March 25, 2009

o much for looking Spring-like. The yard was melting and there was only a small bit of glare ice yet. The place I want to put the raised beds at was the first place to be clear of snow, so I was wise in thinking on their placement. But when we woke up this morning, another half inch of snow had fallen overnight. Oh well, I know this will go away soon.

Many of the birds have returned from the south and the cats are delighted to sit in the windows and chatter at them. I even saw a bald eagle soaring over the house early yesterday.

I also got a phone call yesterday that I have been offered part of a large local greenhouse to grow things in in trade for teaching the woman how to grow things. I did not even know I was looking for greenhouse space, but I jumped at the chance. I am going to set aside some of my plants to give to her, so she has her own to take care of too to make it more fun. My friend K 2 made this find and offered space to me.

Another one of my new friends in the area is R.  and I have gotten very involved in some of his agricultural projects. One of his pet projects is "Sharing Backyards"  which hooks people up with gardening space to those who wants to garden. R and two of his friends started this program years ago. Sharing Backyards encourages urban gardening by connecting those who have space to garden and are willing to share with those who would like to have a gardening space. The program makes maximum use of city space by making sure that even those who dwell in apartments, condos, and shared housing have ample place to garden. It connects neighbours of different socio-economic conditions together in a atmosphere of trust while doing something that beautifies the homeowner's yard and provides food for everyone. In a way it is an agricultural 'match making service'. Although it started in Vancouver, British Columbia, there is no reason that is cannot grow worldwide.