Slow & Steady Wins the Race - Roots of Woodville Update

Nina & Ms. Josine sharing a laugh!

So may things have happened since my last update on Roots of Woodville Community Garden.  There have been gains like the donated (yet to be assembled) shed pictured above and losses like the theft of the water tanks.   The small hands of the Woodville neighborhood's children have planted seeds and their minds have been opened to the fascinating world of fresh food.  The progress has been slow and sometimes the light has seemed dim but encouragement has come from some great moments such as the garden's successful event on Food Revolution Day (May 19th) and from the generosity of those who lend their talents and time to help this garden grow.  The garden has  also been fortunate to receive some media coverage such as this feature on Ideas Station NPR:
 http://ideastations.org/radio/archive/2012-05-21-community-gardens-take-root-in-richmond  .

I missed a few work days due to other obligations but went by the garden to water recently.  On that trip, my husband, Gene, came along to assist me.  Gene dipped water out of an old pickle barrel (filled at our house) into buckets and watering cans.  We then went through watering all of the vegetables which were still flourishing thanks to a few previous rain days I'm sure. I felt like we had made it just in time as the temperature was very hot.  Feeling satisfied with our work, we loaded our things and headed home. 

The following week, I made my way back over to the garden for our first workday of June.  Upon arrival, I found Ms. Josine and Nina (two of the garden's founders),  sitting on the donated shed chatting away.   As I approached, I thought to myself that moments like this were what the garden was really all about.  You know, the sense of community that comes from sharing, whether it be memories, experiences, laughter or wisdom.   It's amazing what happens when  a single thread of commonality stitches people together; lives are improved through the human connection and inspired by the possibilities!

The men didn't make it over to the garden that day (at least not before we left) so the shed would have to remain a pile of wood and worn shingles for a bit longer.  On my way to the car, I snapped pictures of the garden's progress which was significant since my last visit.  I saw okra growing for the first time in my life, the lettuce leaves were a beautiful shade of light green trimmed in purple, the peas were ready to split their seams and tiny tomatoes were hiding between dark green leaves.  It was a beautiful thing and I felt so proud of what the community and some very faithful volunteers had already accomplished.  The road has been traveled slowly but we truly are winning.

Just as I was heading to my car, I remembered the daisies that I donated a few months back and stopped to check on their progress.  It was such a great feeling to see that they were thriving and to know that passersby will soon be greeted by their soft white petals and golden centers; a perfect welcome to a perfect garden.