Triumphs & Tragedies

With the end of the school year encroaching upon us, we as a community look back over our triumphs (& tragedies) as well as our visions and goals for the future.

We've learned that the mobility of earth boxes prove beneficial...raised beds constructed in the wrong location...hardly so...Much like the housing market, what goes up...eventually comes down! With pride we viewed our raised beds, perfectly constructed...square foot planting model in place...seedlings just waiting to grow. Days turned into weeks...we waited...and waited...only to realize that the sun was shining down upon the sidewalk! Growing Connection "Take Two". Several Saturdays later & a SMALL group of volunteers, 22 beds de-constructed. Not all bad, we used the opportunity to employ a more "eco friendly" approach and replaced wood frames with clay roof tiles. Tiles are used in Cuba for gardens and are both durable and have no ill effect on the environment. (FYI)Most roofing companies are happy to donate surplus inventory! Seedlings replanted...away we go!

In an effort to establish a revenue stream (we operate without a budget...sound familiar, anyone?) an organic co-op was formed (via a business partnership)by a VME family. Each week 96 families pick up a bag of organic fruits & veggies. The cost...$20.00 per bag/per week. A 10% over-ride goes back into the Growing Connection, our sole revenue stream.

The Collier Fruit Growers Council has been very gererous. Two fruit tree/butterfly gardens have been planted in our central courtyards. A variety of native plants including banana, barbados cherry, pineapple, star fruit, avocado, etc. add to our efforts. Fruit trees are a wonderful way to keep the interest level high. This type of garden is low maintanence and yields tremendous results.

Our earth boxes have produced lettuce in abundance...a favorite feature item in our cafeteria. We have big plans for the system next year...including heavily planting herbs that a local culinary school has offered to purchase. A great way to develop a business model for our students!

So, as the Florida growing season winds down...we, too, are moving at a more relaxed pace. Our summer break will be filled with meeting dates to plan for 2009-2010 year. I will provide an entry of our vision....until then...

Tracey

Veterans Memorial Elementary School Plants a Garden

Something wonderful is happening at Veterans Memorial School in Naples, Florida....students are eating veggies! My name is Tracey Vessillo and I am the parent chairperson for The Growing Connection program. It all started by asking a simple question, "How can VME enhance the quality of food served in the All Star Cafe?" A little thought, a lot of hard work and before we knew it, 22 earth boxes arrived...12 raised beds were planted (with help from the 4H extension office) and a fruit tree garden (compliments of the Collier Fruit Growers Council) filled the campus courtyards!

Grades K-5 participated in digging, planting, watering and weeding...oh, and let's not forget the best part...harvesting! Before long, the school was buzzing with excitement as the first salads using "home grown" ingredients were served. Imagine our satisfaction when children requested "seconds" and "thirds"!! Good bye junk food...hello nutrition...

We've accomplished a great deal (even featured on a front page article in the Tuesday, April 7th issue of "The Naples Daily News) but look ahead to the goals on the horizon. I look forward to sharing more details of our journey...until then..."grow your best!"

Tracey