Community Gardens

[Captainhil]

Is anyboby interested to establish a community garden in The Villages where we can raise organic fruits & vegetables ?
I am willing to start a signature petition.
If only 1% of our community wants one, that constitutes 1,000 plots.
If The Villages are going to be the healthiest town in Florida,then we need something like that.

[Love2Swim]

Is anyboby interested to establish a community garden in The Villages where we can raise organic fruits & vegetables ?
I am willing to start a signature petition.
If only 1% of our community wants one, that constitutes 1,000 plots.
If The Villages are going to be the healthiest town in Florida,then we need something like that.

Where can I sign up? Perhaps a letter to some of the gardening clubs might help generate interest.

[Country Dreamer]

I would definitely be interested. I miss my organic garden up north.

[casita37]

I'm interested.

[logdog]

There already is a community garden in TV near the wood working shop but I believe it's mostly for charity.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/shared-harvest-community-garden-12569/

[Love2Swim]

Its a nice large garden, but as you say its for charity. I'm sure there are many residents here who would be interested in small private plots where they could grow their own vegetables. I've read that some cities provide them for their citizens for a yearly fee that covers expenses such as providing water. I'd be willing to pay a modest fee if I could have access to a plot of land with watering capabilities.

[Blessed2BNTV]

Count us in!

[mulligan]

Unless you are willing to travel outside the villages, where would you propose to put this garden? Somehow, I can't see the developer giving up any land suitable for gardening.

[kittygilchrist]

Unless you are willing to travel outside the villages, where would you propose to put this garden? Somehow, I can't see the developer giving up any land suitable for gardening.

I thought Capt Hil was pretty clear that he is considering a petition to the developer. It's a grand idea, and it might catch on because it's loaded with positive media ops in addition to being a darn good idea. Hil is thoroughly a health nut and one who can lead a charge up the hill. (sorry about the Hil-hill thing...I got carried away...)

[Bogie Shooter]

Right now there is a group looking for land to build a track for remote cars. Recreation dept is looking for a site. There is your competition.
Off-sit would probably work.

[LyndaS]

I would love an area to do some organic gardening. Might there be some sort of tax benefit for the developer for �agricultural use� of a piece of land that he is not currently using?

[graciegirl]

I would love an area to do some organic gardening. Might there be some sort of tax benefit for the developer for �agricultural use� of a piece of land that he is not currently using?


He does have land that I would guess is in "agricultural use" but the rigamarole that I envision from just reading this forum would be a huge challenge.

For instance;

water usage.
He overwatered and it drained unto my plot and killed my radishes.

property rights.
She tramped through my spring lettuce.

Dogs and pets.
They brought their dog and he/she watered my asparagus.

Community interaction
They planted mint and it has overtaken my sweet corn.

General angst.
Their sweet corn is shading my tomatoes.
Their garlic stinks.
They throw their compost in the trash. Compost is for compost.
They don't weed.
Someone picked my tomatoes.

I think Gary Morse is VERY, very wise.

[Bogie Shooter]

He does have land that I would guess is in "agricultural use" but the rigamarole that I envision from just reading this forum would be a huge challenge.

For instance;

water usage.
He overwatered and it drained unto my plot and killed my radishes.

property rights.
She tramped through my spring lettuce.

Dogs and pets.
They brought their dog and he/she watered my asparagus.

Community interaction
They planted mint and it has overtaken my sweet corn.

General angst.
Their sweet corn is shading my tomatoes.
Their garlic stinks.
They throw their compost in the trash. Compost is for compost.
They don't weed.
Someone picked my tomatoes.

I think Gary Morse is VERY, very wise.

Gracie, I think you nailed it!

[Ecuadog]

Hey... maybe I could grow some herb for my glaucoma.

[Love2Swim]

I would love an area to do some organic gardening. Might there be some sort of tax benefit for the developer for “agricultural use” of a piece of land that he is not currently using?

I don't know about that, but I have read of and seen many of these gardens during our travels. Generally people pay an annual fee, so there would be no cost to the Developer. Below is a link to community gardens in Vancouver. They are overseen by local community groups (our garden clubs perhaps?), not by the City, so any complaints are handled by the group in charge. It would be nice if the idea were given a chance. In Vancouver, there are many more applicants to have one of the spots in the gardens, than there is space available. In other words, they are very popular. I suspect the same would hold true here.


http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/community-gardens.aspx (http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/community-gardens.aspx)

[Madelaine Amee]

I don't know about that, but I have read of and seen many of these gardens during our travels. Generally people pay an annual fee, so there would be no cost to the Developer. Below is a link to community gardens in Vancouver. They are overseen by local community groups (our garden clubs perhaps?), not by the City, so any complaints are handled by the group in charge. It would be nice if the idea were given a chance. In Vancouver, there are many more applicants to have one of the spots in the gardens, than there is space available. In other words, they are very popular. I suspect the same would hold true here.

Join a community garden in your neighbourhood | City of Vancouver (http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/community-gardens.aspx)

Several years ago, a local land owner approached Garden Club North with this very idea of providing land for a community garden. He was prepared to remove the grass, divide the area into parcels and provide water for a very reasonable fee, and I cannot remember what that amount was; but, there were no takers for his suggestion, the main reason being it was not golf cart accessible! The Garden Club North may still have his information if anyone would like to open this idea again.

If you have tried organic gardening in Florida you will know it is very difficult, the bugs in Florida are very different from the bugs in the Northern States.

[Love2Swim]

Golf cart accessible surely would be desirable. There are organizations that assist those setting up community gardens, rules, and so on. If there was enough interest, there might be organic community gardens, along with non-organic.

[TrudyM]

Several years ago, a local land owner approached Garden Club North with this very idea of providing land for a community garden. He was prepared to remove the grass, divide the area into parcels and provide water for a very reasonable fee, and I cannot remember what that amount was; but, there were no takers for his suggestion, the main reason being it was not golf cart accessible! The Garden Club North may still have his information if anyone would like to open this idea again.

If you have tried organic gardening in Florida you will know it is very difficult, the bugs in Florida are very different from the bugs in the Northern States.

There was one in my mom and dads retirement town in south Florida but if you wanted to spray your patch you could, so long as it didn't affect the neighbors plot. Mom had her more sensitive to bug stuff in the middle so she could hit it if needed and was careful of what she used. I also seem to remember lots of slug drowning beer traps were needed. Totally Organic was not required but then that was years ago when people were less aware of the harm.

[Peachie]

He does have land that I would guess is in "agricultural use" but the rigamarole that I envision from just reading this forum would be a huge challenge.

For instance;

water usage.
He overwatered and it drained unto my plot and killed my radishes.

property rights.
She tramped through my spring lettuce.

Dogs and pets.
They brought their dog and he/she watered my asparagus.

Community interaction
They planted mint and it has overtaken my sweet corn.

General angst.
Their sweet corn is shading my tomatoes.
Their garlic stinks.
They throw their compost in the trash. Compost is for compost.
They don't weed.
Someone picked my tomatoes.

I think Gary Morse is VERY, very wise.

I think this is a very wise observation, Gracie. You have a very keen mind for business decisions!

[Happydaz]

Hey... maybe I could grow some herb for my glaucoma.

Equadog I think this is a very wise observation. I think you nailed it!

[Love2Swim]

There was one in my mom and dads retirement town in south Florida but if you wanted to spray your patch you could, so long as it didn't affect the neighbors plot. Mom had her more sensitive to bug stuff in the middle so she could hit it if needed and was careful of what she used. I also seem to remember lots of slug drowning beer traps were needed. Totally Organic was not required but then that was years ago when people were less aware of the harm.

Community gardens have been successfully in existence for some time now in many cities throughout the country. For it to happen here, I believe you need three things: 1. A community group willing to handle oversight of the planning, development and construction of said garden(s); land with watering capability and golf cart accessible must be secured; there has to be a demonstrated need/desire by a large enough group of residents for it to happen. Once completed it would be a thing of beauty that could be another feather in the Developer's cap as far as showing off the benefits of The Villages as a forward thinking retirement community.

[Happydaz]

I would think that if community gardens have been successful all over the USA they coukd be successful here as well. People can and do work together to accomplish shared goals. I am sure that there will be obstacles along the way but with a positive attitude much can be accomplished. A good starting point may be to see exactly how other communities put it all together. As a gardener, myself, I can see that Florida conditions will impose some tough challenges, but what gardener is not up to the quest!

[Love2Swim]

I would think that if community gardens have been successful all over the USA they coukd be successful here as well. People can and do work together to accomplish shared goals. I am sure that there will be obstacles along the way but with a positive attitude much can be accomplished. A good starting point may be to see exactly how other communities put it all together. As a gardener, myself, I can see that Florida conditions will impose some tough challenges, but what gardener is not up to the quest!

I like your optimism Happydaz!

[kittygilchrist]

Has anybody gotten an idea like this supported before? How do you go about it? Is a petition the right direction?

[ricklowe]

I have a garden center on 301 and 466, i'd be interested in helping. I have a total 13 acres and would be willing to host events as well as allow sections to be used for organic gardening. the property is irrigated and ready for your suggestions!

[bkcunningham1]

I have a garden center on 301 and 466, i'd be interested in helping. I have a total 13 acres and would be willing to host events as well as allow sections to be used for organic gardening. the property is irradiated and ready for your suggestions!

There you go guys! Unbelievably generous offer ricklowe. What is the name of your garden center? I can't place it on 301 and 466. Regardless, I hope this works for the people who don't want to garden on Rolling Acres for the soup kitchen and food pantry. This could be wonderful for them. Thank you, ricklowe.

[ricklowe]

I have a 3 acre garden center with an additional 10 acres of irrigated land on 301 just south of 466. it would be a perfect location with existing infrastructure to start a community program like this. I've wanted to host something like this for years. If anyone is interested is pursuing this further please feel free to contact me.

[njbchbum]

Would I be correct or incorrect to assume [and I hate doing that] that the property you offer is not golf cart accessible?

If it is not, how close can one get before they have to go on foot to the location?

[ricklowe]

Exterior spaces 11031 n hwy 301 it's about 1/2 mile south of 466 on the East side.. The villages bought the property across the street and will start developing 542 homes for people who work in the villages. The only down side is that there is no golf cart access.

i'm not interested in making money on this I think it would be fun and also be a great worthwhile program!

[ricklowe]

i'm about 1 mile from the buffalo ridge Walmart

[ricklowe]

I could also see a farmers market that would somehow help people in need. Just a thought.

[graciegirl]

I could also see a farmers market that would somehow help people in need. Just a thought.


What a great guy.

I can't see why golf cart accessible would be a great problem.

Good for you.

[kittygilchrist]

I'm over-celebrating. This is the OP's first post and look at how this thread took wings! Hil's one of our newbie singles and my neighbor in Gilchrist, and he is teaching me some things about raw and organic nutrition. I hope the offer of a plot works out..totally awesome, RickLowe!

[KathieI]

I could also see a farmers market that would somehow help people in need. Just a thought.

Rick, are you the farmer that has "pick your own tomatoes" in early summer? It was near the Walmart on 466. I heard that was a fantastic thing, many of my local friends went there and picked a bunch of delicious tomatoes.

Nice thing for you to offer us, I'd like it would be interested. I did a lot of gardening while in Los Angeles, and it was very challenging to have it be totally organic with all the bugs and stuff that happen in warm climate areas. Florida is also very wet and humid and I'm not sure what problems that would entail. Thanks again for your offer.

[kittygilchrist]

bump

[ricklowe]

no, my place is on 301 less than a mile from buffalo ridge Walmart to the South of 466. I've talked to several produce markets over the last 6 months regarding opening a new location. I've had special events there over the years with thousands attending. Next year i'll be hosting food and wine events as well I think having TV residence growing organic produce fall directly in line with my future plans i'd love to not only use some of the property for this purpose but help manage it as well!

[Happydaz]

Rick that is a wonderful idea to offer some land for gardening. You certainly got me thinking. I am new to vegetable gardening in Florida. I have a lot of learning to do. I could see growing lettuce, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, etc., in the fall and winter. Summer seems problematic as the tomatoes we grew up north didn't set fruit when the temperatures got up high in the nineties. Maybe you know of varieties that can grow here successfully in the summer. A plot around 10 by 10 feet would be good for me. I am still entertaining thoughts on this. We will have to see what others think.

[KathieI]

Rick that is a wonderful idea to offer some land for gardening. You certainly got me thinking. I am new to vegetable gardening in Florida. I have a lot of learning to do. I could see growing lettuce, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, etc., in the fall and winter. Summer seems problematic as the tomatoes we grew up north didn't set fruit when the temperatures got up high in the nineties. Maybe you know of varieties that can grow here successfully in the summer. A plot around 10 by 10 feet would be good for me. I am still entertaining thoughts on this. We will have to see what others think.

I'm in too.. Love the idea. My only disappointment with my house is that I can't have my garden, this is the 2nd best thing to it. Thanks Rick.

Happy, we could never grow the wonderful New Jersey or Long Island tomatoes in SoCal. We had good ones, but not as good. But I did have tomatoes at Christmas, so that made up for it. LOL.

[Love2Swim]

Rick that is a wonderful offer. My spouse and I are going to check out your place!...thank you so much. With our small lot size, and deed restrictions, we have done a little container gardening and that's about it. It would be wonderful to be able to put some veggies in the ground like we did up north. I'm sure the seasons are different here, and we need to learn about all the Florida bugs and pests and so on, but we're up for the challenge!

[ricklowe]

The more that participate the easier it will be to make a realty the land and irrigation are only a small part of the pie. I have a tractor that we could use for some of the preparation for outdoor planting, there are some master gardeners in the villages and the university of Florida has approached me in the past. I'm going to reach out to them again to see what they think.

[KathieI]

The more that participate the easier it will be to make a realty the land and irrigation are only a small part of the pie. I have a tractor that we could use for some of the preparation for outdoor planting, there are some master gardeners in the villages and the university of Florida has approached me in the past. I'm going to reach out to them again to see what they think.

Our thanks to you for doing all this for us!! You're a good man!!!

[kittygilchrist]

The more that participate the easier it will be to make a realty the land and irrigation are only a small part of the pie. I have a tractor that we could use for some of the preparation for outdoor planting, there are some master gardeners in the villages and the university of Florida has approached me in the past. I'm going to reach out to them again to see what they think.

Rick, I'm a Gainesville transplant and you are so on target with ifas...they have most everything we need except for the land and hands on mgt, which by some grace of God you are offering. Hil is my friend, so I know his vision comes from a passion for great food and nutrition.
Where does your passion for doing this come from?
Kitty

[Captainhil]

I have a garden center on 301 and 466, i'd be interested in helping. I have a total 13 acres and would be willing to host events as well as allow sections to be used for organic gardening. the property is irrigated and ready for your suggestions!

Thank you so much for your help and interest.
I was in Leiden (Holland) last summer and saw thousands of gorgeous Community gardens. I know that we can do something beautiful here too.
With the help and advice of local Master Gardeners,it is possible to raise food organically here. I have seen it in Vero Beach ,Florida where the quality of the earth is not as rich as it is here.
What I think is needed is to establish an organizational meeting with all the people concerned and interested so we can learn the best ways to approach this.
Thank you again.

[ricklowe]

Kitty, Thank you for asking I grew up splitting time between my mother in Fort Lauderdale and my father in Naples, Port Charlotte and Wildwood, my summers from the age 9 to 19 were spent working in my dads produce market and garden center as well as picking fresh produce along side migrant workers (I learned to appreciate hard work and how some of the most simple things in life brought the most joy)

After I graduated I started my own business worked hard and by gods grace was able to see it in 2006 and simi retire. I purchased the land on 301 in 2003 as an investment but decided to build a garden center with my Brother Bobby. My brother currently runs the day to day operations he's really very talented and a pleasure for me to work with.

I currently live in Fort Lauderdale with my wife and our three boys 5,7 and 8 years old so we have our hands full! lol.. It's funny you know when I ask them if they'd rather go to Disney or my Garden center they always choose the garden center! I'm happy and proud to say they share my passion! Again, thank you for asking!

[ricklowe]

Hil, I think that's a wonderful idea. I've spoken to my brother and he couldn't be more excited let me know when you'd like to meet and we can start conceptualizing. As I stated before the more involved the better. I'll be in town next Tuesday but my brother in always on site so just let us know what's convenient.

I left a message for Jim Davis
Master Gardener/Florida Master Naturalist Coordinator for the University of Florida to contact me tomorrow to see what suggestions he may have regarding this project. i'll keep you informed.

[Nursebarb1]

I would love to be a part of this when we eventually become frogs, probably in another year. We have been talking about missing our organic vegetable garden in Indiana. Please keep us in mind.

[Happydaz]

I am available next week. Maybe next Tuesday when Rick is in town would be a good time to meet up. Maybe Jim Davis could be there or arrange for another master gardener to attend. I have many years experience as a backyard gardener in New England and a brief stint in California. I have had extensive vegetable gardens. (Now that I am retired I would be happy with a small plot!)

[mrdarcy]

I'm also available next Tuesday. Rick, please state the place and time when we can meet you and I'll be there. Thank you so much for helping to realize this new vision for our beloved Villages. And, please thank your brother too for his excitement about this adventure.

PS Thanks to Hil for his passion regarding organic food. :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[kittygilchrist]

I'd be interested in attending..
possibilities:
involve schools
establish a not for profit to oversee
apply for grant funding
Grant Opportunities - America in Bloom (http://www.americainbloom.org/resources/Grant-Opportunities.aspx)
collaborate manure acquisition with horse farms
include a butterfly and hummer garden
as suggested already, coordinate donations to locals in need

as my son used to say, "Ain't this fun?"

[graciegirl]

Hil, I think that's a wonderful idea. I've spoken to my brother and he couldn't be more excited let me know when you'd like to meet and we can start conceptualizing. As I stated before the more involved the better. I'll be in town next Tuesday but my brother in always on site so just let us know what's convenient.

I left a message for Jim Davis
Master Gardener/Florida Master Naturalist Coordinator for the University of Florida to contact me tomorrow to see what suggestions he may have regarding this project. i'll keep you informed.

Will you be moving here?
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/landscape-talk-129/exotic-spaces-landscaper-beware-86411/#post765813

[KathieI]

I'm also available next Tuesday. Rick, please state the place and time when we can meet you and I'll be there. Thank you so much for helping to realize this new vision for our beloved Villages. And, please thank your brother too for his excitement about this adventure.

PS Thanks to Hil for his passion regarding organic food. :eclipsee_gold_cup:

Count me in. I love to garden, miss it a lot. I'm available Tues also.

[ricklowe]

I have no plans to move at the moment but my brother in on site every day and i'd be directly involved in the implantation.

Kitty, I love the way you think! This needs to be a community minded program something that will inspire others to garden and create other green projects.

[Captainhil]

Hil, I think that's a wonderful idea. I've spoken to my brother and he couldn't be more excited let me know when you'd like to meet and we can start conceptualizing. As I stated before the more involved the better. I'll be in town next Tuesday but my brother in always on site so just let us know what's convenient.

I left a message for Jim Davis
Master Gardener/Florida Master Naturalist Coordinator for the University of Florida to contact me tomorrow to see what suggestions he may have regarding this project. i'll keep you informed.

According to the National Community Garden Association,there are currently 20,000 community gardens in the US up from only 6,020 in 1996.
The desire to grow your own food is greater than ever.
Check this following website. They offer a grant program by December 31 of
$ 5,000 in cash & garden tools.

www2.fiskars.com/community/project-orange-thumb

I am able to meet you next week Tuesday. Just specify the time and location
so many others might meet there also.
Thank you.
Hil

[graciegirl]

According to the National Community Garden Association,there are currently 20,000 community gardens in the US up from only 6,020 in 1996.
The desire to grow your own food is greater than ever.
Check this following website. They offer a grant program by December 31 of
$ 5,000 in cash & garden tools.

www2.fiskars.com/community/project-orange-thumb

I am able to meet you next week Tuesday. Just specify the time and location
so many others might meet there also.
Thank you.
Hil


Five K? Wow. I was envisioning folks planting a few tomatoes, some peas, beans, some blueberries, some lettuce, maybe some arugula and green onions and a few radishes, some beets, even potatoes in their own little section.

I guess the five thousand would be for a shed and watering cans and hoes and spades and stuff like that?

I know I am being a real pill with my attitude and questions. I just know that a lot of people do plant some stuff in their own yards here. We do.

What would the grant money be for?

[kittygilchrist]

Five K? Wow. I was envisioning folks planting a few tomatoes, some peas, beans, some blueberries, some lettuce, maybe some arugula and green onions and a few radishes, some beets, even potatoes in their own little section.

I guess the five thousand would be for a shed and watering cans and hoes and spades and stuff like that?

I know I am being a real pill with my attitude and questions. I just know that a lot of people do plant some stuff in their own yards here. We do.

What would the grant money be for?

Fiskars is a mftr of garden tools, which they probably generously donate as well as the grant $. Would need fencing and probably cross-fencing, shed, wheelbarrows, water hoses, boot brushes, a bushel and a peck.
and here's a hug around the neck for you, Gracie.

I hope we have enuf info from the Tuesday mtg to apply.
K.

[kittygilchrist]

Five K? Wow. I was envisioning folks planting a few tomatoes, some peas, beans, some blueberries, some lettuce, maybe some arugula and green onions and a few radishes, some beets, even potatoes in their own little section.

I guess the five thousand would be for a shed and watering cans and hoes and spades and stuff like that?

I know I am being a real pill with my attitude and questions. I just know that a lot of people do plant some stuff in their own yards here. We do.

What would the grant money be for?

Fiskars is a mftr of garden tools, which they probably generously donate as well as the grant $. Would need critter fencing and probably cross-fencing, shed, wheelbarrows, garden tools, water hoses, boot brushes, a bushel and a peck.
and here's a hug around the neck for you, Gracie.

I hope we have enuf info from the Tuesday mtg to apply.
K.

[graciegirl]

Fiskars is a mftr of garden tools, which they probably generously donate as well as the grant $. Would need critter fencing and probably cross-fencing, shed, wheelbarrows, garden tools, water hoses, boot brushes, a bushel and a peck.
and here's a hug around the neck for you, Gracie.

I hope we have enuf info from the Tuesday mtg to apply.
K.

A hug around the neck to you and y'all.

If you have leftover tomatoes or zucchini, I stand with cap in hand.

[ricklowe]

I'd love to have everyone there at 10, but i'm open for suggestions. I think it would help if everyone in attendance prepared some questions for discussion. please contact me via email if you plan on attending and include your contact information.

The Property address is 11031 north hwy 301 Oxford, Fl 34484
The name is Exterior Spaces
Rickylowe@live.com

[kittygilchrist]

I'd love to have everyone there at 10, but i'm open for suggestions. I think it would help if everyone in attendance prepared some questions for discussion. please contact me via email if you plan on attending and include your contact information.

The Property address is 11031 north hwy 301 Oxford, Fl 34484
The name is Exterior Spaces
Rickylowe@live.com

gosh, I'd love to know what questions there are if folks want to post them to the community. It doesn't seem right for one person to take over this effort as the authority to answer. I hope if you have questions, you post them for all to participate and keep this as a collaborative effort, not one driven from top down, tho I don't think Rick meant it that way, he's just generously offering to respond to everyone...but I am nosy and want to know it all as we make it happen.

[ricklowe]

The questions are for the meeting so that everyone is prepared ,not for me. I need people to contact me via email so that I know how many people i'll be hosting. It wouldn't be polite for me to not offer refreshments. This is your baby (Villagers) I'm just the host and eager to help.... I have a lot of suggestions and can't wait to share them.

[kittygilchrist]

The questions are for the meeting so that everyone is prepared ,not for me. I need people to contact me via email so that I know how many people i'll be hosting. It wouldn't be polite for me to not offer refreshments. This is your baby (Villagers) I'm just the host and eager to help.... I have a lot of suggestions and can't wait to share them.

Maybe the OP, Hil, and you could have a conversation before a meeting of all of us?

[ricklowe]

If anyone wishes to discuss this before Tuesday you have my email address contact me there and I'll provide my personal number. Thank you all for your interest we will be able to do a lot of good and have a little fun as well.

[ricklowe]

I just got off of the phone with Cami McAvoy with the University of Florida IFAS (Agricultural). She has a lot of experience in forming these types of programs and will be attending the meeting on Tuesday. I also spoke to Anne Lambrecht with the village garden club and she will be forwarding information about this to her members later today.

[ricklowe]

I've posted several more messages regarding the community garden with the intention of having other people involved. In those posts I've made some suggestions, Please do not mistake that for me making decisions prior to our meeting. my intent is to continue to gin up interest and make people aware of the meeting.

Thank you for your understanding.
Rick Lowe

[kittygilchrist]

I've got the questions we need to answer to apply for the Fiskars makeover (startup garden) grant. I think this is the grand prize and far more than 5K in value.
Here's a sample of what they can help do...
http://vimeo.com/69911409
Halifax / Project Orange Thumb | Fiskars (http://www2.fiskars.com/Community/Project-Orange-Thumb/Halifax)

[ricklowe]

Thank you Kitty I can see you are going to extremely helpful in this process as we move forward!

[bkcunningham1]

What is the status of the garden? Anyone have any updates to share?

[ricklowe]

We have recently received several donations including topsoil,organic fertilizer, the equipment and manpower needed to excavate the site and pavers for the walkways and handicap access. We're also in the process of applying for the Fiskers grant totaling 3,500 in cash and 1,500 in garden tools. I'll be meeting with Ken from Mission Oaks and the construction manager on Friday to discus the design and scope of work.

[mrbgull]

I would be very interested. A great idea

[gomoho]

Have been out of the loop while working a part time job. Last day is Friday so I have my life back for now - am very interested in this is someone could give me the details.

[Love2Swim]

We have recently received several donations including topsoil,organic fertilizer, the equipment and manpower needed to excavate the site and pavers for the walkways and handicap access. We're also in the process of applying for the Fiskers grant totaling 3,500 in cash and 1,500 in garden tools. I'll be meeting with Ken from Mission Oaks and the construction manager on Friday to discus the design and scope of work.

Wow, awesome progress Rick. Thanks for the update.

[bkcunningham1]

We have recently received several donations including topsoil,organic fertilizer, the equipment and manpower needed to excavate the site and pavers for the walkways and handicap access. We're also in the process of applying for the Fiskers grant totaling 3,500 in cash and 1,500 in garden tools. I'll be meeting with Ken from Mission Oaks and the construction manager on Friday to discus the design and scope of work.

Thank you for the report, Rick. How many people from The Villages would you estimate have shown genuine interest in participating? I want to tell you that I hope you have wonderful success with your endeavor.

[ricklowe]

to date I've been contacted by about 30 village residence. mission oaks has 77 residence ultimately we could have in excess of 400 or more We've also been approached by several Master gardeners that would like to participate they believe we could have as many as 50 master gardeners working with us!

[bkcunningham1]

to date I've been contacted by about 30 village residence. mission oaks has 77 residence ultimately we could have in excess of 400 or more We've also been approached by several Master gardeners that would like to participate they believe we could have as many as 50 master gardeners working with us!

Amazing. Watching something like this take off and grow is so exciting to me. I truly wish you and everyone involved the greatest success and many, many, many hours of peace and bliss tilling the soil. .

�God made a beauteous garden
With lovely flowers strown,
But one straight, narrow pathway
That was not overgrown.
And to this beauteous garden
He brought mankind to live,
And said "To you, my children,
These lovely flowers I give.
Prune ye my vines and fig trees,
With care my flowers tend,
But keep the pathway open
Your home is at the end."

God's Garden�
― Robert Frost

[blue72]

Best of luck to everyone. Cant wait to be up there full time to partake in the fun.:coolsmiley:

[browen]

I'd sign the petition

[graciegirl]

I'd sign the petition


No petition. This is on someone's private property, off the campus.

[ricklowe]

No petition. This is on someone's private property, off the campus.

Grace is correct it's off campus so unfortunately there's no golf cart access. The good news is that the property is less than one mile from the villages walmart at buffalo ridge and about 500 yards away from the new 542 home section (Oxford Oaks) the villages is developing for people that work in the village (doctors,nurses,contractors etc)

[ricklowe]

The meeting on Friday with The excavator and ken from mission oaks went extremely well! We will start clearing the ground and excavating the location for the garden the first week in January. We've elected to do two different sites one for the individual raised bed gardens and the other for charity(local food bank) Please contact me at rickylowe@live.com if you'd like more information or would like to be involved

[dktempleton]

This is such a nice thing that you're doing! I'd like to be involved too.......Please keep me in the loop too......

[ricklowe]

This is such a nice thing that you're doing! I'd like to be involved too.......Please keep me in the loop too......

It would be my pleasure please send me your email and i'll add you to the group email.

[jrdonn]

We will be moving to TV this fall. We would be interested. Did this idea take off? If not is there any restriction to having a garden on one's own personal lot? We bought south of 466a in Hillsborough.

[PTennismom0202]

The UF IFAS Sumter County Extension (Master Gardeners) and the United Church of Christ at the Villages (near 466 and CR 101) are developing a community garden to launch in the fall 2014. We'll soon be developing a list of people interested in a plot. We're going to announce it to the garden clubs and the Villages Sun very soon.

[mrbgull]

I am interested. Strange this is not already in place

[bkcunningham1]

The UF IFAS Sumter County Extension (Master Gardeners) and the United Church of Christ at the Villages (near 466 and CR 101) are developing a community garden to launch in the fall 2014. We'll soon be developing a list of people interested in a plot. We're going to announce it to the garden clubs and the Villages Sun very soon.

Is this in conjunction with ricklowe and the community garden he was launching?

[PTennismom0202]

No, sorry, I am not familiar with Rick Lowe. This is through the UF IFAS Master Gardeners.

[ght70]

Is anyboby interested to establish a community garden in The Villages where we can raise organic fruits & vegetables ?
I am willing to start a signature petition.
If only 1% of our community wants one, that constitutes 1,000 plots.
If The Villages are going to be the healthiest town in Florida,then we need something like that.

I would!

[sloeffle1]

Does any one for contact info for the community garden over by the wood working shop?

[sloeffle1]

I would be interested in this garden! Will you be composting there as well? I juice daily and have more pulp than I know what to do with would be happy to put it to good use at the garden! Thanks, Susan

[VT2TV]

Is this garden still in the works? Can someone share contact numbers, please?

[mickey100]

The garden site being developed is located just west of the Villages in Oxford, approximately 1 mile north of The Villages Charter school complex. Any local residents will be welcome to rent a garden plot. The initial plan is for 4’x12’ raised beds filled with enriched bedding material. The annual rental fee for a plot will be $35.

The garden will be operated with guidance from the University of Florida Sumter County Extension agents and Master Gardeners and under the principles of the UF/IFAS. Master Gardeners will offer instruction to those who want to learn to garden in Central Florida where growing seasons and conditions are very different than those in northern states.

An initial source of funding is contingent on identifying 20 gardeners who will commit to becoming charter members of the community garden. Once these committed individuals are identified, planting could begin in the fall 2014. Individuals wishing to secure one of the initial garden plots should contact Peggy Reineking at 202-262-6882 or peggyreineking@gmail.com or Diane Reynolds at 352-633-7424 or dreyn1946@gmail.com.