17 November -- Chipman garden is thriving

Liz Warmerdam writes:

I am a new Chipman parent coming from Paden Elementary where I worked on the garden there. Together with Jill Saxty (another former Paden parent and new CHipman mom) we have been working at Chipman every Monday morning from abuot 9-11am on the edible garden and the courtyards. Come by and see the fruits of your labor.

We've been working with Kate McHenry (6th grade math and science teacher)and a few weeks ago bought the plants at Thompson's that Marla suggested (Marla also helped us install the irrigation for the beds and has given us alot of the information that was developed last spring and summer - she's been super helpful). Anyway, Kate took her science kids out to the garden last week and planted about 50 winter herbs and veggies. Jill also talked to the art teacher to see if his class would be interested in doing a mural on the wall behaind the planters and he said he would get that ball rolling.

One area that still really needs your help and support is the front. I think there was some expectation from the school community that the barren areas out front might get planted, that is beyond what two moms can take on. Marla mentioned that a design and cost estimate was done for that area. Any help there would be awesome.

That's about it - Jill and I would love to get connected with you folks and thank you for all your work so far.

NOW,THE BIG QUESTION: Who will lead the project to complete our work and develop the front garden?

Garden Status update from Cynthia and Slow Food Alameda

Cindy Boyd writes:

I just wanted to give you an update on the state of the garden at Chipman.
Here are some pictures from last weekend. [Note, you can find the photos at
http://picasaweb.google.com/elsaknits/ChipmanGarden#
In attendance last Friday were myself, Dan (my significant other), Mark
Hardwick, Rick Kellner, one Chipman mom and son (who I happened to meet in
passing last Thursday night before the Friday work event). Hopefully the
awareness of the project through the school year will create more excitement
and better turn outs for any other work days. Hopefully, most of the work
is done for us outside volunteers. For now, the job is to make sure this
project becomes part of the school curriculum. Involving the teachers and
parents is key to the garden's survival.

As you will see in the pictures, we were able to meet the new school
principal. She happened to be there preparing for the new school year.
I was able to fill her in on the history and progress of the garden thus far.

I also spoke to her about my concerns for the implementation of
the garden in the school system. At this point I haven't been contacted by
anyone about coming to a school meeting, although I have requested that
Marla Lee and I be invited to a meeting so we can give our feedback,
concerns and advice on the future of the garden. I realize it is early on
in the school year, but this is crucial for the survival and sustainability
of the garden. Can someone help me and hook me up with the right people?

Thank you all so much for your continued support. We must all be in this
together.

In Health,

Cindy Boyd, Edible Garden Committee Chair-Slow Food Alameda
www.slowfoodalameda.org

PS....If you haven't already signed up to be a member, please visit the Slow
Food Alameda website and do so now! Also, please attend the National Eat-In
Potluck this Monday (Labor Day) at Franklin Park. (visit slow food alameda
site for more information!) This is the beginning of a better future for
our future generations! Barbara, Can you get this information out to the PTA
list? I know you are busy, but it would be great to have an astounding
turnout! Happy Labor Day Everyone~

12 June -- How our garden grows

Now that the planting boxes for the edible garden are complete, it's time to prepare the planting. We hope to get this job done during the summer. We plan also to lay drip irrigation. If all goes well, Chipman Middle School students will return (or enter) the school in the Fall, to be surprised by the beginnings of their edible garden, with vegetables, fruits and herbs galore.

Our floral garden will be started this Fall as well. We decided that it will be simpler to prepare and plant this garden, which will hold a variety of beautiful plants and flowers, during the school year, when we will have plenty of helpers as well as students and teachers to make sure all goes well.

We are convinced that the two gardens will provide opportunities for students to volunteer and earn community service hours, for teachers to supplement their science classes, and for the school community to work together in a project which will beautify their school.

We're looking for additional volunteers when we next hold work days. We'll be announcing them as we get closer to organizing them.

In addition, we invite donations to cover the costs of the gardens. We thank the Chipman Middle School and Slow Food Alameda for their contributions, in money and in labor, for their work on our first Planting Day. To help us with money raising, please send your check to Chipman Middle School PTA, 401 Pacific Ave., Alameda, California 94501, and mark it Garden Fund. Be sure to include contact information so that we can send a Thank You and a receipt.

Perhaps our most challenging opportunity for volunteers right now is help with publicity, public relations and longterm planning. Even though our activities seem big to us, most people don't know about the Greening of Chipman, and we would like to change that. To join this effort, leave a comment on this blog, or email us at greenchipman@gmail.com