Boat School Garden, Mulching and More Party
Many hands. Light work. Lots of Fun.
2-12-23
We are thrilled with the outpouring of help we received and the extent of work completed.
“We reached every goal we set for the day and more,” commented Boat School Garden co-Manager, Noreen Andrews, “We couldn’t have done it without the help we got from our community.”
The help for the day came from many groups including: members of the Food Bank Growers organization, The NW School of Wooden Boat Building, the Community Boat Project, and Jefferson County Master Gardeners. These volunteers came together to help us grow bigger and better so that we can grow produce that is bigger and better.
Shortly following the “garden work party” a delightful, whimsical tool shed was finished and delivered. (below)
Why was this project needed?
- The areas around the raised beds, the walking paths, were filled with weeds. No amount of pulling would deter their growth; only by smothering them with cardboard and then adding a heavy mulch on top will the weeds get back under control. The mulch came as "hog fuel" or pulverized wood scraps from Hermann Bros, Port Angeles. A big thanks to them as well.
- We needed trenches dug so we could plant berries along the front perimeter fence. The soil in this area is very compact and difficult to dig. Thanks to our creative volunteers we were able to create an opening using a tiller, pick axes, and shovels that we later filled in with soil and amendments more suitable to growing berries.
- We hauled over 2 yards of topsoil from Port Townsend to the garden site and wheelbarrowed it from the trucks into a large bed that we needed to raise. Raising the bed will deter rabbits from jumping in and enjoying produce intended for the foodbank.
- This garden had no place to store tools which meant gardeners were left toting everything back and forth in our vehicles from our homes. The Community Boat Project graciously came to our rescue and delivered the most adorable, completely re-habed tool shed.
What comes out of our combined efforts
Our Boat School Garden is a growing example of what can happen when local groups work together. In this case, the garden's creation and maintenance is shared between the Wooden Boat School and the Food Bank Growers. The garden spaces are split between the Wooden Boat School and the Food Bank Growers, with the produce grown in the Food Bank Growers spaces going to the Tri-Area Food Bank.
Our growing relationship with the Community Boat Project will continue to add functionality to the garden. The produce grown for delivery to the food bank needs to be washed before delivery but there are no facilities to support this requirement. Naturally the Community Boat Project is coming to the rescue again and will be building a washing station this spring.
We feel so fortunate to be supported by the Wooden Boat School and the Community Boat Project under Wayne Chementi's positive guidance. Both inspire us to be better gardeners and mindful that what we are doing helps to fill a gap for members of our community needing help with their basic food needs. It is our hope that members in need from these organizations are able to benefit from the produce that we, along with the rest of the Food Bank Grower gardens, grow, gather, and give each week to the Jefferson County Food Banks.
We invite you and the community to cruise by our little garden. The Boat School garden is located at the bend on Curtis Street in Port Hadlock, overlooking the boat school and Port Townsend Bay. (Curtis street starts at the bus stop across from QFC and the laundromat.) It's a bit tricky to find as it's on the top of the hill on the Boat School property, but so worth it. If you're lucky you may even see eagles that like to sit in the trees next to the garden.
Happy Gardening!
Submitted by:
Lisa Politz and Noreen Andrews - FBG Boat School Garden Co-Managers
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