/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The Sweetland Community Garden in Winslow experienced a great year in 2018. From conception of the garden to its first full growing season, the group had much success. This year, the volunteers plan to continue that momentum.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Garden club representative Linda Chambers said, “We have much in store for this season. In fact, we already have some starters going in our green house and hope to get some of the cold weather plants in the ground soon.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
In addition to growing, the members of the garden plan to hold multiple workshops and events throughout the year not only to educate the public on gardening, but to recruit volunteers as well.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
First on the agenda is the Earth Week celebration, planned for Winslow the week of April 20. “We will be planting flowers in the bump outs downtown again and we will have a booth in the Route 66 Plaza with starter plants to take home.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
They are also planning a comprehensive gardening expo for June 1. Chambers said, “We are partnering, as we have been, with Navajo County Outreach to get this expo together. We will have speakers on all different aspects of gardening and workshops on things like soil and how to use herbs medicinally. The event will be all day on June 1 at the garden. Of course, as we get closer, we will put all of the information on our Facebook page.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The expo will also feature a demonstration by Turquoise Room Executive Chef John Sharpe. “John is all about sustainability. He grows a lot of what he serves in the restaurant and he has told us that he will buy what we grow as well. For the expo he is going to be giving a demonstration on his squash blossom appetizers, which are everyone’s favorite.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The Winslow Sweetland Community Garden relies on the generous donations of the public to operate. Recently, Walmart donated 3,600 seed packages to the project. “We wrote them a letter and they came through. The seeds range from herbs and flowers to vegetables, mostly vegetables,” Chambers said. “It was a very generous donation and we probably won’t have to buy seeds any time soon.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Also donated have been supplies for building the raised beds, a greenhouse, and dirt. “It really is dirt,” Garden representative Stephanie Guiterrez said, “and it has it’s place, but what we really need is soil. Because our dirt around here is lacking in nutrients, we have to mix other things in to make it good for the plants. We mix in mulch, compost and the coconut core donated by The Medicine Room. If anyone has access to actual soil, we would be very appreciative of that donation.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The garden is also looking for donations of fruit trees. Guiterrez said, “We are expanding our space, as the city has granted us the lot to the east of us, (next to) the 9/11 Remembrance Park. Our plan is to put fruit trees there. In our environment, apples and peaches grow well, as well as pears. Fruit trees are expensive though, so any donations would be great.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Volunteers are always being sought to help maintain the garden. As Chambers explained, the growth of the project is both exciting and overwhelming at times. “We have 20 planter boxes that belong to the garden, we have 20 planter boxes that are available to rent, and we are building 20 more. It is hard work but it is so rewarding. It is really fun to be out there when there is several people and you’re looking at everybody’s box and pulling weeds, it’s a nice feeling.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Both Chambers and Guiterrez talked about the benefits of gardening. Guiterrez said, “You know, it is something I have always done. I do it because it is satisfying. In the summer time I can reach outside my kitchen door and pick fresh herbs to cook with. It makes me happy.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Chambers agreed, “I grew up gardening too, even when I lived in cities, I would always have a pot of something growing. I love being outdoors in the garden. I enjoy watching the plants grow and doing the physical work. I agree with Stephanie, it is just so very rewarding.”
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The Winslow Sweetland Community Garden meets once a month at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce, located at 523 W. Second St. Their next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on April 18, the public is invited to attend. “We are always looking for new members,” Chambers said, “Or even just people that would like to learn about how to have a successful garden in Winslow.”
/wp:paragraph
