Yay! A garden. Ten days into the new year and I’ve already crossed off something that’s been on my virtual bucket list for years. I am the proud new gardener of this 50+/-sf plot of land at Promise of Peace’s Imagine community garden.  There’s no room for anything more than container gardening in our tiny Dallas back yard, so a plot in this community garden close to our home is ideal.

Okay so right now it doesn’t look like much. This is where the imagine part comes in. Last week I spent a few hours hanging out, thinking and planning and watering my soil (in case there is anything hibernating under there…)

I do have sorrel and a fancy lettuce growing in the far corner. (In case you aren’t familiar with sorrel, it’s a lemony flavored leaf much like lettuce.)

While watering and weeding, I met a lady who has a well-established plot near mine. While we chatted she transplanted a lettuce and celery plant right from her dirt to mine. Just like that. The perfect example of a community garden.

Did you notice the little bluebird in my bed? He was left behind by the prior gardener. I consider him a good sign.

Native Americans considered bluebirds to be sacred, a symbol of happiness, joy, hope and contentment—all things I feel when I work with the soil. According to legend, bluebirds were originally gray until one bathed in a lake. The lake water colored his feathers blue. (Possibly my favorite Lake Norfork?)

On second thought, my bird may actually be a bluejay. Since the bluejay symbolizes energy, determination and curiosity, I’m good with that too.

Look at this plot next to mine. I need to become acquainted with this gardener’s green thumb…

This afternoon, John and I will be planting the first of our spring seeds in our garden. More to come!

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life

Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere. – Albert Einstein

Musical Pairing:

It’s a Beautiful Day, U2

Promise of Peace Community Garden, December 2013

I had a fun-filled Saturday night hanging out with a group of cool kids (and adult volunteers!) at Promise of Peace Community Garden. Grace Grits and Gardening & Great Days Farms partnered with Promise of Peace to sponsor its first Parent’s Night Out event at the Imagine Garden located at 1435 San Saba in East Dallas.

Elizabeth Dry, the tireless program coordinator, packed an impressive amount of fun and education into three hours. Before sunset, an excursion into the garden provided time to romp and run. The children sampled broccoli straight from the plant and begged for more…

How often does that happen?

The kiddos made several garden-themed craft projects including sombreros from newspapers and birdseed feeders from bread and egg. My kind of fun!

This hands-on evening was filled with purple glitter, snow glue and hot cocoa—what’s not to love?

The kids learned about garden-to-table principles while enjoying a warming pot of soup for dinner made with kale from the garden. Yum!

The night wrapped up with story about the importance of doing small acts of kindness for others.

Promise of Peace will hold this Parent’s Night Out event on the second Saturday of each month. To sign up or obtain additional information about Promise of Peace program(s), click HERE. And be sure to “like” the garden on Facebook and follow on Twitter @PromiseofPeace.

 

Promise of Peace
MISSION STATEMENT

Promise of Peace is a non profit seeking simple solutions for stagnate circumstances in our urban communities. Our presence helps to increase healthy life styles, school success, as well as positive engagement while transforming perspectives.

By providing access to horticultural and environmental education, our participants gain sense of place and respect for their community. Our new initiative, “Plant IT Forward,” a gardens path- will create gardens across Dallas, and beyond!