Starting a Community Garden
An overview of how to start a community garden from scratch: gathering community support, choosing a garden design, finding and acquiring land, solving water and soil issues. Featuring: Bill Dawson .
Saturday, January 22, 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members
Food Safety for the Garden
Food safety expert Shari Plimpton, Ph.D., Director, Industry Outreach, CIFT, will discuss the funda-mentals of proper food handling and good agriculture practices for community gardeners, urban growers and those involved in farmers’ markets. Registration required; space limited. Sponsored by Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Program and the Conservatory’s Growing to Green Program.
Wednesday, March 2, 6 - 8 pm
Free with Conservatory admission
Basic Garden Design (two class series)
Garden Design Basics
A staff horticulturist and garden designer will walk you through the most important building blocks of a great garden design.
Saturday, January 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members
Seasonal Color and Interest
Add seasonal color and interest to your garden.
Saturday, January 22, 1:30 -3:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members
$25 Members; $30 Non-members (for 2 class series)
Organic Gardening Basics
Learn about the what, why and how of organics. Gardening practices of plant nutrition and pest management will be covered.
Saturday, January 29, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Community Garden Classes at the Conservatory
Friday, January 21, 2011
What’s Happening In and Around the State of Ohio Related to Local Foods and Farming!
Events
Saturday & Sunday, January 29 & 30:
Midwest Garden Symposium and Organic Vegetable Conference, McDonald/Marlite Conference Center, Sugarcreek, OH.
All around the world, growing urban populations are seeking community spacesparks, victory gardens, greenways and gardensas essential components of daily life, places of reflection, recreation, and celebration.
This symposium will examine timeless principles of designwhether applied to the creation of a residential garden or a public spacethat connect us to the natural world and in so doing, fulfill our desire’s for association with our surrounding environment. The symposium, hosted by April Showers Greenhouse, honoring the educators of the USDA, Ohio State University and the Ohio Farm Bureau, leaders in the field of Horticulture, by engaging the public in a conversation about the importance of growing fruit and vegetable gardens with the value and ideals to the beautiful things that grow in abundance around us.
Internationally recognized researcher and grower Peter Konjoian PhD. will discuss encouraging trends that are appearing, trends that are revitalizing locally grown, fresh produce, meat, and ornamentals. Urban gardening, organic gardening, roof top gardening, and restaurant menus built around in season products all signal success in this refocusing of effort.
Ralph Keefe, a regionally known plant and propagation specialist, will introduce unusual plants that work together effectively for containers and small spaces.
Tim Sigrist, the state’s best known compost producer will discuss composting as nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into rich soil.
Mid West’s’ certified organic produce grower Ruth Ham will speak on designing vegetable gardens for effective canning and preserving needs, and Huron’s finest herb grower,
Karen Langen will be teaching the traditions of culinary and medicinal herbs.
All while being accompanied by two of the finest dining restaurants in the region area. McDonald Marlight Center’s Chef Cameron and Lighthouse Bistro’s Chef Stephan who will be giving demonstrations on the details of gourmet cooking from the fruits and labor of you own backyards.$155 per person ($180 after 1/1); Prices include the conference and trade show, a one night stay, dinner, breakfast, lunch, and an evening of panel discussions with regionally known growers, designers, and educators. For the gardener who cannot devote the time to attend a two-day course away from home, a short courses has been developed by April Showers Greenhouse to provide instruction in basic gardening practices. $75 per person, $50.00 seniors and students.
The Midwest Garden Symposium and Organic Vegetable Conference is designed to give basic information to novice as well as experienced gardeners. It is hoped the course will attract both garden club members and community residents. Contact: Ruth Ham (330) 473-8603 for additional information.
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 25 & 26:
2011 Ohio Farm Management Conference sponsored by Ohio State University Extension and OSU's Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at the University Plaza Hotel, Columbus, OH. Six general sesssions are offered covering topics such as employee management, farm transition planning, the perception of agriculture, and agricultural and environmental policy. Registration is $75 per person and $60 per additional employee or family member paid before January 7 (after Jan. 7 the fee is $125/person and $100 per additional employee or family member. Registration includes meals, conference proceedings, and conference parking. For additional information and to register, visit: http://ohioagmanager.osu.edu/2011-ohio-farm-management-conference/ or contact John Yost at 740-335-1150 or via e-mail: yost.77@osu.edu
Saturday & Sunday, February 19 & 20:
The 32nd Annual Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA) Conference - Inspiring Farms, Sustaining Communities featuring keynote speakers, Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens, organic farmers since 1993 and owners and operator's of New York's only dedicated organic feed mill and organic seed operation and Joan Dye Gussow author of several books, including This Organic Life and most recently, Growing Older. For more information, including the schedule and a listing of workshops and to register, visit: http://www.oeffa.org/conference2011.php
Monday & Tuesday, February 21 - 22:
2011 Ohio Grape and Wine Conference at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH 43210
The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference (OG&WC) will take place on February 21-22, 2011 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus. The conference is jointly organized by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) and the Viticulture & Enology Program at OSU. The 2010 conference consists of both general and concurrent sessions covering a wide range of interesting topics for grape growers and winemakers. A focus on OSU/OARDC research trials in viticulture, plant pathology, entomology, weed science and enology will be presented at this year’s conference from our instate specialists sharing their knowledge and expertise through presentations in their respective disciplines. In addition, we are excited that Dr. Richard Carey will join us as a featured speaker in the enology section covering essential topics of interest for both new and established wineries. Several other excellent presenters in enology will help round out an excellent enology program. Along with the technical sessions, an expanded two-day Trade Show with both vineyard and winery equipment and services will be featured. A New Grower and Winery Workshop has been specially developed in addressing critical needs for our increasing number of new growers and wineries in the state today. Special events include a Monday Ohio Wine Reception and banquet featuring exquisite entrees paired with OQW wines, an after banquet social time and a plated lunch with Ohio Wine Competition Best of Show award-winners. For more information, visit: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/grapeweb/images/2011_OG&WC_Registration_Material_.pdf
Saturday, February 26:
Innovative Farmers of Ohio’s Annual Conference at Hiram College
Innovative Farmers of Ohio is dedicated to promoting through research, education, and community building activites an agriculture tht preserves and strengthens the economic, social and environmental well-being of Ohio’s farms, farm families, and rural communities and protects and improves the health and productivity of Ohio’s lands and waterways.
This year’s keynote address will be given by Susan Beal, DVM, who is a staff member at PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) and Bob Perry from the University of Kentucky will be presenting his "Retail and Restaurant Ready" program. In addition, three successful Ohio farmers will share their stories.
For more information or to register, visit IFO’s http://www.ifoh.org/?page_id=13
On-Going Events/Multiple Offerings
OSU Extension/OSIA to Hold Sheep and Goat Programs This Winter
Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association is offering district sheep and goat programs throughout Ohio this winter, as well as a Sheep and Goat Production School in Athens.
Meeting fees may apply; contact the OSU Extension educator listed for information.
Upcoming Sessions:
Jan. 31, Woodsfield. "Minerals and Vitamins for Sheep and Goats," 7 p.m., Monroe County Court House, 101 North Main St., Woodsfield. Contact Steve Schumacher, Belmont Co. Extension educator, 740-695-1455, or Mark Landefeld, Monroe County Extension educator, 740-472-0810.
Feb. 16, Piketon. "Internal Parasite Management in Sheep and Goat Flocks" and "Developing a Flock and Herd Vaccination Program," 7 p.m., OSU South Centers, Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Road, Piketon. Contact Jeff Fisher, Pike County Extension educator, 740-947-2121.
Feb. 17, Hamilton. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages" and "Predator Control," meal at 6:30 p.m., reservations required by Feb. 10, (bring covered dish, lamb provided); Butler County OSU Extension Office, 1802 Princeton Road, Hamilton. Contact Cindy Meyer, Butler County Extension educator, 513-887-3722.
Feb. 22, Burton. "Ecology and Management of Coyotes and Other Predators," 7 p.m., Geauga County Extension Office, Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton. Contact Les Ober, Geauga County Extension program assistant, 440-834-4656.
Feb. 24, Mt. Hope. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages," meal at 5:30 p.m., $15 (reservations required by Feb. 19); program at 6 p.m., Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, 8101 State Route 241, Mt. Hope. Contact Dianne Shoemaker, Wayne County Extension educator, 330-264-8722.
March 8, Findlay. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages," 7 p.m., Hancock County Extension Office, 7868 CR 140, Findlay. Contact Gary Wilson, Hancock County Extension educator, 419-422-3851.
March 14, Zanesville. "Lamb and Goat Carcass Evaluation," 7 p.m., Muskingum County Extension Office, 225 Underwood St., Zanesville. Contact Mark Mechling, Muskingum County Extension educator, 740-454-0144, or Howard Siegrist, Licking County Extension educator, 740-349-6900.
In addition to the District Sheep and Goat Program series, OSU Extension and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association will also offer a Buckeye Hills Region Sheep and Goat Production School in Athens. The series will take place on Tuesday evenings, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Athens County Extension office, 280 West Union St. Registration is $35 per person or couple if they share materials. For more information, contact Rory Lewandowski at 740-593-8555.
More information, as well as changes and updates to the programs, can be found at http://www.ohiosheep.org, or by contacting Roger A. High, OSU Extension sheep program specialist and OSIA executive director, at 614-246-8299 or rhigh@ofbf.org.
On-Going 8 Week Program in Several Locations Starting in January 2011
The Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College is an 8-week program that introduces new and seasoned farmers to a wide variety of agricultural production topics to help them diversify and explore new enterprises and new markets. The program teaches participants how to set goals, plan, budget, and where to find resources available to help start a small farm operation. The course will layout how to manage financial and farm records. Extension educators will illustrate many different enterprises that can be profitable on land as small as one acre. A bus tour is included to visit are farms and to see first hand how small farm life works and to assist in making contacts with practicing farmers in the area. Previous Southern Ohio New and Small Farm Colleges have helped 420 individuals representing 338 farms from 43 Ohio counties improve economic development of their small family owned farms.
Registration is $150 per person and $50 for each additional family member. Registration is limited to the first 50 participants per location. Registration fee includes resource materials, a soil test, refreshments and a bus tour. For more information, contact Tony Nye at 937-382-0901 or e-mai: nye.1@osu.edu or visit: http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2011-small-farm or http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2011-new-and-small-farm-college-classes .
Annie’s Project Workshops set for 2011
Women in agriculture who are interested in taking a more active role in farm operations may sign up for Annie's Project, a multi-part risk-management course offered by Ohio State University Extension.
Since OSU Extension began offering Annie's Project in 2007, 282 women have completed the program in 14 Ohio workshops. It has gotten wide support not only from participants, but agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, ag service providers and agricultural organizations, which have provided information, class instructors and sponsorship for the workshops. Annie's Project is designed to strengthen women's role in modern farm enterprises, Woodruff said. The project's namesake was a woman who grew up in a small rural community and spent her adult life learning how to be an involved, successful business partner with her husband. Annie's daughter, Ruth Hambleton, became an Extension educator in Illinois and developed the program in 2000 in honor of her mother's life experience, and it's currently offered in 22 states. Annie's Project focuses on five broad aspects of risk management typical in the agricultural setting: human, financial, marketing, production and legal.
To register or for more information, contact the local organizers listed below or one of Ohio's Annie's Project coordinators: Julia Woodruff at woodruff.94@osu.edu or 419-627-7631, or Doris Herringshaw at herringshaw.1@osu.edu or 419-354-9050. Cost for the workshop is $65 per person. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Upcoming workshops are planned for:
Wood County (Erie Basin Extension Education and Research Area). Mondays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28. Contact Doris Herringshaw at herringshaw.1@osu.edu or 419-354-9050.
Wyandot County (Erie Basin EERA). Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9. Contact Chris Bruynis at bruynis.1@osu.edu or 419-294-4931.
Morgan/Washington counties (Buckeye Hills EERA). Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., from March 31 to May 5. Contact Chris Penrose at penrose.1@osu.edu or 740-962-4854 or Eric Barrett at barrett.90@osu.edu or 740-376-7431.
Montgomery County (Miami Valley EERA). Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, from Feb. 5 to Feb. 19. Contact Suzanne Mills-Wasniak at mills-wasniak.1@osu.edu or 937-224-9654.
Fulton County (Maumee Valley EERA). Dates to be announced. Contact Cheryl Spires at spires.53@osu.edu or 419-337-9210.
Fayette County (Miami Valley EERA). Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24. Contact John Yost at yost.77@osu.edu or 740-335-1150.
Tuscarawas County (Crossroads EERA). Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., from Feb. 8 to March 15. Contact Chris Kendle at kendle.4@osu.edu or 330-339-2337.
In addition, OSU Extension will be offering financial risk management workshops for women in agriculture. The Farm Finance for Women workshops are designed as a "next step" for women who have participated in Annie's Project, but will be open to anyone. More information will be available on OSU Extension's Ohio Ag Manager website http://ohioagmanager.osu.edu/ as it becomes available.
Webinar Series Offered for Specialty Crop Producers, January - March 2011
Registration is now open for a three part webinar series designed for specialty crop farmers. Individual sessions will address advanced production techniques, season extension, and market connections. The webinars are being offered by the Countryside Conservancy and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA).
These free, web-based seminars deliver training through the internet directly to a participant’s computer. They will be able to view the presentation through their internet browser and listen to the audio portion through a call in phone number. The sessions will be interactive and allow participants to ask questions and communicate with the presenter. Each webinar will be recorded and available on the Countryside Conservancy and OEFFA websites afterwards.
- The first webinar titled, “Improving Efficiency on your Organic Farm,” will be held Monday, January 31, 2011 at from 7-8 p.m (EST). Two successful organic vegetable producers will lead this webinar: Jon Cherniss of Blue Moon Farm in Illinois and Jim Crawford of New Morning Farm in Pennsylvania. Each of these farmers has over three decades of experience growing and marketing certified organic produce. They will describe how they have improved the efficiency of their farm operations by hiring and managing labor and by carefully evaluating and investing in capital improvements like buildings and machinery. To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/178199998.
- The second webinar titled, “Building Mutually Profitable Relationships with Independent Chefs and Restauranteurs,” will be led by Chef Douglas Katz from Fire Food and Drink located in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It will be held at 10 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, February 24, 2011. As a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and a passionate “locavore,” Chef Katz will give participants a first-hand look into how farmers can connect with restaurants in their area. He’ll take participants through the entire process, from approaching a restaurant, to providing samples, the ordering process, customer service expectations, and average volumes of produce ordered in a typical week. Chef Katz was most recently noted in Crains Cleveland Business as a “Who’s Who, 150 names to know in Northeast Ohio.” To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/247897358.
- Our third and final webinar in the series titled, “Effective Weed Management Strategies for Organic Farming Systems” will be led by Dr. Matt Liebman, Henry A. Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. This webinar will be held in March; details, including the date, time, and registration link to be announced.
Registration for each webinar is limited to 50 participants. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required. Partial funding for this webinar series is provided through the Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant. For more information, contact Rebecca Cole at (330) 657-2542 or rcole@cvcountryside.org or Mike Anderson at (614) 421-2022 or mike@oeffa.org.
Ohio Farm Bureau Grow and Know Series Announced
The 2011 Grow and Know series features events being coordinated or sponsored by county Farm Bureaus. The Grow & Know series will offer something for everyone, including a guided tour of the West Side Market with the Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau and Marilou Suszko. To learn more, visit: http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/
Announcements/Opportunities
Mantis and National Gardening Association Offer Mantis Awards for Community and Youth Gardening Projects
Each year, Mantis, a maker of garden tools, and the National Gardening Association present the Mantis Awards to charitable and educational garden projects working to enhance the quality of life in their host communities. Any nonprofit garden program may apply. In the past, winners have included schools, churches, correctional facilities, parks departments, youth camps, community gardens, and many others.
To be eligible, applicants must operate a charitable or educational program that is not-for-profit in the United States.
Twenty-five programs will be selected to receive a Mantis tiller/cultivator with border/edger and kickstand, as well as their choice of gas-powered two-cycle engine or electric motor. Deadline: March 1, 2011
Visit the NGA Kids Gardening Web site for complete program guidelines - http://assoc.garden.org/grants/
Market Master for the Olde Worthington Farmers Market
Salary: 11,000 – 13,000 per year
Hours: Part-time position (minimum of 10 hours/week)
Expected to be at all markets: Summer 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, Winter 8:30 am – 2 pm
Supervisor: Olde Worthington Business Association Executive Director
The Olde Worthington Farmers Market is a project of the Olde Worthington Business Association ( www.owba.net). The summer market was established in 1987 and is one of the largest and most respected markets in Ohio. Over 70 vendors participate in the market which is held in downtown Worthington on Saturday mornings from 9-noon from May through October. The winter market was established in 2007 and hosts over 20 vendors on Saturdays from 10-1 on one Saturday in November, one Saturday in December and every Saturday January through April. The Old Worthington Farmers Market Friends is a group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the Farmers Market experience by promoting healthy, locally produced food and products, providing education on healthy living, eating locally and sustainably, and strengthening our bonds as a community.
For job description, qualifications and application instructions, visit: http://www.owba.net/Job-Description-farmers-market-master.pdf
Application due: February 11, 2011
Farmers Market Manager sought in Cincinnati
The Corporation for Findlay Market (CFFM) is hiring a Farmers and Outdoor Markets Manager. CFFM is the non-profit management company for Cincinnati's 158 year old historic public market. The public market operates year round and is home to about three dozen full-time businesses. The public market also hosts seasonal farmers markets on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays and a vibrant street market. Seventy-five farmers, crafters, and local food producers participated in Findlay Market's farmers markets and sixty-nine vendors participated in its street market during 2010.
The Farmers and Outdoor Markets Manager is a full-time, year round position with benefits. It has direct responsibility for managing all part-time and seasonal vending at Findlay Market, including day lease, outdoor market, and farmers market merchants and operations. The position assists the Operations Director with increasing the size, quality, and profitability of Findlay Market's outdoor and farmers markets by recruiting new vendors, expanding the mix and quality of products available, and improving market operations to assure a positive shopping experience for customers and a financially rewarding experience for part-time and seasonal merchants.
Position Requirements include supervisory or management experience, strong verbal communications skills, PC skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office, knowledge of food and farm products, the ability to work weekends and occasional evenings, and a valid drivers license. The candidate hired must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
The Corporation for Findlay Market
P.O. Box 14727
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0727
Mark Your Calendars
Wednesday, March 30:
Farm to School Conference at The Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. The conference will include:
- Market Connection Trade Show: Producers, distributors, food service staff and buyers from around the state will have the opportunity to network and develop new relationships.
- Interactive workshops and sessions covering a wide range of topics including: ways to build and expand your farm to school program; ways to connect schools and local farms; youth food production, school gardens, food safety; curriculum, health and nutrition, farm to JVS and farm to college.
- All day exhibitor fair featuring practical resources for beginning and expanding farm to school programs
To view the on-line registration form or the conference brochure, visit the Cuyahoga County Board of Health's website: http://www.ccbh.net/ccbh/opencms/CCBH/index.html
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
grant and workshop available
The Franklin County Neighborhood Arts grant provides funding for community-based arts projects taking place throughout Franklin County. The program is designed to support community participation in the arts, and funds a wide variety of projects, from choral concerts to art therapy workshops. Organizations of all kinds (including, but not limited to, amateur arts groups, community centers, social services agencies, schools, neighborhood associations, and cultural organizations) are encouraged to apply.
Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded three times per year. The application deadline for the next round of grants is February 28, 2011. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of two upcoming application workshops. Workshops will be held Tuesday, January 25th from 2-3 p.m. at the King Arts Complex, and Thursday, January 27th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at GCAC. Call GCAC at 221-8625 to RSVP.
More information about the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts grant is available on the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s website at www.gcac.org.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Burpee Announces 2011 'I Can Grow' Youth Garden Award
Applications are being accepted now for this expanded urban school and community garden program.
Burpee Home Gardens is now accepting applications for the 2011 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Award. An extension of last year’s “I Can Grow” program, the Youth Garden Award is intended to sponsor and support urban school and community gardens in cities across the United States in 2011.
The 2011 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Awards will be presented to established or start-up programs that demonstrate well-developed and staffed plans for a youth-centered educational program, with an emphasis on:
Nutrition and food production
Environmental awareness
Social responsibility, and
Scholastic integration
The 2011 program will continue the theme Burpee Home Gardens established in 2010.
“We launched the ‘I Can Grow’ program last year to support home vegetable gardening among younger and novice gardeners, and we were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and support we experienced,” said George Ball, chairman and CEO of the W. Atlee Burpee Company.
Those selected will be awarded up to 500 vegetable and herb plants and $2,500 in garden supplies. They also will receive:
On-site assistance for initial garden layout and installation from Burpee experts
Five gallons of Daniels Plant Food (a sustainable fertilizer) and one hose-end sprayer
A Flip™ camera to document the garden’s progress throughout the year
Educators and community garden leaders can visit www.burpeehomegardens.com to download the application and review eligibility requirements. All entries must be postmarked by Friday, Dec. 3, 2010.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Are you a Green Columbus work site?
I'm writing to you today on behalf of Green Columbus. I am the Worksite Coordinator for the Earth Day 2010 events and I want to pass along some highlights of our Community Garden Initiative in hopes that you'll be able to help me disseminate the information to all the Community Gardens around town!
Our website has lots of information about our festivities this year, and specifically, here is a link to our Community Garden Initiative page http://update2010.org/elements/community-garden.php. This year, Kurtz Brothers has agreed to be our sponsor and provide registered community gardens with free top soil and/or mulch! What a great deal for new and in need gardens!? They need to be a registered Earth Day 2010 worksite in order to reap the benefits, so would you be able to help us spread the word?
Missy Hintz
Worksite CoordinatorThe Update: Earth Day 2010
c: 614.354.9351
e: missy@greencbus.orgwww.update2010.org
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
'Seeds that Grow Hope'
Greetings! Spring is upon us! This year we are celebrating 30 years of planting the Seed that Grow Hope!! Many of you have already sent in your applications for seeds and now that the snows have melted and we once again have access to our warehouse, we are working at a furious rate to catch up on getting your seeds shipped out. Please be patient with us! Applications started coming in early and fast this year and we have a hefty back log of requests to get on the UPS truck. We know how important timing is in the garden so volunteers are packing up and sending out your seeds as fast as possible.If you have not sent in your application yet, the 2010 form is now available on our website.We love to hear your stories and get pictures of your community in the garden so keep 'em coming!
Wishing you a blooming Spring and a bountiful harvest,
Katie Rehwaldt
'Seeds that Grow Hope'
Program Director
Operation Green Plant
Click Here to help us plant the 'Seeds that Grow Hope'
Kurtz Cares Program
*Kurtz Cares! Enroll your Non-Profit organization at www.kurtzcares.com. Earn 10% proceeds back to the organization.
Kurtz Bros is a family owned business that has been in operation for over 65 years. The hard work and charitable values instituted by Mel Kurtz Sr. are still at the core of the business today. The Kurtz family strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which they operate.
We understand that in these difficult economic times it’s becoming harder to raise money for valuable programs that are essential for so many in our community. That is why Kurtz Bros is proud to introduce the Kurtz Cares program. This program will allow non profit entities such as; Religious, scholastic and athletic boosters, disease research and support foundations, veteran affairs, animal and environmental welfare organizations and juvenile development groups to earn funds for their cause with every dollar spent with Kurtz Bros.
The program is simple and free to join. An officer of an organization simply needs to fill out the online registration form. Once approved, the organization will be listed on our website. In addition, they will receive promotional materials to use in marketing the program to others. Organizations are encouraged to communicate the program details to their members, family and friends through conventional and contemporary social media outlets. The more people you reach, the more money you can raise. An organization will receive a 10% rebate for every retail material dollar spent at any of our locations. A customer simply needs to mention the organization they would like to support at the time of their purchase. Every 3 months Kurtz Bros. will total the sales for each participating organization and write them a check for 10% of the total retail material purchases.
At Kurtz Bros we recognize the value in giving back to the community. A strong community provides more opportunities and better quality of life for its residents. It’s for all these reasons and more that Kurtz Cares.
Jeff Stemler, our Director of Human Resources, is overseeing the program.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Looking for a Garden Plot this Season?
Gantz Road Community Garden
1972 Gantz Rd.
FranklinCountyOhio.gov/CommunityGarden
614-462-3322
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Gantz Road Community Garden is ready for its second growing season. The garden, located at 1972 Gantz Road on the southwest side of Columbus (near the intersection of Gantz and Frank Roads), is expected to open on Saturday, April 17th.
Plot request applications are being accepted through March 22. Approximately 60 plots will be available. Plot recipients will be determined by a lottery system and notified of plot assignment and size on April 1. The number of each plot size will be limited and requests will be assigned based on availability.
Plot sizes and fees are: Third (12’x10’) – $10; Half (18’x10’) – $20; Full (36’X10’) – $30
Garden fees include: plot(s) for the 2010 growing season (April 17 – October 31), on-site water for garden use & access during daylight hours
In order to request a plot, a completed Plot Request Form may be submitted electronically at www.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/CommunityGarden, fax to (614) 462-5999, or mail to:
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Attn: Garden Coordinator
373 S High Street-26th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Once gardeners are notified of their plot assignment, payment of plot fees and a signed Release of All Claims form must be received before their plot is confirmed.
Make checks payable to: Franklin County Sanitary Engineer. Some scholarships are available. Contact the Garden Coordinator via email at CommunityGarden@FranklinCountyOhio.gov for more information.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sundays In November at the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden Campus
Sunday, Nov. 8: Make your own wood-oven pizza, String roast (at the Rumford fireplace - a la ficelle) leg of lamb and wood-oven roasted fall root vegetables
Sunday, Nov. 22: Texas Chile and Dutch oven corn bread
Sunday, Nov. 29: Argentine beef and vegetable stew in a wood-oven roasted pumpkin (Carbonada).
On the 15th, Bill Dawson will be holding a Loofah Gourd workshop from 11am-12:30 in the Education Pavilion on the Campus. see further info below.
‘Let’s Talk Loofahs’
Growing loofah sponges can be a fun and rewarding project if you have bit of unused space in your garden or on a fence. A loofah sponge as it is commonly known is actually a plant seed pod. The loofah has many names, both common and scientific. It is known as smooth luffa, loofah sponge, loofa, loufa, luffa, sponge gourd, Chinese okra, elephant okra, dishrag gourd, and many other common names.
Bill Dawson, Growing to Green Coordinator, will share his hobby of growing and processing loofah gourds or ‘gifts from the garden’.
You will learn how to start these plants early indoors, proper transplanting techniques, trellising, harvesting and drying methods.
For $3.00 participants will receive a finished sponge and some seeds to take home to try on their own!
When: Sunday, November 15th, 11:00am-12:30pm
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden Campus in
the Education Pavilion
Free with admission to the Conservatory
Friday, October 9, 2009
2009 Growing to Green Awards winners and event photos
Hello All,
You must take a few minutes to look at these photos of the Growing to Green Awards ceremony held at Franklin Park on 9/10/09.
It is my favorite event of the year, a time when we can truly recognize the efforts of the groups and individuals for all they do in our communities.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!!
http://www.photobygillilan.com/2009/GTG-2009/welcome.htm
Bill
