Hello! Here are CELs’ Goals for 2009.
1. Focus on creating Community Scale Edible Landscapes, aka “Garden Nodes” AND teach classes in neighborhoods so people can learn in their own contexts. We are looking to move beyond individual landscape projects. Doing this will make managing projects (less admin.) and educating gardeners more efficient. Plus, we will be able to reduce our carbon footprint (drive around less). CEL is actively looking for community partnerships, individuals to help develop this concept, and promoters to spread the gospel.
2. Trade CEL’s work —building gardens in the community– for housing. That is, in exchange for subsidized or free rent, we will build gardens for low income individuals in the name of the sponsor. For every $500 of value in rent, we’ll provide $500 in labor (which is about enough to build 1-2 basic vegetable gardens and educate those gardeners).
3. Sustainably expand the Plant Start and Perrenial Plant sales. (A) Community Supported Plant Starts Program (30-50 members committed in February). (B) Selling at 2-3 Farmers markets in Springtime. (C) Attend Tilth Sales, WSU Master Gardeners Sale and other plant/local food events
4.Increase business to sustain three or four, ¾ time worker-partners, at living wages. Build long term partnerships with people, who share CEL’s vision.
I was lucky enough to attent a Meetup in seattle where Stephanie spoke to those like-minded folks who are ready to take food back! I wanted to let you know how empowering it was for me to build my own arguments for organic gardening from the information I got there! When I got home that evening I spoke with my boyfriend and his roommates,who are lucky enough to live in a home on nearly 1/4 of an acre (i believe) and they have become as passionate about healthy eating habits as I have over the past several months. When I simply made the statement of how much money they’d save with just 2 tomato plants, they smiled and said they wouldn’t stop me from “tearin’ up a piece of the yard”! That was all that I needed; I live in a condo and am limited to container gardening, and since digging in the dirt is truly my Zen, I would prefer to propagate everything in this huge yard and then use only what i have room for. I am beyond joyful about my chance here, and I am confident for the most part about my ability to grow and coax life from soil, but I do have some questions. My first is fairly simple; is it possible for me to barter labor for advice on plotting my beds? I realise that you may not need this extra help, so I would also ask if you have ideas about where else I may volunteer my time, back, and hands. I have much to learn about organic farming, and I would prefer to learn by doing-
I must stress again how positive I am about making a difference by getting others involved with this! Are there any ideas you have about starting a community garden in my city? Do I start by going to city hall or the planners office? If you could let me in on a secret or two, I’d be very greatful.
Thank you again, and good luck!
Cortney