Not even Old Man Winter and his persistent snow showers have kept our refugee growers from moving forward with their garden. While they wait for the ground to dry and be tilled, the growers have already began organizing themselves for this year’s growing season.
The first step in the process is always discovering the interest to grow in the garden within our refugee community. Last year was our first year. You can imagine the difficulties in trying to explain what a community garden is and how it works to people from all over the world. However, this year, the word has gotten out about the garden. Before I even mentioned the 2011 garden to any of our refugees, I had an email in my inbox with a list of 25 Burmese growers. As word of the last year’s garden spreads, the list of this year’s growers continues to grow!
The 2011 Garden by the Numbers.
37 The number of expected refugee growers.
17 Growers returning from last year.
20 New growers.
3 Iraqi brothers who will return to the garden this year.
25 Estimated number of tomato plants they will plant this year.
This year, we will be getting a much earlier start on planting than we did in 2010. We cannot wait to see what the refugees can do with a year’s experience and a full month longer of growing season!
Be sure to check back for updates as each day brings us closer to planting! If you are interested in getting involved with the garden, we are accepting cash donations to purchase seeds and seedlings and tool donations. Contact Phil at 573-442-7568 for more information.
pstroessner
