Solar Ovens Event

Attention gardeners and garden supporters !

Mark your calendar! Sunday Sept 9th.
Simi At The Garden is hosting a solar oven cooking demonstration. Bill and Melinda of SunFlair Solar Ovens will be here from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Come on over to the garden and taste some deliciously prepared food cooked by the sun.

Solar ovens are great for camping, picnicking, disaster preparedness, or just fun. You can even sterilize water for drinking.
No fuel to mess with, no electricity needed. Just the power of the sun!

 
SunFlair Solar Ovens are portable, and affordable.



Join us for this FREE event!

Seeds ,Seasons and Hot Water

It's approaching the end of the growth season for many plants in the garden. Some are starting to bolt and others already have. Tomatoes are starting to blush and soon will be full on ready! Lots of squash and pumpkins in every direction.

There is a great article on Organic Gardening site that gives you great information her us the link it's approaching the end of the growth season for many plants in the garden. Here is the link for
How to Save Seeds for Next Season  

With the Weather being so Hot gardener beware 

HOT days means HOT water in your hose. If watering mid afternoon; BE CAREFUL!
Water sitting in a hose does get hot enough to scald your plants, and you.. Run it off in an open area of your bed before watering directly. Do not run it off into the pathways unless you, and your neighbor, like to weed.
Check with your neighbor first.

"As noted by the NSRC project, hot water can damage plants, leading to stunted growth or even death. According to gardening expert Ellen Brown of Sustainable Media, hot water has the potential to melt away the coating on a plant's leaves or severely damage the plant's cellular structure. With reduced leaf coating or damaged cellular structure, the plant is unable to retain moisture; as such, it dehydrates and eventually dies. When applied to soil, hot water can kill beneficial microorganisms essential to plant growth and damage shallow root systems."

Read more: The Effects of Hot Water on Plant Growth | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7644347_effects-hot-water-plant-growth.html#ixzz2101oCXZg

Flowers for the garden- Help wanted

The City of Simi Valley is doing a makeover of the flower beds in front of the library entrance.
All of the plants in the photo will be removed.
The Busy Hands Gardening Club; Shar Lugo, President, funded and planted the large center bed. The club is donating these plants to the Garden.
We will need a truck, a bunch of 5 gallon containers, and a half dozen volunteers, garden will provide tools (shovels etc).
We just received notice that they have to be removed by the 24th of July.
Who would like to join in on this. Please let Salina know ASAP.

Important Information

Attention garden members!

 



  
Note #1
If your garden has been sitting idle, then your privileges are at risk.
Effective July 1st, all gardens not in compliance with garden rules will be red flagged. If efforts are not taken to remedy, then you are at risk of foreclosure. If life circumstances preclude you from devoting the amount of time necessary to create and maintain your garden, then you should reconsider.
After July 1, all garden rental refunds will be prorated.
We do have a wait list. If you are not ready, there are others who are.
Please let us know.

Note #2
Please remember to lock the gate behind you when entering or exiting. All members should have keys.
Key code combo on vehicle gate will be changed this weekend. You will no longer be able to gain access thru large gate without permission from management.

Note #3
Some are still not remembering to turn water off when leaving. We will be posting signs by the shed and exit in order to remind all.

Note #4
Watering excesses. There are some that are still open watering. Watering onto the pathways only encourages more growth of the Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass is getting out of control in some pathways. It is the responsibility of gardeners to keep this undesirable grass at bay. Your neighbor may not like that you are watering it. Be considerate.

Ramdom Garden shots

 I love walking through the garden and taking random shots

 This one looks like the branches are hugging the plant

 Creative and useful ways to use stuff that would other wise be tossed

 Yum I see pickled Beans

 The Marigolds are playing hide in go seek

 Beautiful artichokes

 Lettuce yummmm

 Sauerkraut !

The Badlands are " Lookin" Good

 Vast but the peeps at the garden are really putting there time and effort into making this area work. Read about the stuff in progress below....

Badlands hummm it should be called

"Future Prime Properties"

1. (Plot in southwest corner) Dig soil down about 2.5 feet over the entire garden plot to break through the hard pan layer and loosen the compacted soil.  Place the soil back into the excavated pit.  Do not add any soil amendments to the soil.  Rototill the soil.


2. (Plot just north of Plot 1) Dig soil down about 2.5 feet over the entire garden plot to break through the hard pan layer and loosen the compacted soil.  Place the soil back into the excavated pit.  Rototill the soil.  Place 4 to 6 inches of horse manure on the surface of the soil.

3.  (Plot just north of Plot 2) Dig soil down about 2.5 feet over the entire garden plot to break through the hard pan layer and loosen the compacted soil.  Place the soil back into the excavated pit.  Rototill the soil.  Place 4 to 6 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the surface of the soil.

4. (Plot just north of Plot 3) Dig soil down about 2.5 feet over the entire garden plot to break through the hard pan layer and loosen the compacted soil.  Place the soil back into the excavated pit.  Rototill the soil.  Place 2 to 3 inches of horse manure on the soil surface.  Then place 2 to 3 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the horse manure.

5.  (Plot just north of Plot 4) Dig soil down about 2.5 feet over the entire garden plot to break through the hard pan layer and loosen the compacted soil.  Remove this soil from the garden plot.  Place branches, palm fronds, and logs in the bottom of the pit.  Place the soil back into the excavated pit.  Rototill the soil.  Place 2 to 3 inches of horse manure on the soil surface.  Then place 2 to 3 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the horse manure.

6. (Plot in southeast corner) Dig soil down about 2.5 feet over the entire garden plot to break through the hard pan layer and loosen the compacted soil.  Fill the excavated hole with unscreened gravel to a depth of 1 foot.  Place all of the soil back into the excavated pit.  Rototill the soil.  Place 2 to 3 inches of horse manure on the soil surface.  Then place 2 to 3 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the horse manure.

7.  (Plot just north of Plot 6) Dig the soil down 1 foot over the entire garden plot.  Then dig a 24 inch strip down the center of the bed to a depth of 2.5 feet.  Place the soil that was removed from the garden plot on either side of the center strip.  Rototill the soil on either side of the center strip.  Fill the center strip with logs, branches and horse manure.  Then spread 4 to 6 inches of horse manure on the surface of the soil on either side of the center strip. Then place 4 to 6 inches of wood chips and leaf litter over the entire bed (i.e., on the filled center strip and on both sides of the center strip).

8. (Plot just north of Plot 7) Do not dig the garden plot.  Scarify the soil surface with the tractor.  Place 4 inches of wood chips on the surface of the garden.  Place 2 to 3 inches of horse manure on the wood chips.  Then place 2 to 3 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the horse manure.  Then place 1 ½ to 2 inches of soil on the wood chips and leaf litter.  Place 2 to 3 inches of horse manure on the soil.  Place 2 to 3 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the horse manure.

9. (Plot just north of Plot 8) Do not dig the garden plot.  Scarify the soil surface with the tractor.  Place a vapor barrier on the surface of the garden.  Use the pitchfork to poke holes in the vapor barrier.  Place 2 to 3 inches of horse manure on the vapor barrier.  Then place 2 to 3 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the horse manure.  Then place 1 ½ to 2 inches of soil on the wood chips and leaf litter.  Place 2 to 3 inches of horse manure on the soil.  Place 2 to 3 inches of wood chips and leaf litter on the horse manure.

10.  (Plot just north of Plot 9) Do not dig the garden plot.  Scarify the soil surface with the tractor.  Rototill the soil to a depth of 4 to 5 inches.  Do not add any soil amendments to the soil.

Compost Workshop and Notes from Bill

Joe-Bill-Jon with no H and Jeremy

Our fearless leaders

 

 Some tips from the Compost Workshop. There was a lot of talk on  temperature so I thought it was good that Jon gave us a few of the tips we need to keep in mind . Thank you 

Are these two passing a cheat sheet! 
 






 A few tips on temperature............................

•  After building the pile, turn it when temperature reaches 140-160 degrees.  
•  Move the material from outside of the pile to the center. 
• ·To kill most pathogens and weed seeds, it is desirable to keep the pile between 150 and 160 degrees for about 24 hours 
• 
  
• If the temperature of the pile does not reach 150 degrees in a couple days, it may be lacking nitrogen-rich materials or moisture.
• The compost is done when the original material is not recognizable and the temperature drops below 90 degrees. The compost should be a rich, dark brown material. It should have a sweet smell. 

     Don't eat it! No matter how sweet the smell! 

     That is my tip. I love fresh dirt when I see a pile or warm dark dirt really I want to roll in it. Strange but not to the gardener's!

Do you go to the Board Meeting?

I did and it was interesting. Do you know how much you missed? Let me run it down for you. This way I know I will see you at the next one. Please come and get involved.

The meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm in the room with the people !

Ready here is the run down ....Let us call them

Lani Minutes

Alcoa - trees
Yoga - Breath - ahmmmmmmm
Water bill -
New Blog - oh how special I am
Website - they should be having a meeting about it
Vertical Response - had to be there
Mission Burrito - yummy
Water Pressure - I felt it !
Financial Report- Thank you Nicole
Joe's vacation - everyone is invited
Shed - gravel issue - how do we say the shed is Tipsy
Owl box's - got to get them up
Badlands - Come to the garden and look
Freestyle no not dancing
Pumpkin growing contest - Big Fatties
Geologist report- My head was tipped like a little puppy - huh?
Movie night - how fun would that be
Street signs- if you know a business have them get one good advertising
Garden Manual - on going
Email  - did you get one?
Seedsnow ..... www.seedsnow.com     Eye Candy 

The Board meeting are interesting and entertaining. I stay in the background I have gotten my self in trouble putting my two cents in elsewhere. I like to see all the others work there magic.

Meet Connie and Bill

 Ok now this is a determined woman. Meet Connie the log roller. With out even breaking a sweat she rolled the logs to their new home. Notice the skill the balance just effortless! What a gal! Good job Connie !!!!!

 Meet Connie and Bill plot owner's. I really enjoyed getting to know them. They have land at home to pursue their gardening talents. So why here why get a plot at Simi at the Garden" Well they told me that they wanted to learn more about organic gardening and skills for there home garden. Great idea and what a way to learn and make new friends. Bravo guys !

 Connie tends the plot with the guidance of her hubby Bill. He has a great chair and a perfect spot to keep an eye on her. You know the greatest joy is the partnership I see in these couples and families I am meeting. What a great community we have. Come out and enjoy the garden.

 These berries look just about as happy as a berry could look ... Like a group of friends.

Please note the nice chair Bill gets to sit in while watching Connie enjoy the garden ! Good Job Bill !

Random shots why you ask?

 Well no Yoga yup I guess it was to hot for the weak of muscle. So perfect time for me to go out in the garden and take random pictures. It is amazing what is all a bloom out there.

I will tell you about Terry and Warrens birds and bees talk in a later post...Oh those Kids!

Look at these snap pea's I almost wanted to eat them while making sure no one was watching. But no no no can do. We can look but no touch with out permission. They looked delicious......I hope to come back and collect them and can them for the plot owner! Make some pickled pea's Yum

 The flower and tomatoes were all a bloom just look at the nice shots.

 Who does not love artichokes!

 And after the artichokes smothered in butter or lemon lets have a nice salad. The variety out here was way beyond just the one I snapped the picture this one just looked cuter than the others.

 Ok here is where I need to get someone on board with my canning and fermenting. My mouth was drooling to think of the sauerkraut I could have gotten out of these and the other cabbages.....Do I hear Hot Dogs....Oh my gosh how fun to have a hot dog BBQ with our own Kraut...oh Salina are you there!

This little bee is so busy at work. I think his friends are coming any minute I better skedaddle

And on the way out this pretty arch way with maroon flowers. Hey if you need the name there are plenty of professional out here to help...Really ask Joe..Jon with no H or Bill

Oh those kidz !

Ok when I go to the Garden the sweetest site are the Kids ! Why you ask well because they are not mine! In all honestly this is the place for them to be. Our school system has all but taken away any idea of outdoor or art or anything beyond book stuff. Books are good but the great outdoors that is real life.

In these pictures you will notice it is Salina and her boys Jayden and Mikey! Hum did she pick that site on purpose it is right next to the playground. Smart mama!
The beauty of this place is the things that the children can learn. Beyond running in the sunshine, digging for worms, planting things, playing with other junior gardeners the list goes on and on.

I think that even if you have a big yard or enough room for yourself and you have children you should get them a small plot. This is so awesome they learn to plant and how to take care of something and watch it grow.

This Simi at the Garden is one of the best thing to come to Simi Valley in quite a while and we are just starting to tap into the fun and dirty business of gardening.

Meet Cindy

Cindy was hard at work the morning I was at the Garden. I did wonder why she was alone but when I took a closer look at some of the handy work...Ah Ha moment Hubby was here just not today. The thing I really was impressed by was the corner braces that she had to hold her garden in.

Ok I am not the brightest garden nerd in the dirt so some of my words they will be how do we put it..Goofy!

Moving on ..... Cindy had her hubby Brent put in her corner units and her solar lights. Look how cute is the little arbor. Hey even I was thanking him! Cindy has a ton of yummy stuff growing in the plot. Just go by and see the chamomile, lemon balm and lavender I smell soap comin'! Ok or a cup a tea. Her zucchini will be adorning her BBQ and salad all summer by the looks of it. Thank you Cindy for sharing this with us! She is neighbors with Shelly and Julie

Yoga = ahhhhhhh

 Yup week three.....This is a good thing peeps....The whole garden, stretch and breath it is working. What you do not think Yoga is for you...Right! I thought the same way. Most of my yoga experience was giggle and try to not fart!

But things seem to have changed. Is it the Garden or Kathy our great instructor? I do not know all I know is last evening when I was driving to the class I was excited.

 Yup excited. When you join in to the class you really change ...Ok I did I went from a tense muscle over 50 brain to full of stuff to think. I change to a relaxed, breathing in and out jello muscle meditating noodle head. Hey this is good when I leave I am in a great place the day has just fallen off my shoulders and the night is going to be ahhhhh!