Calendar

The Backyard Herb Garden is pulling together as a project now. I thought the first thing I'd do is record some of the things I've done to prepare the way, so to speak, and come back when time permits to discuss these things.

Last fall, I took inventory: found old plant list, compared existing signage and existing plants, what need to be done. Submitted budget.

October MG meeting- our budget is folded into the greater landscape budget, but Terry and Phil each reassured me there was extra in it for this garden. Met Dave, Landscape chairman.
Asked general membership to show up for Landscape Cleanup.

Day of work bee: it rained. I melt in the rain. Melville reported only a few showed, the guys piled woodchips in garden paths to avoid snowplow.

Oct. 30, 2006: I took a soil test, used MG coupon from Terry.
Details: 6" deep, 10-15 locations, planned use - perennial flower garden plants.
Also, Terry donated 3 packages (10 each?) of Saffron crocuses from the plant sale, I planted them in tarragon and thyme quadrants of round bed.
Did a small cleanup, preventative deadheading. (1-2 hours)

November - Received soil test by mail. The soil is deficient in NPK, clayish, and sweet. We need to generally amend soil while renovating beds. Annuals in culinary circle will need richer soil... fertilizer? Maybe compost and Canadian peat dug in as we lift and replant.

Received list of volunteers by mail. Need to call list. First do asset mapping... that means figure out what resources, including human resources, are available to make use of. See next paragraph...

Currently attending Applewood-sponsored Urban Gardening class (15 weeks). Ideas on how to lead community gardening projects. Quite helpful.

Proposed teaching a class through the Community Education Department.

Started this blog. The Backyard Herbalist @
http://www.thebackyardherbalist.blogspot.com

Set up a Yahoo Group. The Backyard Herbalist@
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thebackyardherbalist/

January: I ordered plants from Bluestone.
I listed the ordered plants on a database stored in the Yahoo group.

February: I got some free seeds from the Extension.
I listed the free seeds and made a donation wish-list on a database stored in the Yahoo group.

Today: I taught myself how to export database to MS Access for printable format.
Printed Donation Sign-Up Sheet to pass around Feb. MG meeting.
Printed Plants list of ordered plants.