This is the second year of the Community garden. Note the 2010 Garden Diary at right with the attendant photo and text.
The two years have been very different, but both rewarding, both spiritually and with the great organic bounty. I hope you enjoy the diary!
Last Spring, 2008 I requested a community garden spot from the City of Portland. I didn't get a spot until late July just as we left for Michigan for vacation. While on vacation I read “In Defense of Food”, by Michael Pollen, my resolve to grow some of my own food could not have been stronger after reading the book.
So in early August last year I began work on the garden spot. The plot had not been worked for a couple of years. The ground, in August was grassy and hard, no worms. So I decided to work the soil for the rest of the season and prepare for this year.
It is a beautiful spot on a hill, southwest exposure near the Community Center where I swim and half way to work.
Last fall I dug the soil, supplemented it with organic matter, chicken manure, leaves, hay, lime and organic fertilizer. Before the fall rains I covered the garden with leaves from home.
Community Garden should be emphasized here too. Each time I work there I meet new people, fellow gardeners. It is satisfying work, get your hands dirty work, and when finished I can see what I have done! Each return visit is a pleasure.
To the left how the garden spot looked when I began in early spring.
(Click to enlarge)
The Gabriel Park Community Garden (Click to enlarge)
