TAM IN THE GARDEN: Good Garden it's been a long day

Saturday, 4/21/12 was a great day to start the Hotchkiss Field Community Center's new garden located at 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA. At 9AM the sun was already beaming and kids were gathered for a baseball game on the diamond located behind the center. Dominic from Shalom Farms was already on site with materials including gloves, lumber, hammers, nails, screws and drills. Music filled the air and our small group (Kate, Emily, Kathy & Tam) was ready to work. Over the next 2 1/5 hours, four raised beds were constructed. We used shovels to remove the grass from the two smaller raised beds before filling them with compost. Chandra arrived after completing a five mile hike with her prayer group and went straight to work. She was the perfect addition to our team and helped us bring the day to a quick and successful close.

Before the baseball game started, Coach Mario came over to investigate. After a few minutes, he appeared in the garden and offered to help. We were so happy to have his assistance with grass removal!

Dominic worked hard to secure resources and funding for the garden including applying for one of the grants through Keep Virginia Beautiful's 2012 "30 grants in 30 days" program. It was great to be present when Mike from Keep Virginia Beautiful arrived to present a giant check (literally) in the amount of $750 which will be used towards growing our garden!

The next work day is on Saturday, May 5, 2012 following the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. We look forward to more citizens from the city and beyond joining us on May 5th and future workdays!