow the number of the folks participating over the next year. SVP: How fun! What herbs do they have access to? JW: They have access to so many herbs! Sage, thyme, chives, cilantro, basil, pineapple sage, oregano to name a few. When we have extra fruit, I let them know about that as well which includes figs and raspberries. SVP: How else may people enjoy Sugar Creek? JW: Besides the herbs, I am also creating a space that people can come and enjoy. Visitors are welcome anytime from sunrise to sunset. We have compost bins that are managed by volunteers. Anyone is welcome to drop off their veggie/fruit waste. Just make sure to drop off your compost in the bin that reads “Dump here.” We thank you in advance! We also have a 16-plot community garden on site that people can walk around to see what everyone is growing. SVP: In the past year, Sugar Creek received Certified Naturally Grown status. What does that mean? JW: To be certified naturally grown essentially means that we are using organic practices. We don’t use nasty pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMO’s similar to certified organic growers. Whenever possible, I purchase seed that has been certified organic to grow my own plants.

SUGAR CREEK GARDEN AND HERB FARM SVP: You shared a nice list of herbs that you are growing that the CSA can take advantage of each week. What other herbs are you growing? JW: I am growing ginger for the first time this year. I will be harvesting it in early fall before the first freeze. I am excited to see if we will have any decent sized roots. Horseradish also grows onsite, though it isn’t always the best at obeying bed borders! SVP: The herbs you are growing at Sugar Creek, what is being done with them besides the CSA? JW: I sell them to restaurants. At this time our customers are Kimball House, Leon’s Full Service, and Queen of Cream. We are definitely looking to expand to more customers as we continue to grow more herbs. I harvest each month for a dinner at the Pine Street shelter as well. SVP: What is your favorite herb to grow at the herb farm? JW: Without a doubt, chives are my favorite herb to grow. It really is amazing to see them grow back so quickly after being cut. SVP: How about your favorite herb to use at home? JW: I love having fresh parsley and cilantro on hand whenever possible because they are so versatile. Both are great for brightening the flavors in dishes and I love adding them to salads or using them for pesto. We always use parsley in our homemade chicken stock and cilantro in guacamole. Cilantro has proven to be a little tougher to grow in the Georgia heat but we’ve found that once it goes to seed my husband can use the coriander (either green or dried) in his homemade beer! SVP: Any tips for the gardener on growing herbs at home? JW: Use them! Herbs will perform better if you are harvesting them. They like to grow back from the pruned edges. It is also pretty important to not plant herbs where they will have wet feet. They like water to drain away from their roots. Full sun is also appreciated. Overall, perennial herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary are easier to maintain. SVP: What does the future hold for Sugar Creek? JW: I want to maximize the growing space. By this time next year, I would like to double the amount of growing space I have for herb production. That means we will have more herbs to sell and can accommodate more people in our CSA. (Clockwise from top): Basil growing in neat rows; mint used for juleps at Kimball House; fresh basil clippings whose future includes being used to flavor ice cream; chives and cilantro.

HERB BOUQUETS AVAILABLE FOR THANKSGIVING Herb bouquets are $5 for Wylde members, $7 for non-members This fall, the Wylde Center’s Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm will be selling Thanksgiving turkey herb bouquets. These bouquets will contain a variety of herbs harvested fresh from the farm for pickup in time to stuff your holiday turkeys with flavor. Our herbs are Certified Naturally Grown and all of the proceeds from the bouquet sales will go back into Wylde Center programs. More info at wyldecenter.org. Orders need to be placed by November 20.

GROW THESE HERBS THIS FALL

Seasonal herbs are annuals that grow at certain times of the year. Basil, for example, adores the summer, but turns black in the fall when it turns cold. Parsley, dill, cilantro are ones that melt away in the summer, but thrive in fall and spring. Make plans to incorporate these fall herbs in your vegetable and flower gardens. September is the best time to plant to enjoy these herbs this fall and again in March for spring growing. Calendula also known as pot marigolds are a beautiful addition to the fall garden. Using either seeds or transplants, plant your calendulas in full sun in your garden leaving 8-12 inches between plants. The plants will grow 18-24 inches tall and will reward you with beautiful orange and yellow flowers depending on the variety. They are edible too! Chervil in French cuisine is one of the four herbs that make up “fines herbes” along with chives, tarragon, and parsley. It does not do well when transplanted, so it should be directly sown from seed in your garden. In the same family as dill, it too will bloom creating umbels made up of small white flowers. When eaten, the leaves have an anise flavor. It will reseed itself. Cilantro is best sown from seed in your garden from late August into September. The plant overwinters and in the spring flushes out an incredible amount of new leaves for tasty early spring cilantro/parsley/ chickweed pesto. Plants growing in September, will go to seed in May. Allow the plants to go all the way to seed (plants turn brown) so that they can drop their seeds (coriander) on the ground. In early August, these seeds will germinate and grow new cilantro plants. It is with this cilantro that you will be able to make salsa! Dill provides aromatic seeds, foliage,and beautiful yellow-green flowers in the spring and the fall. It’s flowers are beloved by pollinators. Allow those flowers to fully develop their seeds and your dill will reseed itself each season. When planting dill in the fall and spring, you may use both seeds and/or transplants. Dill will grow 2-4 feet in height. The plant itself does not overwinter, but will reseed from the prior season’s flowers. Parsley comes as two main types - flat leafed or curled. Flat leaf has a deeper flavor that holds its own when used in recipes. Curled parsley is more cold hardy and will continue to grow in your garden throughout the winter and into the spring. Parsley prefers full sun and is beautiful when mixed in with pansies. Its flowers are a favorite among pollinators and its leaves are eaten by swallowtail caterpillars. Parsley will reseed.

GARDENING MONTH BY MONTH

MONTH BY MONTH GARDENING TASKS

by Stephanie Van Parys, Executive Director

SEPTEMBER - PLANT YOUR FALL GARDEN

September is THE month to plant your fall vegetable garden. Fall vegetables are perfect for filling in those bare spots in your garden. You will want to remove the dead and the almost dead summer vegetable plants, throw down a couple inches of compost, and plant the vegetables highlighted below either from seed or from transplants. All plants listed should be planted during the month of September. TIP: When direct sowing, water the growing area each day until your seeds germinate.

photo credit gardenwithpassion.com/

photo credit harvesttotable.com/

photo credit mysquarefootgarden.net

photo credit turtletreeseed.org/

Arugula is a spicy, fast growing cool season green that grows well in garden beds or containers. Direct sow. Thin seedlings 4-6” apart. Leaves are ready to harvest after 30 days.

Lettuce grows well in the garden and in containers. Direct sow or from transplants. Space plants 6-8” apart. Start harvesting the outer leaves after 30 days. Lettuce does not overwinter.

Chard is a visually striking plant with beautiful colorful stems. Direct sow or from transplants. Space plants 8-12” apart. Harvest outside leaves as soon as they are 6-10″ long. Overwinters.

Kale planted in the fall will still be growing in April. Direct sow or from transplants. Space plants 8-12” apart. Start harvesting when leaves are 6” long. Look out for cabbage loopers.

photo credit seedlibrary.org

photo credit longlifefarm.com

Collards planted in the fall will still be growing in April. Direct sow or from transplants. Space plants 8-12” apart. Start harvesting when leaves are 6” long. Look out for cabbage loopers.

A tasty cross between spinach and bok choy, komatsuna is a must for the fall garden. Direct sow or from transplants. Space plants 6” apart. Start harvesting when leaves are 6” long.

Use a spade fork to break up the soil where the carrots are going to grow. Direct sow. Thin seedlings 4” apart. Check seed package for the number of days to maturity. Overwinters.

Kid tested and approved so be sure to include Harukei turnips in your garden. Direct sow. Thin seedlings 4” apart. Start harvesting when turnips are 2” round. Leaves are edible too.

photo credit eat-drink-garden.com

photo credit bonnieplants.com

photo credit planetnatural.com

Crunchy like an apple, kohlrabi is easy to grow. Direct sow. Thin seedlings 4” apart. Start harvesting when kohlrabi are 2.5” round. Leaves are edible too. Tasty raw and cooked. Overwinters.

Be sure to plant broccoli from transplants at the beginning of September. Space 12” apart. Harvest broccoli when the heads have formed. Look out for cabbage loopers.

Sugar, snap, English, snow peas are perfect for a fall garden. Use a trellis. Direct sow seeds 2” apart at the beginning of September. Eat directly in the garden.

Plant garlic in October from cloves set 4” apart and 1” deep. Over the next months, the clove will multiply into a bulb. The bulb is ready to harvest in late May when the leaves turn brown.

October

November

December

Fall Garden Chores

• • •

Collect leaves and create a leaf composting bin Plant strawberries Dig up your sweet potatoes and cure in a dry place

•

Leave the stalks and old flower heads on foraging bird favorites such as coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and other native seed bearing flowers

•

Winter sow perennial flower and herb seeds in plastic milkjugs converted to greenhouses Plant tulip and daffodil bulbs

A cat improves the garden wall in sunshine, and the hearth in foul weather. ~Judith Merkle Riley Before a cat will condescend To treat you as a trusted friend, Some little token of esteem Is needed, like a dish of cream. ~T.S. Eliot Previous page: Cardoon, the Oakhurst Garden cat, laying under a Japanese maple. Cardoon was adopted by the Wylde Center to live at the Oakhurst Garden during the summer of 2013. Since that time, he is the most sought after animal on site by people of all ages. During the plant sale season you will find him working hard protecting the plants as he lounges in the sun. The Oakhurst Garden was established in 1997 as the first of the five gardens the Wylde Center now manages. On site, you will find the Wylde Center office, a greenhouse, a seasonal plant sale, community garden plots, chickens, picnic area, a pond, flowering gardens, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area, a stream, and so much more. Oakhurst Garden is located at 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030.

Cats never strike a pose that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t photogenic. ~Lillian Jackson Braun Are we really sure the purring is coming from the kitty and not from our very own hearts? ~Terri Guillemets If a dog jumps into your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer. ~Alfred North Whitehead

Summertime in the Garden Use the clues below to guess which summer garden word is needed to complete the crossword puzzle! by Sarah Dasher, Lead Educator

Across 1. These red beetles protect the garden by eating the aphids that destroy our plants. 3. A healthy addition to garden soil made of broken down food scraps. 6. A big fruit great for sharing on a picnic! The outside is a hard green rind, but the red inside is juicy and sweet. 7. This important feature of a summer garden provides light and heat. 8. These buzzy bugs are important because they pollinate flowers to make fruit.

Down 2. These huge yellow flowers follow the sun and can grow taller than you! 4. These summer veggies are actually fruits, and our pizzas and spaghetti would be bare without them! 5. These juicy fruits grow on trees and have pits and soft, fuzzy skin. 6. These wiggly creatures aren't really insects (they have no feet!) and are important since they help the soil breath when they move through it.

K EY A cr o s s: 1 . l a d y bu g s 3 . c o m p o s t 6. w a t er m e l o n 7 . s u n 8. be es . D o w n: 2 . s u nf l o w e r s 4 . t o ma t o e s 5 . pe ac h e s 6. w or m s

435 OAKVIEW ROAD DECATUR, GA 30030 404.371.1920 WYLDECENTER.ORG

Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit # 328 Decatur, GA

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UPCOMING WYLDE EVENTS FALL PLANT SALE

S’MORES FOR ALL

September 1-October 15, daylight hours Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030

Join us at all five of our gardens this fall. All are invited to enjoy these free, family-friendly events!

Planting a fall vegetable garden? Stop by our plant sale for a great selection of fall veggie transplants. Grown on site, the sale features many varieties of lettuce, Asian greens, arugula, kale, Swiss chard and much more. wyldecenter.org/plant-sale/

October 9, 5-7 PM @ Oakhurst Garden 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030

GROWING CIRCLE MIXER

October 21, 5-7 PM @ Sugar Creek Garden and Herb Farm 415 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 (Behind the Presbyterian Church)

September 29, 6:30-8:30 PM At the home of Deb Baumgarten and EJ Sadler Wylde Center members who give $500 or more per year are invited to enjoy food and drink at the modern home of Deb Baumgarten and EJ Sadler. Interested in finding out more about joining the Growing Circle level? Please contact Blair@wyldecenter.org.

DECATUR FARM TO SCHOOL DINE OUT October 25, 5-9 PM @participating Decatur restaurants

October 16, 5-7 PM @ Hawk Hollow 2304 1st Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30317

October 30, 5-7 PM @ Mulberry Fields 1301 Iverson Street, Atlanta, GA 30307 (down the alley) November 13, 3-5 PM @ Edgewood Community Learning Garden 1503 Hardee Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 All five S’mores for All dates will feature live entertainment. wyldecenter.org/smores-for-all

Decatur Farm to School is hosting its spring Dine Out! Plan to dine (or take out) at your favorite Decatur restaurant and help raise money for a DECK THE WYLDE WREATHS! great cause! Decatur Farm to School is a program of Wylde Center. November 29-December 3, December 6-10, check website for times wyldecenter.org/decatur-farm-to-school $65 for non-members, $55 for Wylde members Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030 HOT DOGS AND LANTERN WALK November 4, 5:30-7:30 PM, Wylde Center member event We hope that you are saving the date for the 2nd annual back-toOakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030 nature holiday event! We encourage you to bring a friend or purchase a spot and give it away for the perfect gift. Wylde Center members, you are invited to join us for a lovely evening at Oakhurst Garden. Enjoy a hot dog and bring your Participants are invited to bring their own refreshments, including lantern for a magical walk through the woods. beer and wine. It’s the perfect way for adults to celebrate a birthday, Save time by making your lantern in advance during two lantern anniversary, or simply to get into the holiday spirit. Participants can be as creative as they want with the wreaths, which will be ready to take making sessions. Workshops will be held November 1 and 3 home that same evening. Wylde Center provides all of the materials, from 3-5 PM. Wylde Members only. including a fragrant evergreen wreath. You only need to attend one session. Please bring a mason jar of any size. Tickets go on sale November 1 wyldecenter.org/membership-open-house wyldecenter.org/wylde-wreath-making