Since the newsletter (see "...history" below) was published and starting with the first work party in March, the garden has been revived by a few of the more determined volunteers, occasionally others, including one who appeared on the scene unawares and stayed on to help. New to Sweet Home and most recently from the deserts of Arizona, the new volunteer has been pleased to learn how it's done here in the Pacific north west and is now happy to be able to invite you to see the bounty at the circle garden just south of the church. (see the most recent photos in the slide show on the left).

We welcome the rain and when it is hot and dry are delighted help reuse and conserve water by using use the rainwater stored in the water harvesting tank under the eaves of the church to help keep the garden growing and producing. (see last paragraph on the need for larger cistern).

We are proud to say that produce is now being harvested for the meal...peas, lettuce, onions and now squash and beets are being added to the meal. Thanks to the magic of Roger Gilman's green thumb and his contributions in every aspect to make the garden a reality with his hard work, we have a garden of mostly his transplants, including an abundance of beets and green beans, ~50 tomato plants, dozens of a variety of squash plants, grown from seed to really healthy, hardy transplants. We have been blessed with numerous donations (list will be published here soon) including potatoes and herbs, new raised beds, compost bin, composting materials and supplies for the garden. Some generous neighbors made the workdays worthwhile by offering us delicious lunches with homemade bread. Transplants from American Sustainability Center in Portland were received in late May and are interplanted growing along side the hearty and delicious fresh veggies ready to harvest, and include swiss chard, cabbages, scarlet runner beans, nasturtiums, kale, more broccoli and beets. We continue to have donations of materials coming in from community members and many of you, and volunteers from as far as Albany.

Come and see the fruits (or rather veggies) of your labor and enjoy the bounty. The garden is at it's peak right now and we just need to complete the mulching, add water and help the kitchen staff as they harvest, prepare and enjoy the abundance of fresh veggies. You will certainly be welcome to enjoy the garden and good company during the work days (Tues, Thurs and Saturday mornings)....much to do, as always in any garden. We are hoping to continue with a fall garden, and some greens to continue to enjoy into the winter.

We are also hopeful of finding funding to enhance the rainwater harvesting system with another storage tank (cistern) to store much needed water during the dryer months, so the burden of the cost of city water won't fall on the church. If you know of such resources please do contact these folks who already give so much at the United Methodist Church in Sweet Home, OR tel: 541 367 3073. Thanks to all who support this endeavor.

For local very latest news on sharing resources and community workshops on rainwater harvesting and other sustainable living strategies see

http://www.caneloproject.com/dawn/dawn%20pages/intropermaculture.pdf

or email dawnvoyager@gmail.com
Thank you for building a more sustainable world!