Breaking Down and Building Up at the CACG

Quite a few of the regulars were out on a warm November afternoon, and we spent the day spreading wood chips, puling a part the waste in the compost bins, and hauling out loads and loads of fresh compost into the garden.

Later in the afternoon, David masterminded a new structure made of donated mulberry branches, and the last ones standing enjoyed a first picnic in the new 'play structure' provided by Tess.

Thanks to everyone who came out today, including Ron, Tami, Karen, Colin, Brenna, David, Tess, Bob and Jenn.

Colin churning up the compost bin. Nice work, Colin!

Karen and Tami pulling fresh compost out, and spreading around the garden.

Two of the three bins have been freshened up, and should provide some great compost in the next couple of months.

Colin giving the compost a spray.

Brenna, David, and Colin setting mulberry posts for the new structure.

Brenna was a great helper, moving mulberry sticks around.

David and Brenna working hard.

Jim and Karen doing some waddling around the new structure.

Jenn picked a bunch a amaranth.

Bob picking some amaranth.

Tami, Colin and David working on the structure.

Tami, Little Mermaid, Brenna and Colin working hard.

Colin barking out orders.

Jenn, David and Tami framing the entrance way.

David and Colin cutting a piece down to size.

Jenn, Tess and David enjoying some nuts, cheese, apples and crackers!

The structure as of 11/24/13

Center Avenue Garden Popcorn

Thanks to our friend Kim's great recommendation, Karen and the kids decided to pop some of the corn that was harvested from the CACG, and I think it was quite possibly the best popcorn I have ever tasted!

A few pictures of our garden's corn, and the outcome.

First, you need to make sure the soil is ready.

And then you can get to planting when the time is right.

And you can watch the corn grow.

And make sure it's watered.

Then watch it grow some more.

The corn works well with others, like the bean that wraps around.

And it's great for hiding.

Or finding a new path.

And after many conversations....

the corn can be used for many things. Like sharing with others...

or decorating the garden.

Or simply taking it home, and creating a tasty treat.

to enjoy on a lazy Friday night.

Until you can't eat anymore.

Come enjoy the garden.....

and thanks for your support.

A Must-Read from David's Martinez Permaculture Blog!

Hi All,
I just wanted to share this link from David's recent post about the Center Avenue Garden, and some of things going on.  David is an inspiration to all of us at the garden, and he does a great job here giving us some great information!

http://martinezpermaculture.blogspot.com/2013/10/evolving-cacg-i-love-that.html

Enjoy!
Jim

Giving back to the Garden

A couple of months back, we used some compost from the CACG to fill in a small vegetable patch in our yard.

A few things have grown, including a little watermelon.

Colin cut up the watermelon, and wanted to take the seeds, and plant them back at Center Avenue.

Compost from the garden helps grow fruit. Eat the fruit, take the seeds back to the garden. Simple, huh?

Garden Greens

Crop Swap this Wednesday!

The garden will be hosting the monthly Crop Swap this Wednesday at 6:30pm, so feel free to swing by with any crops you would like to trade.

We will also be accepting gently-used books, DVD's, CD's, clothes and shoes, as well as taking blanket donations, that I believe Jenn will be donating to a homeless outreach.

Feel free to stop by on Wednesday!

Raspberries are Back in the Garden!

After our summer supply of Raspberries had come and gone, someone (David, was that you?) trimmed our patch halfway down, anticipating another supply of raspberries this year. Sure enough, they are arriving right now!

Picking Flowers in the Garden

Views from Marin

Here are a few pictures from our Bike Ride/Run on Saturday morning in Tiburon, with great views of Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco, and shorelines around Marin.

Views of Mount Tam in the distance.

Looking towards Sausalito, with San Francisco in the background. You can see Sutro Tower on the left, and the tips of the Golden Gate Bridge on the right.

Peaceful day in Marin.

The kids parked their bikes along the riding path, climbed a little hill, and went for a quick run.