When the Ave Maria community garden started four years ago, it was situated on land in front of the AMU library, along Ave Maria Boulevard. Although the gardeners made strides over the years in improving the sandy Florida soil using natural organic means, and a variety of crops were harvested, aesthetics issues – and the need for storage and easier access to water – caused the garden to relocate over the past few days to a spot on Owens Way behind the local elementary/high school. Pictured right, the remains of the garden are being picked up in its old location. Below left, the material arrives at the new garden site.
Monica Dix, who, along with her husband Daniel Dix, founded the community garden project, says the garden will remain organic. The soil, which was improved over the years through the use of mulch, compost, and solarizing with plastic covers, has been transferred to the new location. Ms. Dix says the group gets its organic-growing tips both from books and the advice of local organic growers.
At various periods, peas, kale, basil, leeks, papaya, broccoli, chard, squash, lemongrass, rosemary and other plants were grown at the original site, and Mr. Dix said that some root balls will be transferred to the new beds, although the majority of herbs and vegetables will be totally new plantings. Now, frames are being prepared for planting, with the plan being to get some quick-growing annual herbs and flowers started over the next week or two, and in late January, to plant kale, broccoli, and some other cool weather crops that can be harvested before the end of the school year.
Ms. Dix says her enthusiasm about the new location stems not only for the added convenience of having water and storage close at hand, but from the greater ease with which she can now involve people of all ages – including children – because, as she says, "Our community garden needs gardeners from all ages and in all stages of life.
For more information about the community garden and its progress, check out the Ave Maria Community Garden blog at www.avemariagarden.wordpress.com.
When the Ave Maria community garden started four years ago, it was situated on land in front of the AMU library, along Ave Maria Boulevard. Although the gardeners made strides over the years in improving the sandy Florida soil using natural organic means, and a variety of crops were harvested, aesthetics issues – and the need for storage and easier access to water – caused the garden to relocate over the past few days to a spot on Owens Way behind the local elementary/high school. Pictured right, the remains of the garden are being picked up in its old location. Below left, the material arrives at the new garden site.
At various periods, peas, kale, basil, leeks, papaya, broccoli, chard, squash, lemongrass, rosemary and other plants were grown at the original site, and Mr. Dix said that some root balls will be transferred to the new beds, although the majority of herbs and vegetables will be totally new plantings. Now, frames are being prepared for planting, with the plan being to get some quick-growing annual herbs and flowers started over the next week or two, and in late January, to plant kale, broccoli, and some other cool weather crops that can be harvested before the end of the school year.