Planting Day!

Front row: Joy G, Dan B, Andy W, Dana K, Christine L, Emily S Back Row (zig zag) Toni M, Lynne B, Sherri M, Ross S, Lisa A, Erik R, Mario L,
Heidi C, Traci P, Gwen R, Jason B, Kathy L, Brandon G, Phyllis, Paul R

We had an awesome day for planting! The weather held off the rain and we were all just as eager as the person next to us to see a completed garden with plants and fencing.


The garden pre planning made everything run smoothly and the willingness of several people made it all happen. UPS sent a large team, the Master Gardeners offered their expertise and the Retail Employees worked side by side with both groups to get almost all of seeds planted, the plants from Bergmann’s Greenhouse planted, and fencing in place in just about 2 hours. This is a record for getting the garden in and planted. One we can be very proud of.

The hands of many far out perform the work of a few in half the time. We can't thank our partners enough for their hard work, willingness to work as a team and eagerness to make it all happen.  - Joy Grognet

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Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there. ~Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732

Neil Kreuger tilling for the first time for the 2013 seasonon May 15th

We have had a partnership with Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm down the road since the fall of 2009.  Neil and Deb Krueger come over and till our garden, or spread our 'fresh' delivery of manure / compost, and during the spring our employees help them trim the roots of saplings before planting, and in November, we all bundle up and help unload the semi trucks full of Christmas Trees.  Boy do we ever smell good when we get back to the office after unloading all of those trees!   Fresh Frasier Firs - and last year there were trees that smelled like tangerines!

This partnership not only builds community, it is a personalized way of doing business, encourages us to examine our values, we learn trust, and it enhances our relationships and develops friendships.

In those friendships the take away is immeasurable.

Neil and Deb - we are most grateful for your contributions to our Giving Garden!

- Joni Fletty

A Garden Sleeps...



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 On May 2nd, 2013, the snow fell yet again, and our garden sleeps.  But, we are ready for the warmer days!  The new garden plan is completed, the Jr. Master Gardening program has started some of the heirloom tomato seeds, plants are growing at Bergmann's Greenhouse, and our other seeds are ready for some warm earth to dig their roots into.

We have many new crops we are adding to the garden this year; Turnips, Rutabega, Kohlrabi, Beets, Popcorn, Edamame / Soy Beans, Celery, Leeks, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Pok Choi (large and baby size), Sweet Potatoes and Peanuts!

Our May 22nd planting day is being pushed to May 29th.  However, we know that before too long, the garden will be filled with kids, of all ages, getting dirty, learning where their food comes from, and helping out their community by donating the food this garden grows to Valley Outreach. 

The calendar on the right hand side of our blog is already filling up with all of the groups that will be coming to the garden.  You can click this calendar to view.  If you are interested in bringing out a group on an available Monday, Wedesday or Friday, please call us at 651.704.9000 ext. 1750.

It's going to be another great year!

- JFletty