Winter seed swap

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Permalink Reply by Donna on February 13, 2010 at 7:17pm

Yeap fowarded that email.

I don't think many people in the neighborhoods know there is a Community Garden and if they do I am not entirely sure they know what a Community Garden is. To me, if there are people living in a Community with an established garden and they don't know that it is there that doesn't seem to be too much of a Community Garden?

I understand not wanting to give up the dirt but I don't think someone should have more than 2 plots? It doesn't seem right with a waiting list. Last year was my first real year gardening. I think some people go into gardening thinking it is easier than it is and then their bed, well it might not drain. And no matter how hard they try and want to garden their bed just isn't working for them.

I was talking about this Ning account: http://urbanfooddsm.ning.com/ . Last night I went to Wal Mart ... and I talked to a someone that worked there. Asked him where he lived, he said around the Drake area. I told him about the Community Garden there and he acted liked he had never heard of it. That bothered me.

I am completely confused as to who is organizing the garden right now and I have no idea how the system to become a coordinator works. I am not against garden architects. I appreciate anyone that is involved and tries to help organize and maintain the gardens and suggests activities. I am jealous of the Downtown Garden their members seem to be more cohesive. I was hesitant to create a Ning account the way they did because I didn't feel people would participate in it. The USDA thing was because I read on the Community Garden Coalition site that the gardens were funded, originally, by a USDA grant. I have tried to find the grant through the USDA site but I have had no luck.

I have no idea how to create a Rain Garden or a catchment system. I was planning on using my bed as a Flower Garden. I have asked if the garden was allowed to take any of the Perennials from the Perennial Divide but I didn't get a response on that question. I think there are some fruit trees located next to the cemetery, I mean park. And I have wondered if we could get Raspberry bushes from the city to put around the perimeter of the garden.

Some of the things I have read about Community Gardens providing inclusiveness within the community and helping to deter theft included the garden offering something for everyone even those without a plot. I thought having some edible fruit bushes and maybe some Rhubarb plants around the outside might help with that?

Sorry about being COMPLETELY off topic. No one really participates on the Franklin Ning and I feel as though I am generally talking to myself. I need to do something else with my time besides think about the Community Garden! :S I apologize if I offended or upset anyone. I have been too consumed with this idea and I don't really feel like I am getting anywhere. And I am sorry about it be SUPER confusing, I have always been terrible with expressing my ideas and paper writing.

Jennie said:

I'm sorry Donna, but your post is very confusing.
Thanks for inviting the Drakers! That's awesome. Did you forward the email that I sent out? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If any of us want to get more members or a waiting list we should canvas, it is suppose to be a Community Garden. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Do we want a waiting list? How many of the plots spoken for right now? I'm not sure we need to canvas. Why does it sound like you are suggesting it's not a Community Garden?


>>>>
And while I think individuals should have a plot, there is suppose to be a rotation.
>>>>
What do you mean by rotation? If I spend a couple of years building up a plot's soil and beneficial organisms I'm not going to want to give it to someone else.

>>>
But as I and people around me experienced it isn't as easy as putting a seed or transplant in the ground.
>>>
What are you trying to say here? No, it's not that easy, that's why we work so hard at practicing the craft, building up soil and saving genetics. :-) And I'm confused, are you talking about the Franklin or the Downtown garden? Last year was a tough year, it was cold and rainy and blight-y. Nobody had a steller year, but I'll share some of the tricks I used last year, that worked really well to mitigate the losses.

>>>
I can understand people not wanting to give up their plots, it takes time and money to bring in dirt and fertilizer.I don't feel as though that means people who have the time, money, and knowledge should take away an opportunity from some else to grow food. From what I have understood there is a waiting list for the Franklin plots ... while I greatly admire what the Urban Ning is trying to do, there may be people who want to grow their own food.
>>>
This whole paragraph confused me.
The Urban Ning? The Ning is just a site to chat and share pictures, what are you saying it's trying to do? And who's taking opportunities away? The whole point of the gardens IS for people with the time/money/knowledge to grow food, if someone doesn't have those things, why give them a plot? Who are you talking about here?

>>
There should be a limit to 2 plots! ... The Franklin Community garden is hogged, taken over ad not very well managed
>>
I kinda agree with you here. There are some old members of that community garden that have a half a dozen plots merged into super plots, although in their defense they have put in the time and energy, and they keep them well maintained. But with the size of the waiting list, perhaps the coordinator should step in and help divide some of that back up into individual plots. This particular complaint would be better directed at the leadership of those gardens, not here on the seed swap thread of totally different garden space darlin. :-) Although, I really liked the coordinator from last year, S. Bruner, but it sounds like she's not the coordinator this year, I'm a little confused as to who's the leader there right now, but that just second's what you said about it not being very well managed.

>>>>
I, as an advocate for Community Gardens, am jealous of you guys. I want our garden to have a rain catchment system, porta potties, butterfly gardens, rain gardens, herb gardens ... I think it's great there are landscape architects but it's OUR garden not their resume. It's our community. It's our Des Moines, not the USDA's fight for it. It's a human right to have gardens. We deserve them. Rant, I know and that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the architects involved but this is something for the people and Des Moines is Progressive ... right?
>>>
Again, a confusingly contradictory paragraph. :-) If it weren't for the "architects," (I'm assuming you mean Drew?) there wouldn't BE a downtown garden for "the people." And you're one of "the people" involved with the Franklin gardens aren't you? Why don't you start such things if you want them? If I'm still in Des Moines once the ground thaws, I will totally help with those ideas. I will come out with my shovel and if they haven't fixed the drainage problems, we'll just start with drainage ditches dug by hand, put in a rainwater catchment where it seems best and fix it ourselves! Those plots that were underwater last year weren't doing anybody any good, so I don't think we'll offend too many people if we just take matters in our own hands. :-) Don't just wait for the leader to say "Let's do it," just DO IT. And what on earth are you talking about the "USDA fight for it?" :-) Maybe you can clarify your thoughts next Saturday in person. Maybe too, if we have enough people show up from the Franklin community we can get a posse together to address some of these issues.
-Jennie

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Permalink Reply by Jennie on February 15, 2010 at 12:38pm

Oh! I forgot to mention, this event is kid-friendly. I'll have my little crawler. So, Bring 'em if you got 'em. If you have one at that age where counting is fun, they might even enjoy things. Other kids will probably find it pretty dull, so bring something to entertain them.
-Jennie

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Permalink Reply by Drew Matthew Maifeld on February 15, 2010 at 3:22pm

I will have my daughter in town and plan to bring her as well!

We will need to leave early to be at the Civic Center for a play at 1:00 but am looking forward to sharing out seeds :)

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Permalink Reply by Jennie on February 15, 2010 at 3:29pm

Christine L. Pardee said:

Jennie,

Hey thanks for catalyzing the coordination of this get-together. I've had to re-prioritize my activities that day and will not be attending.

Christine and Sandy,
If y'all have something you're looking for, let me know and I'll see if I can set them aside for you on Saturday and get them to you at a different time.
-Jennie

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Permalink Reply by Emily Zach on February 15, 2010 at 4:04pm

Donna,

I read your post a few times and contemplated not responding, but....here I am.

I guess first of all, it seems to me that the tone of your posts have been a little bit negative and maybe even critical. I'm not sure where you got the idea that the landscape architects involved (Jonathan, Drew and others) somehow had impure motives and were trying to "pad their resumes." No offense, but if you had been around last year to see the amount of time, energy, sweat, and LOVE went into putting this garden together, I don't think you would have made a comment like that. Like all of us, they also have families, jobs, and other commitments and donated COUNTLESS hours of their time, along with MANY OTHERS. The reason that the Downtown garden has been a success is because it has had passionate LEADERS -- but they are just gardeners, like yourself......And they should be proud of what they did because it would still be an under-utilized park if they hadn't stepped up to the plate.

I have been a member of the Franklin Community Garden for four years and I agree, it has its problems. I also didn't like the standing water and it didn't seem fair that some members got extra plots. That being said, none of the people that subcribe to this NING site have any control over that. I would encourage you to contact the DM City Parks and Rec department or the Franklin garden coordinator.

Finally, Donna, I am looking forward to meeting you. It is obvious that your passion for community gardening is a huge asset the Des Moines gardening community. Drew and I will be at the seed swap with our kids. My son, Luke, has a ton of heirloom varieties of tomatos that he got from Seedsavers that he is bringing to share, as well as a bunch of peppers, zucchini, brussel sprouts (my favorite) and lots of other stuff. He even has some cotton seeds, but I'm not sure if it is a good idea to plant cotton, I might have to do some research on that one! :) We also just started a worm farm, make sure you ask him about it, he will be anxious to share his knowledge.

Anyways, looking forward to next Saturday. :)

Donna said:

I just invited the Drake Community Garden members. If any of us want to get more members or a waiting list we should canvas, it is suppose to be a Community Garden. And while I think individuals should have a plot, there is suppose to be a rotation. Everything I have read about maintaining a Community Garden has been about involving the community, this helps with thief. In my plot garden I think it would be fantastic to have rhubarb on one side and raspberry bushes on the other, something to offer people who don't have a plot; as a beginning. I can understand people not wanting to give up their plots, it takes time and money to bring in dirt and fertilizer.But as I and people around me experienced it isn't as easy as putting a seed or transplant in the ground. I don't feel as though that means people who have the time, money, and knowledge should take away an opportunity from some else to grow food. From what I have understood there is a waiting list for the Franklin plots ... while I greatly admire what the Urban Ning is trying to do, there may be people who want to grow their own food.

Completely off topic I know, but take a walk through the Franklin Community gardens. There should be a limit to 2 plots! My bed sucked, the woman in front of me tried. The women beside me, through some miraculous measure got her plot moved to the "other side," the side that drains, a little. The Franklin Community garden is hogged, taken over ad not very well managed

I, as an advocate for Community Gardens, am jealous of you guys. I want our garden to have a rain catchment system, porta potties, butterfly gardens, rain gardens, herb gardens ... I think it's great there are landscape architects but it's OUR garden not their resume. It's our community. It's our Des Moines, not the USDA's fight for it. It's a human right to have gardens. We deserve them. Rant, I know and that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the architects involved but this is something for the people and Des Moines is Progressive ... right?

Bring you seeds. Bring Tea! Bring Banana Bread. Just come!!! :P

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Permalink Reply by Donna on February 15, 2010 at 6:35pm

I agree, I have a propensity for negativity and criticism. I am trying to work on that and it is difficult. I might over criticize things because I tend to feel people rarely say they dislike something and just accept things the way they are. Which I understand, some people might like something the way it is and that is their right and feelings and that should be respected (I feel) just as someone's right and feelings to change something?

I appreciate the architects and I don't doubt their sincerity but I am having trouble understanding if, in Des Moines, having an architect is required to get things done? They are definitely an asset just as a Master Gardener is or anyone who actively participates in the Community projects. Do garden members need an architect to approve their idea or to get things in motion for the idea to become accomplished? I have a little too much passion and no degree or real experience or connections to make my ideas a reality. I am going to try and tone it down and maybe just stick to my little non-draining plot and let it be.

I have two boxes of seeds sitting on my dining room table, I am going to make a list and post that.

For the seed swap, are there going to be little bowls maybe reused plastic tubs with the seeds that people take how ever many and place in their packet? Should we bring teas or baked goods? Are the chairs going to be in circles or at tables?

Emily Zach said:

Donna,
I read your post a few times and contemplated not responding, but....here I am.
I guess first of all, it seems to me that the tone of your posts have been a little bit negative and maybe even critical. I'm not sure where you got the idea that the landscape architects involved (Jonathan, Drew and others) somehow had impure motives and were trying to "pad their resumes." No offense, but if you had been around last year to see the amount of time, energy, sweat, and LOVE went into putting this garden together, I don't think you would have made a comment like that. Like all of us, they also have families, jobs, and other commitments and donated COUNTLESS hours of their time, along with MANY OTHERS. The reason that the Downtown garden has been a success is because it has had passionate LEADERS -- but they are just gardeners, like yourself......And they should be proud of what they did because it would still be an under-utilized park if they hadn't stepped up to the plate.

I have been a member of the Franklin Community Garden for four years and I agree, it has its problems. I also didn't like the standing water and it didn't seem fair that some members got extra plots. That being said, none of the people that subcribe to this NING site have any control over that. I would encourage you to contact the DM City Parks and Rec department or the Franklin garden coordinator.

Finally, Donna, I am looking forward to meeting you. It is obvious that your passion for community gardening is a huge asset the Des Moines gardening community. Drew and I will be at the seed swap with our kids. My son, Luke, has a ton of heirloom varieties of tomatos that he got from Seedsavers that he is bringing to share, as well as a bunch of peppers, zucchini, brussel sprouts (my favorite) and lots of other stuff. He even has some cotton seeds, but I'm not sure if it is a good idea to plant cotton, I might have to do some research on that one! :) We also just started a worm farm, make sure you ask him about it, he will be anxious to share his knowledge.

Anyways, looking forward to next Saturday. :)

Donna said:

I just invited the Drake Community Garden members. If any of us want to get more members or a waiting list we should canvas, it is suppose to be a Community Garden. And while I think individuals should have a plot, there is suppose to be a rotation. Everything I have read about maintaining a Community Garden has been about involving the community, this helps with thief. In my plot garden I think it would be fantastic to have rhubarb on one side and raspberry bushes on the other, something to offer people who don't have a plot; as a beginning. I can understand people not wanting to give up their plots, it takes time and money to bring in dirt and fertilizer.But as I and people around me experienced it isn't as easy as putting a seed or transplant in the ground. I don't feel as though that means people who have the time, money, and knowledge should take away an opportunity from some else to grow food. From what I have understood there is a waiting list for the Franklin plots ... while I greatly admire what the Urban Ning is trying to do, there may be people who want to grow their own food.

Completely off topic I know, but take a walk through the Franklin Community gardens. There should be a limit to 2 plots! My bed sucked, the woman in front of me tried. The women beside me, through some miraculous measure got her plot moved to the "other side," the side that drains, a little. The Franklin Community garden is hogged, taken over ad not very well managed

I, as an advocate for Community Gardens, am jealous of you guys. I want our garden to have a rain catchment system, porta potties, butterfly gardens, rain gardens, herb gardens ... I think it's great there are landscape architects but it's OUR garden not their resume. It's our community. It's our Des Moines, not the USDA's fight for it. It's a human right to have gardens. We deserve them. Rant, I know and that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the architects involved but this is something for the people and Des Moines is Progressive ... right?

Bring you seeds. Bring Tea! Bring Banana Bread. Just come!!! :P

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Permalink Reply by Jennie on February 15, 2010 at 7:32pm

Donna said:

I have two boxes of seeds sitting on my dining room table, I am going to make a list and post that.

For the seed swap, are there going to be little bowls maybe reused plastic tubs with the seeds that people take how ever many and place in their packet? Should we bring teas or baked goods? Are the chairs going to be in circles or at tables?

Umm... I hadn't given it that much thought dear. :-) Probably chairs at tables. The little bowls idea would work if that's how you wanted to do it. I just have all my seeds in clear ziplock baggies. I'll probably pre-package some, but also trade for what I want the day of with anything the other trader wants with some empty baggies I'll bring with me. That way I don't spend too much time pre-packaging things I'm not sure if people will want. You can bring goodies, definitely! I don't know if I'll have time to bake anything, so knock yourself out!
-Jennie

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Permalink Reply by Kyla Cox on February 15, 2010 at 8:32pm

This is a great idea. I could use ideas for gardening since we just moved in this winter! And it would be great to spend some time with "garden heads". I really love the idea of sharing packages of seeds. I plan to attend.

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Permalink Reply by Sandy on February 17, 2010 at 4:30pm

Jennie, I'm open to anything if there is extra. If anyone plans on heading out to the garden, I believe I still have some seed savers melon seeds in the shed (the back shelf) that are available for the swap. I didn't have much luck with them, last year, but I think I planted them too late.

Jennie said:

Christine L. Pardee said:

Jennie,

Hey thanks for catalyzing the coordination of this get-together. I've had to re-prioritize my activities that day and will not be attending.

Christine and Sandy,
If y'all have something you're looking for, let me know and I'll see if I can set them aside for you on Saturday and get them to you at a different time.
-Jennie

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