MOSAIC Community Land Trust

Saturday Work and Play Day at MOSAIC Community Gardens…

MOSAIC Community Land Trust — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:03:03 +0000

A message from Laura Washington, Gardens Manager:

Happy Thursday!

Reminder, our next Garden Work & Play Day is this Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon.

We will continue to tidy up the garden grounds, review plot assignments, provide planting ideas and hand out seeds and seedlings.

We will have experienced gardeners on deck to answer any questions or concerns you may have about gardening. A Garden Work & Play Day is a perfect time to meet you garden plot neighbors, learn and share information about seed and plants along with other helpful tidbits of information they you may find helpful during the growing season.

Filed under: Community Gardens Tagged: Community Garden, Growing season, Laura Washington, Mosaic Community Land Trust, Saturday

And Now, an E-Message from Laura…

MOSAIC Community Land Trust — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:16:41 +0000

Greetings Gardeners and Friends,

About 17 people showed up yesterday ready to work hard for the gardens! The morning weather started off slightly breezy but warmed up nicely allowing us to get things done! Relieved to be out in the spring sun, we raked leaves and picked up trash in common areas around the perimeter of the garden, weeded and tilled about 70% of the garden beds and laid fresh compost on many of them. We got to know some of our newest gardeners, we chatted and laughed while working to prep the garden for planting. Many members eagerly handed in their registrations and plot fees as well!

We had a display table at this years YMCA PEAK (Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness) event. It was a great success for hundreds of children and adults alike. The children received free toothbrushes, soft pretzels and face paintings. They learned the importance of fire safety, healthy eating (hint, hint) and joined in on many other activities provided by an eclectic group of organizations.

We talked with dozens of families about the MOSAIC CLT efforts as a whole along with the specific goals of the Community Garden. Many people didn’t know the garden existed and were excited to hear about the opportunities of improvement the garden provides: land beautification, families working with their neighbors and a healthy harvest of vegetables and herbs! In all, we provided about families and organizations with brochures to learn more about our garden. More than 15 families took membership packets to fill out and return to the MOSAIC office.

We now have 3 garden contest entries completed and turned in! More and more people are interested in showing off their home gardens and potted plants. We expect to receive additional entries stemming from the PEAK event and other outreach efforts. Please let everyone you know that lives in the qualifying area about the contest and how they can enter. The contest pays a cash prize to winners in each category!

WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR OUR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM! Students of Pottstown Elementary Schools and Middle School will be participating in our summer garden program We need everyone’s effort to cultivate the garden AND our youth program. Please email me if you can donate 2 hours of your time or know of someone who would love this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our goal is to enlist at least 12 adults who are willing to give 2 hours in the summer to benefit our youth.

Lastly, a few reminders…

***Please remember to sign in and out of the garden while visiting. The log is kept in the shed and takes just a few seconds to jot down the information.

***Copies of this year’s membership manual is also in the shed. Some of the information has changed from last year so please take a copy to review.

***There are several packets of seeds in the shed. These are some of the vegetables seed you can freely plant in the ground that don’t necessarily mind cooler weather. More seeds and seedlings will be provided as time goes on and the weather gets warmer.

***Plot numbers have been assigned for those who have completed their full membership packet. The layout/assignment sheet will be posted in the shed by Tuesday evening. Plots markers will be placed at each plot so you will know which one is yours. Assignments will be added as more memberships are received.

Happy Gardening,

Laura Washington

Filed under: Housing

MOSAIC COMMUNITY GARDENS Work/Fun Day…

MOSAIC Community Land Trust — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:19:17 +0000

Pottstown, PA— Have you ever wanted to have your own garden, but didn’t have enough room in your yard? Would you like your children to learn how to grow their own fresh vegetables, but don’t know where to begin? Would you like to meet a diverse group of individuals who love spending time outdoors?

The MOSAIC Community Land Trust Community Garden is waiting for YOU! Located at 423 Chestnut Street.

The community garden is now accepting applications for this years growing season! On Saturday, April 13^th from 9-12 – the garden will host its first Work & Play day of the season. There will be a brief information session to explain what community gardens are all about and to take applications for raised bed garden plots for the 2013 season. There will be a wide range of free seeds and seedlings for garden plot owners to dig in and plant that day.

Garden plot owners pay a small annual fee to lease their plot and actively cultivate it throughout the entire growing season. The MOSAIC encourages new and seasoned gardeners alike to be a part of this neighborly experience. Individuals, families, community organizations, youth groups, and local restaurants are all welcome to apply for a plot.

Can’t make on the 13th? The next Garden Work & Play Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 20^th from 9-12; please make a note of it and plan to attend.

For more information, contact Laura Washington, Garden Manager, at 484-300-2410 or wash5000@msn.com.

Filed under: Community Gardens Tagged: community gardens, healthy eating, organic gardening, Pottstown Borough