We have had some major progress at OVF in the past weeks. The glorious weather, extended day light and heating up of the earth has set into motion incredible growth in the garden. There is a plot near us with the most red, juicy, pro-looking strawberries I have ever seen.
Let's start with our small garden. Another 3-by-3-foot planter box was added to the plot and in it went four cucumber plants, and some beets.
An errant tomato plant from my home garden was added to the first box as well as basil seedlings that I and my oldest son, Will, started many weeks ago. The tomato will grow up to 4 feet, slowly filling out with green, slightly furry leaves and then small yellow flowers will bloom and become, I'm-not-sure-what tomatoes.
Under the plant is the basil, which grows to only about a foot. The tomato provides excellent shade to the basil in the withering heat of the summer. In the veggie garden world, I find it the perfect coupling.
The Dandelion group came to do some investigation of the garden. They had a grand ol'time. You can see the photos of that trip on the blog today. Digging, picking lettuce, checking out the other plots, and finding every bug they could. Thanks to all of the parents who came and helped out and to Kris and Jessica for making it happen.
Our next field trip will be May 18th with Yoli and the Morning Glory group. We will be meeting with every group once a month so everyone will get familiar with OVF. Outside of these outings, we do maintenance trips Monday, Friday and some days in between.
Joining us several Fridays ago was Carol, Griffin, Ruth and Jobim. They were a wonderful help and worked hard. It was a beautiful day in the garden with Monarch butterflies swirling around us as we weeded. Thanks so much guys.
I will be working in the garden next Tuesday on May 11th from 1-3pm. If anyone is interested in meeting me there, please email me at sapinder@mac.com. And as always, Kris will be there Mondays or Fridays from 1-2pm, email her if you want to meet kris@newschoolwest.com. Come prepared to work and bring water, a hat and sunscreen.