Marin Open Garden Project, a Sponsored Project of MarinLink

2012-01-28T10:14:00.001-08:00

Join the beginnings of a movement to start a community garden in the San Geronimo Valley.

Contact Liz Lauter for information at lizlauter@hotmail.com.

Potential Community Garden in Lucas Valley Needs You!

2012-01-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

Volunteers have made significant strides to making a community garden happen in Lucas Valley but more volunteers are needed to organize and implement the project. Contact John at tonysboy2@gmail.com for more info.

Free Apple Trees for Community and School Gardens!

2012-01-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

Special opportunity to acquire free heirloom apple tree seedlings for school and community gardens. Contact Kathryn at kaquanbeck@gmail.com ASAP.

Grow Art & Garden Center - A Great New Addition to Mill Valley!

2012-01-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

Have you driven by Proof Lab lately and wondered why the corner there looks a little greener? That's because the surf shop's owners and others have come together to create a little piece of sustainability on what just a few months ago was an empty lot.

They're offering classes in everything from raising chickens and honeybees to pottery and other arts. Check out what's happening here. MOGP veggie exchange attendees Daisy Carlson and Gordon Edwards are selling veggie starts there as part of their work with Root for Peace. Grow has also hosted a farmers market and pumpkin patch! And we've noticed too that Proof Lab has been offering some interesting events lately including showing eco-oriented documentaries.

We've discussed starting a weekly veggie exchange there with Proof Lab owner Will Hutchinson and he's all for it . . . we just need a couple dedicated volunteers to host it at the time of their choosing starting in May or June. What a great place to hang out for an hour on a Saturday morning . . . let us know if you can help!

Happy Holidays to the Bees!

2011-12-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

Many of us are burning beeswax this time of year in the form of beautiful holiday candles. I like to think of them as stored sunlight and flowers during these dark, short, mostly flowerless days of late fall and early winter. As we reflect on what we are grateful for in our lives, surely bees must make the list, for without them we would not have most of our delicious fruits and vegetables.

I just finished reading Judith Adamson's book, Backyard Beekeepers of the Bay Area, published this year. I recommend this book to you wholeheartedly as it was impossible to put down, filled as it is with the first person adventures of beekeepers right here in our midst, from the capture of Bill Hoskins' first swarm (hilarious) to Michael Thiele's description of the Golden Hive (comb hangs naturally and looks like human lungs), to the inspiring story of SFSU Professor Gretchen LeBuhn's Great Sunflower Project (can't wait to plant the Lemon Queen sunflower this spring!). Pick up a copy, it's the perfect gift for the gardener in your life or for yourself . . . you won't regret it! I called over to Book Passage and they have a copy waiting for you!

Persimmons!

2011-12-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

Bumper Crop this year! Let us know if you can help harvest by emailing contact@opengardenproject.org. Amazing volunteers Bilkis and Abby have already harvested more than 100 pounds of Fuyus and Hachiyas. Thank you!

Marin Open Garden Project on Mill Valley Life

2011-10-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Mill Valley Life? It's a great blog written and edited by Liz Greer detailing the goings on in Mill Valley. She recently visited the Mill Valley community harvest exchange at Boyle Park and wrote a piece on the Marin Open Garden Project. Check it out here: http://www.millvalleylife.com/2011/10/know-thy-food-part-2-feed-your-inner-farmer-with-weekly-mill-valley-produce-exchange.html

Garden this Winter!

2011-10-13T09:36:00.001-07:00

No space to garden? Check out our list of garden space opportunities - your neighbors want you to grow your own food. Try Lauren Klein in Mill Valley at lauren@igc.org or one of the others listed under the heading "Gardener Networking: Gardeners Looking for Land, Offering Land & Community Garden Advocates" below.

Community Garden in Sausalito?

2011-09-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Sausalito Community Gardens writes:

First, a big Thank You for your interest in the Friends of Sausalito Community Gardens; we know some of you expressed interest and support quite a while ago. We're still hard at work, and with your help we will make community gardens a reality in Sausalito.

Upcoming Meeting
We want to let you know about our upcoming public meeting. It's this Tuesday September 20th at 6:30pm in the Edgewater Room, located in the downstairs portion of Sausalito City Hall. We'd love to see you there and please bring your friends and neighbors! At this meeting we will:

-Provide a report on our process with the city.
-Present three sites for smaller community gardens in Sausalito. We would love your feedback about which site you are most interested in.
-Discuss opportunities for active engagement in the community garden organizing effort. We are looking for new members to join our steering committee and residents who are interested in gardening at one of the three sites. We also need volunteers to help with site design and analysis before we break ground.

Can't make the meeting and want to get involved? Please reply to this email so we can keep you in the loop. We will be meeting again next month on October 18th at the same time and location. There are opportunities to volunteer with FSCG at all levels and we look forward to telling you more!

A Brief Update
As of now, we have been asked by the City Manager and other key city officials to submit several options for smaller garden sites, including a portion of the site approved by the Parks & Recreation Commission in MLK Fields (which we remain convinced is the best site in town). In the coming months we will present a smaller plan for MLK and two additional sites to Parks & Rec and then City Council. We want to break ground at one of the three sites as soon as possible. These smaller gardens will provide tangible demonstrations of the benefit of gardening together, and act as models for a larger garden in the future.

We still have work ahead of us to gain City Council approval and establish community gardens in Sausalito. FSCG is dedicated to participating in the city process until there are enough spaces in Sausalito for every interested resident to grow their own fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs. We know there is strong and continuing interest in the project because we hear from enthusiastic residents all the time. Those of us working on the proposed garden remain committed to the cause and could really use energy from all of you to help keep the momentum going! Meeting agenda coming soon. Hope to see you next week!

Sincerely,

Friends of the Sausalito Community Gardens

Community Garden in Corte Madera?

2011-09-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Get on board with plans for a Community Garden in Corte Madera . . . Mary Warner writes:

Hello Supporters and Interested Persons of Corte Madera Community Gardens.

We might be in "Limbo", but we are still actively working to start a Community Garden in Corte Madera. The question is: Where???

Our original site at the Town Park has the enthusiastic support of the Superintendent of Larkspur-Corte Madera Schools to provide an educational opportunity for the local students. That land is not ear-marked for school expansion.

We are holding an informational session to discuss various locations and elements of the proposal. See the attachment for the three Locations and Designs.

September 19, Monday, 6:30pm
Pacific Catch Patio
Hosted by Patch.com

Corte Madera Residents only please

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/ or info@cortemaderacommunitygardens.org

Many thanks from the Board of Corte Madera Community Gardens. We hope to see you there and share ideas. And then we'll bring them to the Town Council.

Happy National Gleaning Day 2011!

2011-09-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Happy National Gleaning Day 2011! In honor of this day, MOGP recognizes the continuing contribution of both our wonderful fruit donors and dedicated gleaners:

Donors: Alex Godbe, Alexis Distad, Amber Lopata, Amy Fogliani, Barbara Young, Beverly Rodgers, Bill Mayer, Bob Harlow, Brett Merner, Carol Davis, Cassandra Andrean, Cathy Rosekrans, Cheryl Branden, Christine McHugh, Claire Payne, Court Wiedenmayer, Dale Hillard, Danielle Addleman, Danielle McKartan, Diana Williams, DJ Van Gelder, Elena Bales, Ellen Burns, Erin Chamberlin, Estelle Jensen, Frances Kelly, Fred Sweger, Gail David-Tellis, Gwen Day, Heidi Suchard, Helen Silvani, Janet Upham, Jennifer Steele, Jessica Rollins, Jessica Taul, Joe McNamee, Joel Hodge, Judd Williams, Judy Rodgers, Kate Powers, Kira Burrows, Laura Schepps, Lauren Klein, Libby Hatfield, Linda Munoz, Lisa Mantua, Lisa Westin, Liz Levison, Loryn Sweet-Winer, Margaret M. Farley, Marie Kerpan, Marjie Shank, McCoy Dodsworth, Megan Schiller, Meredith Bruce, Myriam Kaplan-Pasternak, Natalie Bitton, Nickie Flynn, Nina Patterson, Park School, Patricia Bruvry, Patrick Ehhalt, Paula Jaffe, Peggy Merner, Peter Goldmacher, Ron Young, Sandy Rolen, Shane Valentine, Sharon Faccinto, Stephanie Cesko, Steve Bamm, Susan Bradford, Susan Burnett, Susan Press, Susan Schilling, Susan Schow, Suzan Dexter, Tanya Myers, Tenley Harrison, Terry Jones, Tim Heiman, Tom McAuliffe, Tracy Haughton, Veronica Kleinberg, Vicki Scott, and Windy Linden.

Gleaners: Abby Minot, Adam Blum, Andrea Taylor, Anita Fieldman, Ann Brown, Anu Vaughn, Barbara Strader, Bilkis Bharucha, Carolin Thurm, Carrie Sherriff, Cary Dakin, Cheryl Williams, Christopher Wand, Dan Sonnet, Danielle Franzini, Denise Wear, Devon Paoli, Elaine Vaughn, Elizabeth Gravely, Esther Cherk, Eugenie Yaryan, Eva Karlen, Flinn Rauck, Frances Swanson, Gia de la Renta, Gina Neri, Ginger Falla, Giovanni de la Renta, Gisela Le Maitre, Gisela Leuchter, Heidi Darling, Hilary Crawford, Hilary Jeffris, Isis Fernandez, Jack Kaplan, Jake Voit, Janice Sandeen, Jeff Billings, Jim Sweeney, Jo Einsiedel, Joanne Harwood, JoJo Wear, Jonathan Jacobs, Joshua Boylan, Julie Vogt, Kaori "Vedi" Ikezoe, Kat Kenyon, Kathy Malaney, Kevin Templeton, Kristan Diefenbach, Kristina Scott, Laura Nelson, Laura Schepps, Laurey Greider, Lelani Prevost, Libby Frankcom, Lisa Levin, Lisa McGrath, Lue Ann Tikker, Lynette Daudt, Lynn Relfe, Marilena Silbey, Marilyn duBois, Marybeth Kampman, May Lee, Meredith Grey, Mia Andler, Molly de Vries, Natalie Franzini, Noelle Marquis, Pam Kaplan, Patricia Wiig, Peta Poole, Rachael Vaughan, Ravi Prevost, RD, Renee Loren, Ritika Grewal, Ruthann Solely, Sarah Rose, Sarah Wilds, Scott White, Shannon Wells, Shanon Dean, Shawn Marshall, Shelly Saylor, Simonetta de la Renta, Susie Woodrum, Suzan Hampton, Suzy Carroll, Tim Jergensen, Tim Magee, Tobias Bodine, Todd Greenberg, Valentina de la Renta, and Wendy Lee.

THANK YOU! Together we have donated 1000s of pounds of fruit and vegetables to organizations serving people in need in Marin County over the past 3 years.

New Community Garden in San Geronimo?

2011-08-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

San Geronimo Golf Course is donating the land if the community comes together with a fence and irrigation! Bravo! Contact Jennifer Kim (415) 488-4030 x223 if you want to find out more.

More Harvests Underway!

2011-08-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

We've had a record number of harvests this season, plums, pears, apples, tangerines, tangelos, oranges, you name it. Have a tree full of fruit you don't want to go to waste? Interested in harvesting for people in need? Contact us at harvest@opengardenproject.org.

Thank you to recent donors Claire Payne, Judd Williams, Heidi Suchard, Gail David-Tellis, Tenley Harrison, Elena Bales and others for your generosity and to all of our wonderful gleaners, including Tobias Bodine, Carolin Thurm, Tim Magee, Bilkis Bharucha, Sarah Wilds, Marilena Silbey and others for your hard work!

Nutritionist Mandy Murphy of the Marin County Women Infants & Children Program (WIC) wrote in a couple of days ago: "Thanks for the special delivery today! What a treat for all of our participants. We are thrilled."

Veggie Exchanges this Saturday!

2011-08-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Bring your excess fruit and veggies to exchange with other gardeners this weekend at one of the exchanges sponsored by the Marin Open Garden Project:

Mill Valley: Boyle Park, 11 East Drive, 9:30-10:30 AM

Mill Valley: Homestead Valley/Volunteer Park, Evergreen & Melrose, 10-11 AM

San Anselmo: Town Hall Lawn, 525 San Anselmo Avenue, 9-10 AM

(in collaboration with Sustainable San Anselmo)

San Rafael: Sun Valley Park, K St. between California & Solano, 9:30-10:30 AM

Novato: Novato Unified School District Lawn, 1015 7th Street, 9-10 AM

Marinwood: Marinwood Community Farmers Market, Marinwood & Miller Creek, 1:00-2:00 PM

Special this week . . . plant donations from Sloat Garden Center Miller Avenue, Green Jeans Garden Supply Mill Valley & Sunnyside Nursery San Anselmo!

Community Garden in Corte Madera?

2011-08-06T14:46:00.001-07:00

Mary Warner of the Board of the Corte Madera Community Gardens sent us an update. Cut and paste the end section and email to info@cortemaderacommunitygardens.org if you are interested in this project.

We need your input. As you know a small group of residents started a committee a year and a half ago, January 2010, to start a community garden in the Town Park.* The rationale was to make good use of the weedy patch adjacent to Twin Cities Daycare Center and the sewage pond. The small area has been left fallow for the geese and ducks to nest. Our committee thinks the site desirable for a community garden as it would provide visibility for students, parents and residents to learn about growing vegetables and flowers in raised beds while fostering the sense of community bringing people together and beautifying the area.

We first presented this concept to the Town Council last October. With their blessings we continued developing the Design, Policies and Budget. We were asked to release the Town of liability and so started a 501c3 non-profit organization. The proposed Design allows for 50-60 plots and meets ADA guidelines.

Objections began at a Design meeting last March. Subsequently the Park and Rec Commission rejected the Town Park site and deferred the decision to the Town Council.

We are now being asked to instead consider the Porter Cooley* site adjacent to the bike path that ends at Tamal Vista. There are some advantages to this large, sunny site. And there are also disadvantages.

An additional consideration is on the east side of Corte Madera along San Clemente Drive. *It is also a large, sunny spot.

The biggest obstacle to these sites is that we have no volunteers living near the locations. New committees would need to be formed for each location.

It was always our intent to develop more gardens once the committee’s first effort started successfully in the Town Park. Mill Valley’s community garden has been so successful they are starting their second one.

Are you interested in continuing the efforts, or do you have friends in these neighborhoods? Please forward this to them.

Let us know if you would sign up for a plot at:

Porter Cooley Site: Yes_____and I can help by________________________________No_______

San Clemente Drive: Yes_____and I can help by________________________________No_______

Town Park Site: Yes_____and I can help by________________________________No_______

I am not a resident but can help in the following way: ______________________________________

Other thoughts???_________________________________________________________________________

Reply to: info@cortemaderacommunitygardens.org

The Board of Corte Madera Community Gardens

*See the attachments for the location and proposed designs of all three sites.

www.cortemaderacommunitygardens.org

MEYER LEMONS!

2011-07-30T21:53:00.001-07:00

If you have too many Meyer Lemons, the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley could use them for an upcoming workshop. Contact us at contact@opengardenproject.org if you have some to donate. Thanks!

TOMATOES!

2011-07-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

I was out and about visiting several gardens this week and noticed . . . drum roll . . . RED TOMATOES! If you are like me and your vines are covered with green tomatoes, come down to one of the exchanges this weekend and trade your other veggies, fruits, eggs, etc. for some red tomatoes! I bet there will be a few!

San Anselmo/Fairfax (San Anselmo Town Hall Lawn): 9 - 10 AM
Novato (School District Lawn at 7th & Grant): 9 - 10 AM
Mill Valley (Boyle Park): 9:30 - 10:30 AM
Mill Valley/Homestead Valley (Volunteer Park at Melrose & Evergreen) 10 - 11 AM
San Rafael (Sun Valley Park) 9:30-10:30 AM
NEW! Marinwood 1-2 PM
(Marinwood Community Farmers Market at Marinwood & Miller Creek)

SAVE THE DATE! Canning Workshop to Be Held August 20th

2011-07-24T07:41:00.001-07:00

Transition Mill Valley and the Marin Open Garden Project are pleased to present a SUMMER CANNING WORKSHOP!

THE “JUICY JOY” CANNING WORKSHOP

Come spend an afternoon learning and remembering the art of canning. A canning workshop where we will can tomatoes and some other precious gift of the season. Arrive with a desire to learn and leave with a jar of something yummy we canned together.

Come on, you know you want to!!

Presented by : Renee Avalos

When: Saturday August 20^th, 1-4pm in Mill Valley

Why: For the joy of reconnecting to the craft of preservation through canning. Or more simply put .. to save all your juicy joys of summer. Yum!

Cost: $15 per person, but no one turned away. Costs cover material

Class size limited to 12. First come first served. Please email to RSVP:

reneeavalos@gmail.com

PLUMS PLUMS PLUMS

2011-07-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

. . . are everywhere! Wondering what to do with them? San Anselmo Garden Exchange attendee Shae Irving has some ideas . . . check out her delicious plum recipes here.

Veggies Exchanges This Saturday!

2011-07-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Bring the excess from your garden to share with other gardeners this Saturday!

San Anselmo/Fairfax (San Anselmo Town Hall Lawn): 9 - 10 AM
Novato (School District Lawn at 7th & Grant): 9 - 10 AM
Mill Valley (Boyle Park): 9:30 - 10:30 AM
Mill Valley/Homestead Valley (Volunteer Park at Melrose & Evergreen) 10 - 11 AM
San Rafael (Sun Valley Park) 9:30-10:30 AM
NEW! Marinwood 1-2 PM (no meeting this week - July 23rd)
(Marinwood Community Farmers Market at Marinwood & Miller Creek)

Out with the Front Lawn! In with an edible Garden!

2011-07-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Great article from the Chronicle here

Thank you David & Sheila and all of our Volunteers!

2011-07-10T11:20:00.001-07:00

Bravo to David Fox & Sheila Mutter, leaders of the San Anselmo harvest exchange, along with all of MOGP's dedicated volunteers! David & Sheila will be receiving the Unsung Heroes Award from the Town of San Anselmo's Quialify of LIfe Commission this Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 7PM. Thank you for your dedication to the Project! Read more about the award here.

Now in Marinwood!

2011-07-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to David Hyer for volunteering to host our newest exchange at the Marinwood Community Farmers Market. Starting next Saturday, July 16, 2011, bring your extra veggies, fruit, eggs, etc. to the market and meet and share with your neighbors from 12 to 1 PM. More exchange hosts are needed, so let us know if you can partner up with David through this season.

Fast Food!

2011-07-02T19:27:00.001-07:00

Want to help build a raised bed and learn how to install drip irrigation? I was so fortunate to be at the Mill Valley exchange last week when the owner of our latest MicroGarden installation showed up with an abundant harvest of lettuces and herbs. Time to harvest: 6 weeks!

Gleaning Season Has Begun Again!

2011-07-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Abby Minot for completing our first harvest of 50 pounds of lemons in Mill Valley. More harvests are coming in every day. If you want to be on our team of harvesters, please drop us an email at contact@opengardenproject.org. All harvests are scheduled at the convenience of the volunteer harvester and tree owner. Your reward: knowing that you helped feed people in need and also a family-sized portion of the harvest to take home.

Opening Day Saturday, June 18th!

2011-06-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Third Season of Backyard Garden Bounty Exchanges in Mill Valley, San Rafael, San Anselmo & Novato . . .

Mill Valley Garden Bounty Exchange, Boyle Park, Near Playground, Every Saturday 9-10 AM

Mill Valley Garden Bounty Exchange, Volunteer Park, Melrose & Evergreen - Every Saturday 10-11 AM

Novato Garden Bounty Exchange, Novato Unified School District Lawn next to Stafford Grove Park at 7th and Grant, Every Saturday 9-10 AM

San Anselmo/Fairfax Garden Bounty Exchage Town Hall Lawn, Every Saturday 9-10 AM

and starting JUNE 25, 2011,

San Rafael Sun Valley Neighborhood Garden Bounty Exchange, Sun Valley Park - Every Saturday 930-1030 AM.

Want to Garden in Greenbrae?

2011-06-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Susan writes,

"I know a lady in Greenbrae who's just put in 2 10 ft X 4 ft raised bed gardens with all new soil and drip, and wants someone to grow in one of them and share with her."

Contact us at contact@opengardenproject.org and we'll connect you!

Want to garden in Novato?

2011-06-02T18:45:00.001-07:00

John Mason of Novato writes . . .

I have a level irrigated plot, all organic soil, available for planting near Black Point

A well with good clean water provides the irrigation. It is about 50 feet by 120 feet. It is fenced and very accessible. I have tools that a person could use.

Contact us at contact@opengardenproject.org for more info.

Live in West Marin or know someone who does?

2011-06-01T20:03:00.001-07:00

There is an available plot in the Community garden in Point Reyes Station next to Toby's.

It's not too late to start gardening.
$50.00 for the year.

Great group of fellow gardeners. Potlucks in the garden after the 2 or 3 'workdays' when we work together on the communal spaces.

Email Susanna for details.

Susanna Henderson sanohend@horizoncable.com

Seeds!

2011-06-01T19:59:00.001-07:00

Just across the MOGP desk . . . .

LARNER SEEDS SUMMER OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, June 4, 12:00 to 4:00 pm

235 Grove Road between Elm & Alder

Bolinas

Once in awhile a drive is in order . . . Check it out!

Pat's MicroGarden in Corte Madera is Looking Good!

2011-05-28T18:16:00.001-07:00

Pat recently had a MicroGarden installed and sent us an update! She made a custom netting to keep the deer from eating her crops.

Third Season of Veggie Exchanges to Start Saturday, June 18th

2011-05-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Plan to attend one of the following WEEKLY events . . . Saturdays 9-10 AM

Mill Valley/Marin City/Tiburon/Belvedere/Sausalito Garden Bounty Exchange, Boyle Park, Near Playground

Novato Garden Bounty Exchange, Novato Unified School District Lawn next to Stafford Grove Park at 7th and Grant

San Rafael Sun Valley Neighborhood Garden Bounty Exchange, Sun Valley Park

San Anselmo/Fairfax Garden Bounty Exchange, SAN ANSELMO Town Hall Lawn (in collaboration with Sustainable San Anselmo

Fresh veggies, fruit, flowers, seeds, seedlings, eggs, herbs, baked goods, gardening advice, and conversation etc. all welcome!

Another New MicroGarden Installed!

2011-05-14T13:32:00.001-07:00

Thank you to MOGP volunteers Barbara, Bilkis & Sarah Rose for building the beginnings of a wonderful garden in Corte Madera. Bravo!

Tomatoes!

2011-05-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Cornerstone Sonoma (1/2 hour from Larkspur) has 15-20 flats of various heirloom tomato plants left over from their Tomatomania event a few weeks ago. They're giving these away to worthy gardens. The starts are good-sized, about 1' tall, in excellent health, and are organically grown, though not certified. Lots of fun, hard-to-find heirlooms.

Interested parties can call the Garden Manager, Dawn, at 707-291-3658, to arrange pickup.

Outdoor Art Club Presentation Next Week!

2011-04-27T11:31:00.001-07:00

Join us for a presentation on May 5th at 7PM the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley about the Marin Open Garden Project - find out how you can be a part of our work!

Calling all Mill Valley Gardeners!

2011-04-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

Mill Valley . . . let's reduce that waiting list at the Mill Valley Community Garden by encouraging the City Council to approve the new community garden annex planned for the Public Safety Building property at the City Council meeting to be held at 7:30 PM on Monday, May 2nd!

Community Garden in the Works for Corte Madera

2011-04-22T00:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Corte Madera! Get involved in the effort to create a community garden in your town. The Town Council will consider the issue on Monday, April 25th, at 7pm @ Corte Madera Town Hall, 300 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925. More information here.

MicroGarden Building Demo at the Marin Home & Garden Expo

2011-04-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for June 4th at 1PM - great events all weekend. More info here!

Marin Community Garden Summit

2011-04-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Put the first Marin Community Garden Summit on your calendar - April 29th!

New MicroGarden Installed in Mill Valley

2011-04-02T16:40:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Jill and Renee, another Mill Valley resident is growing her own food! To volunteer as part of our MicroGarden Installation crew, send an email to contact@opengardenproject.org.

Fibershed!

2011-03-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

We like local food around here, but what about locally grown clothes . . . Check out the Fibershed, the establishment of a local mill for organically grown cotton and wool. Attend a benefit and find out more on May 1st . . Click here for more info.

UC Extension Marin to Host the First Community Garden Summit on April 29th

2011-03-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

All invited! More information here!

Gardening Space Available in Mill Valley

2011-03-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Lauren Klein wrote today to let us know that her Neighborhood Community Garden is taking new gardeners — she has 6, soon to be 8 plots available now at 338 Lovell Ave in Mill Valley. Contact Lauren for more info at lauren@igc.org!

Oranges to the Ritter Center!

2011-03-04T20:05:00.001-08:00

10 pounds of fresh Mill Valley grown oranges to the Ritter Center courtesy of backyard grower Tracy Haughton and harvester Jonathan Jacobs - Thanks!

Introduction to Home Organic Gardening Class offered soon

2011-01-27T16:01:00.001-08:00

More info at www.marinorganic.org
Three Consecutive Saturdays:
February 19th, February 26th and March 5th
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
College of Marin
Cost: $150
Sponsored by Marin Organic, the Marin Master Gardeners and Conservation Corps - North Bay, this class is taught by organic gardening experts excited to share their knowledge and expertise.
For additional information about the class please call (415) 209-0550.

Planned Community Gardens for Mill Valley, Sausalito Get Go Aheads from Parks Commissions

2011-01-25T02:07:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out Your Garden Show?

2011-01-10T17:50:00.001-08:00

Fairfax's own Stacie Shepp is involved in a wonderful project to bring gardeners together called Your Garden Show - more at http://www.yourgardenshow.com.

Right now they are having a Top Glogger Contest! (A Glog is a log describing your garden). Details at http://blog.yourgardenshow.com/contest/

Why not create a Glog for your garden?

Support the New Community Garden Annex in Mill Valley!

2011-01-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting to Offer Your Support!

Date: 1/12/2011 7:30 PM

Location: City Council Chambers
26 Corte Madera Ave.
Mill Valley, California 94941

Check out EFM! www.marinefm.org

2011-01-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

Marin Food System Assessment Project

2010-12-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

Take note of this important new project in its beginning stages . . . http://marinfoodsystem.wordpress.com/

MOGP is now a Sponsored Project of MarinLink!

2010-12-22T14:47:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that the Marin Open Garden Project now has 501(c)(3) non-profit status as a Sponsored Project of MarinLink. Thank you Nancy Boyce and Mary O'Mara at MarinLink! To find out more about MarinLink and its other sponsored projects, click here.

Homegrown Eggs in 2011!

2010-12-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

We added two new chickens to our egg-laying flock yesterday. Longtime MOGP volunteer Sheila Mutter has a few more teenagers ready to go in San Anselmo - Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks and Black Australorps. Send her an email at smutter226@gmail.com.

Marin Open Garden Project in the SF Chronicle on our growing Tool Lending Library!

2010-12-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Food Waste Available for Compost in San Rafael

2010-11-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

We received a message from Aggie who wrote:

"I volunteer at an organic vegetarian cafe in San Rafael and there is a significant amount of organic vegetable peelings/scraps that go unused. I would love to find someone who can benefit from these in a local community garden."

Contact Aggie at 650.380.6474 or abl1005@yahoo.com

MicroGarden Installed in Mill Valley!

2010-11-08T20:50:00.001-08:00

Despite the rain, we were able to install a beautiful new four foot square MicroGarden for Melina in Mill Valley today. She opted for the irrigation option and in less than 2 hours her garden was ready to be planted. Take a look!

Introducing the Marin Open Garden Project's beautiful new logo

2010-11-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

Designed by Mill Valley's own Gilda Harger of G elements. Give her a shout for excellent graphic design work . . . 415.254.2033 or gildago@earthlink.net & www.creativehotlist.com/g-harger.

Thank you Gilda!

Another Wonderful Veggie Exchange Season!

2010-10-30T22:22:00.001-07:00

What a great second season of exchanges! Mill Valley continued to grow and San Anselmo enjoyed a great new location on the lawn at Town Hall. Sun Valley has its loyal supporters and Fairfax had a new home at Sustainable Fairfax. All of the exchanges have now closed for the season. Novato did a great job establishing its presence on the Novato School District property. Thank you to all who participated for helping our communities share the wealth of locally grown food!

San Anselmo Exchange Ends on a Tasty Note

2010-10-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to hang with dedicated volunteers Sheila Mutter and David Fox at last Saturday's finale to a successful season of veggie exchanges on the Town Hall lawn in San Anselmo. Everyone brought a tasty treat made from the bounty of their garden . . . Sheila's quiche, Steve's apple and pear sauces, Joanne's eggs and much more. Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this year's exchanges - Sheila and David, thanks for another great year! Thanks to Annie Fox too for the amazing photos of this year's meetings.

Exchanges Winding Down for Season . . . But Still Time to Taste the Bounty of 2010!

2010-10-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

The Mill Valley and San Rafael exchanges are still going strong with their last meetings of the season planned for October 30, 2010. And check out Novato's exchange, meetings planned to continue indefinitely with a potluck planned for this Saturday, October 16th at from 12-3 PM. Laura Schepps & Gisela LeMaitre, volunteer exchange leaders write,

"At the party we also will talk about the fall/winter schedule, since there are people who want to go on with the exchange.
We are just having toooo muuuuch fun with it!!!"

Hens!

2010-10-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

Longtime Marin Open Garden Project/Sustainable San Anselmo volunteer Sheila Mutter is putting in an order for some chicks. There will be a few extra if you want to expand your flock or start getting in on the fresh eggs!

As of now the following breeds are available:
4 Araucanas
4 Rhode Island Reds
2 Barred Rocks
2 Black Australorps

The price will be $4 each and includes vaccination for Marek's disease. The chickens will arrive the week of October 25th and she would like to have them all placed by the following Sunday - Oct 31st.

Contact me at julie@opengardenproject.org for Sheila's contact info.

Sausalito School Needs You

2010-10-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Volunteers needed weekdays M-Th from 11-12 and Fridays from 1-3 PM at an elementary school in Sausalito.
Please contact Susan at 415-897-3883 for more information. Thank you!

Fairfax Exchange Ending This Weekend

2010-10-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Catch the last week of the Fairfax exchange until next spring from 3 to 4 PM on Saturday, Oct. 9!

San Anselmo Exchange Season-Ending Potluck this Saturday, Oct. 9!

2010-10-06T20:33:00.001-07:00

This Saturday, 10/9, our final event of the season. A combination Garden Exchange and pot luck breakfast. New time for this event only, 9:30-10:30 am (so we all get an extra 1/2 hour to make something to bring!). Bonus points if you bring something made from your garden produce (or produce from last week's exchange). Last year people brought muffins, cakes, quiches, hot tea/chocolate, apple sauce, pear tart. It was a fabulous feast! Even if your garden's finished producing, please come and bring your favorite dish to share! See you at Town Hall!

VEGGIE EXCHANGES THIS WEEKEND!

2010-09-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Too many tomatoes or squash? Try exchanging them at one of the Marin Open Garden Project's exchanges this Saturday. Mill Valley: 9 AM, Boyle Park; San Rafael: 9:30 AM, Sun Valley Park; San Anselmo, 9 AM, Town Hall Lawn; Novato: Sat, 9 AM, Novato Unif Sch. Dist Lawn and Fairfax at Sustainable Fairfax on Bolinas Road from 3 to 4 PM.

Don't Miss Out - Attend a Veggie Exchange This Saturday!

2010-09-10T08:17:00.001-07:00

Many of the exchanges will be wrapping up at the end of October - don't miss out on the fun!

Bring Your Extra Veggies, Seeds, Starts, and more to the Garden Exchanges Saturday!! Mill Valley: 9 AM, Boyle Park; San Rafael: 9:30 AM, Sun Valley Park; San Anselmo, 9 AM, Town Hall Lawn; Novato: Sat, 9 AM, Novato Unif Sch. Dist Lawn and Fairfax at Sustainable Fairfax on Bolinas Road from 3 to 4 PM.

See you at the Exchanges This Weekend!

2010-08-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Bring Your Extra Veggies, Seeds, Starts, and more to the Garden Exchanges Saturday!! Mill Valley: 9 AM, Boyle Park; San Rafael: 9:30 AM, Sun Valley Park; San Anselmo, 9 AM, Town Hall Lawn; Novato: Sat, 9 AM, Novato Unif Sch. Dist Lawn and Fairfax at Sustainable Fairfax on Bolinas Road from 3 to 4 PM.

Tam Houses in San Anselmo Needs Help!

2010-08-20T19:58:00.001-07:00

Chris Highland, the new manager of the Tam Houses in San Anselmo wrote to whether any gardeners would be willing to work with a couple of our senior residents to prepare several existing raised boxed areas by both our houses and plant some veggies?

If you can help, please contact Chris at 457-5633 or rveha@comcast.net.

Thanks!

Exchanges This Weekend!

2010-08-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Check New Locally-Created Site for Gardens "Your Garden Show"

2010-08-15T20:47:00.001-07:00

Stacie Shepp of Fairfax writes . . .

YourGardenShow.com is an interactive online experience where gardeners of all levels can share videos, photos, ideas and inspiration, YourGardenShow.com brings gardeners together in a rewarding, fun way. Non-gardeners and novice gardeners can also join and find inspiration and get advice from expert gardeners.

* Join the Community to Share Photos and Videos
* Learn about Plants that match Your Growing Conditions
* Get more information to write a blog post
* Check out this video of recent news coverage on CBS.

YourGardenShow.com features an expansive 6,000 vegetable database developed by Cornell University (778 varieties of tomatoes!) and a 5,900 ornamental database powered by Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S.A. Uniting the 25,000 square miles of America’s gardens and beyond, YourGardenShow.com encourages passionate gardeners to "show and tell.” Maintaining local roots in California, Iowa, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy, the YourGardenShow.com team includes "Groundskeeper" Mark Kane, the former Executive Garden Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

"Creating a resource and network of global 'neighbors' trading tips and spreading green thumb wisdom is a fantastic tool for the growing worldwide gardening community," says Mark.

"Gardeners visit over the virtual garden gate -- with one click of a finger you can be transported from an Italian Grand Garden to a vertical window garden in downtown New York -- everyone's got something to share," say husband and wife co-founders Tom Finerty (Emmy-Award winning producer) and Lisa Marini (Master Gardener).

YourGardenShow.com was developed by Pivotal Labs (Twitter) and designed by Hot Studio (Ancestry) in San Francisco. Earthsite.net is in charge of Online Marketing and Social Media.

Please pass this on to anyone else you think may be interested in sharing their garden.

For more information:
Contact Stacie at stacie@yourgardenshow.com
Blog
Press Page

MOGP at the Sustainable Fairfax & Permaculture Marin Summer Film Fest

2010-08-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Please consider attending the following event . . . MOGP co-Founder Julie Hanft and others have been invited to discuss community gardening . . .

Summer Sustainable Film Fest Continues

When: Thursday, August 19, 2010
Where: Drake High School Little Theater
Time: Film STARTS promptly at 7pm
Cost: $10 requested donation

Film: A Lot in Common--Meet your extraordinary neighbors: Ruthe the psychic, Roosevelt the grandpa, Joan the single mom, Karl the community organizer. Witness them take over an abandoned lot in Berkeley, California, and transform it over a five-year period into a disarmingly beautiful community garden and commons area, a vibrant space alive with kids, neighborhood events, lush planting beds, eco-friendly demonstration projects and stunning public art. See how through the process these diverse characters discover that they really do have A Lot in Common.

The Film-maker will be present for Q & A following the film!!!

Speakers: Julie Hanft, Marin Open Garden Project & Mark Baurmeister will be there to answers questions regarding community gardens in Marin.

For more information on all our events visit: www.sustainablefairfax.org

New Community Garden at Pickleweed Park Needs Help!

2010-08-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

At the new community garden at Pickleweed Park the organizers are looking to have a worm bin demonstration and as of yet they do not have a volunteer to show visitors how to do this. Is there a worm bin enthusiast out there who would like to participate on August 14th from 9-12PM? Contact Karen Holleran at bugsandbeetles@gmail.com for more information.

The Cesar Chavez Peace Garden in San Rafael Needs You!

2010-08-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Work with the North Bay Conservation Corps on Friday, August 13, 9-12PM to help get the Cesar Chavez Peace Garden in shape for the Canal Garden Tour. Plans are to weed, prepare beds for late summer planting, and prepare the area to set up our new compost tumblers. More information by contacting Karen Holleran at bugsandbeetles@gmail.com.

FAIRFAX VEGGIE EXCHANGE WILL BE AT THE GOOD FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND!

2010-08-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

The Good Festival is happening in Fairfax this weekend - Check it out! Saturday, August 7th, 11 AM - 6PM, Bolinas Park. Veggie Exchange from 3 to 4 as usual.

Gleaning Season Continues!

2010-08-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

We've had wonderful harvests by our amazing group of harvest volunteers and generous donors of fruit and veggies over the last few weeks including . . .

Judy Rodgers of Novato donated peaches harvested by Suzy Carroll - delivered to the Ritter Center

Judd Williams of Mill Valley donated apples and pears harvested by Jim Sweeney - delivered to the Ritter Center

Patricia Bruvry of Ross donated apples harvested by Suzy Carroll - delivered to the Canal Alliance . . .

and many, many other harvests are underway. Contact us to volunteer as a harvester at harvest@opengardenproject.org

THANK YOU!

Oranges and Lemons!

2010-07-21T06:10:00.001-07:00

Our latest gleaning star . . . Isis Fernandez delivered 50 lbs of oranges and lemons to the Canal Alliance courtesy of Peter Goldmacher and his trees. Thank you!

More Plums and Lettuce!

2010-07-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

Great job by Ruthann Solely gleaning plums and lettuces . . . Thank you to Diane Williams for donating the harvest!

Gleaning Season Is Here!

2010-07-12T18:45:00.003-07:00

We've received several requests for gleaning in the past few days - plums, Plums, PLUMS! Today's gleaning stars - Jim Sweeney & Peta Poole - 30 lbs of juicy red plums donated to the Ritter Center today . . . Thank you Erin Chamberlin for donating your excess!

Need land?

2010-06-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the listings here under "Gardener Networking" of homeowners willing to share their land with you . . . and we'll help you make a connection with your local school garden this summer while the kids are away too!

Oak Hill School in San Anselmo Needs You!

2010-06-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Kathleen O'Hara, Teacher at Oak Hill School in San Anselmo, writes,

I am a special education teacher, working in a non-public school in San Anselmo. My class is composed of 8 students, age range 12-19. The school has a lovely spot for a garden, and it is my ambition to create a garden with my class of students, starting the week of July 26th, but I have no experience with this type of endeavor. I am looking for someone who would be able to advise me, and by extension my class, on how to get this garden to happen and thrive! Would you have someone in your network that could be interested in being a volunteer garden consultant for this very special school, and this very capable class of young teens? We would not ask for much time, and can be very flexible with our schedule.

Any suggestions you may have are greatly appreciated! You can learn more about our school at the following link:

http://www.theoakhillschool.org/

Email her at scoutfinch99@aol.com

Thanks!

Community Garden in the Works for Corte Madera

2010-06-19T22:15:00.001-07:00

Check out www.cortemaderacommunitygardens.org for more info!

Help make the Susan G. Sheridan Memorial Garden Project in Novato a reality.

2010-06-19T17:43:00.001-07:00

Vote online for the Garden to win a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Grant program at www.RefreshEverything.com/NGP. More information about the project at www.NovatoGardenProject.org or by calling 415-717-1626.

2010-06-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

Weekly Garden Exchange begins in Fairfax this Saturday!
Sustainable Fairfax Backyard
141 Bolinas Avenue
Fairfax
3 - 4 pm
See you there! Everyone welcome!

Growing Great Marin City Needs You!

2010-05-29T04:42:00.001-07:00

Seedlings and those interested in working to get the gardens established. Contact Marika Bergsund at 415-828-0487 or marika@growinggreat.org www.growinggreat.org

Homeward Bound of Marin Garden Needs You

2010-05-27T13:09:00.001-07:00

They've run out of seedlings but have plenty of room to grow food. Please contact Maura Thurman at mthurman@hbofm.org if you have seedlings to donate. Thanks!

O'Hanlon Center in Mill Valley Offering Land

2010-05-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Contact Carrie Sherriff at carrie.sherriff@comcast.net or Kelly Horner at keho@att.net to learn more about the possibilities of establishing a community garden or urban farm on property owned by the O'Hanlon Center.

New for our Second Season in 2010

2010-05-27T09:15:00.001-07:00

Introducing Marin Open Garden Project Microgardens: MOGP can help you build a raised bed to start your own veggie garden. Volunteers will bring the supplies and know how and teach you how to build and plant a raised bed garden in your yard. Send us an email at contact@opengardenproject.org for more information.

Veggie Exchanges Start June 5th!

2010-05-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

The San Anselmo exchange led by David Fox and Sheila Mutter of Sustainable San Anselmo will meet this year on the Town Hall Lawn on Saturdays mornings, the time to be anounced shortly. Thank you to David and Sheila for making the move from Creek Park to a more visible location for passersby in Downtown San Anselmo. Thanks to Hilary, Christopher and Elaine, the Mill Valley exchange will continue to meet at Boyle Park on Saturdays at 9 AM, and the San Rafael Sun Valley exchange will meet at Sun Valley Park at 9 AM on Saturdays as well. Thanks Gail! The Fairfax exchange will get a later start this year due to Ecofest, and will begin on June 19th at the Sustainable Fairfax Backyard on Bolinas Road at 3 PM. Thank you to Elizabeth and all at Sustainable Fairfax for making this exchange happen. The location and time of the Novato exchange is being worked out at the moment - an update soon - thank you Laura and Gisela!

Looking forward to seeing what you are growing . . . let us know if you can help organize one of our existing exchanges or start a new one! Email julie@opengardenproject.org or call 419.4941 for more info.

COMMUNITY GARDEN SPACES AVAILABLE IN MILL VALLEY AND NOVATO WITH NEW GARDEN SHARE PROGRAM

2010-05-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

Contact Susan Miller for information at 838-0535 or maringardenshare2010@yahoo.com

Volunteers Needed!

2010-05-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Marin Garden Conservancy is looking for Volunteer "Garden Sitters" for the June 5th Garden Conservancy Marin Open Days in Ross, Tiburon and Belvedere. Contact Sandra at sswan200@aol.com for more information and to volunteer.

Find Out More About the Marin Open Garden Project

2010-05-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

Marin Master Gardeners will sponsor a lecture this Thursday, May 13th at 7PM at the Marin Art & Garden Center where I will describe the Project. Look forward to seeing you there!

Marin Open Garden Project Proudly Cosponsors . . .

2010-05-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

"Resilience From the Ground Up," presented by Transition Mill Valley on Wednesday, May 26th, 142 Throckmorton Theatre, 6:30 PM, More information at transitionmv.wordpress.com. Join us to learn more about the Transition Movement, beyond sustainability to community resilience.

Thank You Volunteers!

2010-04-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who attended our planning meeting today. It was a beautiful day and you took time out of it to share your ideas and suggestions for our second season of backyard garden bounty exchanges . . . starting the weekend of June 5th!

Orange Harvesting Continues!

2010-04-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Isis Fernandez for harvesting over 75 pounds of oranges at the Dexters in San Rafael. Two huge boxes of fruit will go to the Canal Alliance in San Rafael on Monday. For information on how you can become a volunteer harvester or donate unwanted fruit from your tree, send us an email at harvest@opengardenproject.org.

Marin Open Garden Project April 18, 2010 Organizational Meeting

2010-04-10T21:48:00.001-07:00

Organizational meeting for existing backyard garden bounty exchange volunteers, new volunteers and people who want to find out more! Sunday, April 18, 2010, 4 PM at the Marin Art & Garden Center - on the lawn. For fun, bring anything you'd like to exchange and your ideas for a great Second Season! More info, email Julie at julie@opengardenproject.org. See you there!

Mill Valley Residents Interested in Full Belly CSA Box

2010-04-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

MIll Valley residents are trying to put together a group to order CSA boxes from Full Belly Farm so that they can get delivery in town rather than in San Rafael. Contact Saor for more info at sstetler@earthlink.net.

Screening of New Film "What's On Your Plate"

2010-04-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

This screening will benefit the Children’s Garden at Edna Maguire School in Mill Valley and will show at Whole Foods Mill Valley, Sunday, April 25 at 11:45 am. Tix go on sale at Mill Valley Whole Foods on Monday, April 12.

From http://www.whatsonyourplateproject.org . . .

WHAT'S ON YOUR PLATE? is a witty and provocative documentary produced and directed by award-winning Catherine Gund about kids and food politics.

Filmed over the course of one year, the film follows two eleven-year-old multi-racial city kids as they explore their place in the food chain. Sadie and Safiyah take a close look at food systems in New York City and its surrounding areas. With the camera as their companion, the girl guides talk to each other, food activists, farmers, new friends, storekeepers, their families, and the viewer, in their quest to understand what’s on all of our plates.
The girls address questions regarding the origin of the food they eat, how it’s cultivated, how many miles it travels from the harvest to their plate, how it’s prepared, who prepares it, and what is done afterwards with the packaging and leftovers. They visit the usual supermarkets, fast food chains, and school lunchrooms. But they also check into innovative sustainable food system practices by going to farms, greenmarkets, and community supported agriculture programs. They discover that these programs both help struggling farmers to survive on the one hand and provide affordable, locally-grown food to communities on the consumer end, especially to lower-income urban families. In WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE?, the two friends formulate sophisticated and compassionate opinions on the state of their society, and by doing so inspire hope and active engagement in others.

Greywater Workshop Saturday, April 24th in Novato

2010-03-30T02:39:00.001-07:00

Permaculture Marin Announces a "Laundry to Landscape" Greywater Workshop!

Saturday, April 24th • 10:00 am to 4:00 pm • Novato

nterested in reusing your home's greywater? Do you desire a water-saving yet abundant landscape? Want to learn more about greywater and how to build your own system? Come to our design and installation workshop!

During this one-day workshop we will spend the morning learning the principles and advantages of greywater use, different types of systems, the new California code, appropriate landscape design and plants for greywater, common mistakes in system designs, and suitable products to use. In the afternoon we will install a simple, code compliant “laundry to landscape” greywater system.

This is a hands-on class, so come prepared to dig in the dirt and actually install a system from beginning to end!

Cost: sliding scale of $40 to $70. If you are able to afford the higher cost, we would appreciate it. It will enable us to provide more workshops and training for those less able to afford the cost.

To register: or for more information, contact Kathleen Lanphier at kclanphier@gmail.com. Directions to the site will be given at registration.

The workshop will be taught by Permaculture Marin members Kathleen Lanphier and Dustin Kahn, who offer greywater system design and installation through a collaborative venture called FLOW - for the love of water. Both Dustin and Kathleen completed a greywater installer’s certification course taught by Laura Allen and Andrea Lara of Greywater Action in Oakland.

Permaculture Marin is a local volunteer organization, guided by the permaculture ethics of caring for the earth, caring for people, setting limits to consumption, and sharing resources and surplus. We envision healthy communities where people live in restorative relationships with the land and with each other, thereby assuring an abundant life for both present and future generations.

Seed Swap in Larkspur This Saturday, March 13th

2010-03-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Please join Permaculture Marin for a Community Membership Meeting
& Equinox Seed Swap

Saturday, March 13th, from 1:30-5:00 pm

Larkspur Recreation Center
240 Doherty Drive, Larkspur

The Permaculture Marin Steering Committee is proud to host our 2010 Membership meeting. Please join us to hear where we've been and where we are headed. Find out how you can become more involved in ongoing projects and network with local community members to create new projects of your own. It is a time to gather our collective energies to create the thriving local ecologies and communities we want to see---And we need your help!

Whether you are already a member, or you would just like to find out more about Permaculture Marin, you are welcome to attend.

Please bring spring seeds or plants with you for a seed swap to celebrate the Equinox

Tour of newly installed Food Forest Garden!

Snacks Provided

For more information, email laurendalberth@gmail.com

Seed Swap in Bolinas this Saturday, March 13th

2010-03-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Seed Swap
11ish-3pm
Downtown Bolinas at
Bee-Right-On Square-
as always you don't have to bring to receive~

SPROUT is hosting a seed swap from 11ish to 3pm in downtown bolinas at the square in between micheal raferty's book store and the post office on brighton avenue.

the seed swap is joining in on the second saturday sale and bazaar that jennifer pfeiffer has been organizing with great treasures and treats for sale. if you are going to meg and mark's, by the time y'all are done with the garden tour we well just be getting under way.

more information call 415.868.0847

--
The SPROUT Seed Library is a non-profit community sported seed and plant resource outreach and library in West Marin. The SPROUT Library provides seeds and plants to gardeners who in turn grow-out select plants for seed and return some to the library for others to borrow. Our goal is to nurture gardeners as earth tenders with uniquely suited plants for our bioregion while supporting genetic diversity and community sovereignty. SPROUT is an acronym for the Seed and Plant Resource OUTreach.

Got Lemons?

2010-02-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I can't go around the block without seeing a full tree of lemons. And that started me thinking, what are some usual and not so usual uses for lemons? I like to freeze the juice in ice trays for later use in recipes, our son opens up his lemonade stand, and my neighbor uses her lemon juice cubes in iced tea. But here are some uses I found online . . . some may surprise you . . . feel free to comment with your own lemon secrets.

Eliminate fireplace odor
There's nothing cozier on a cold winter night than a warm fire burning in the fireplace -- unless the fire happens to smell horrible. Next time you have a fire that sends a stench into the room, try throwing a few lemon peels into the flames. Or simply burn some lemon peels along with your firewood as a preventive measure.

Get rid of tough stains on marble
You probably think of marble as stone, but it is really petrified calcium (also known as old seashells). That explains why it is so porous and easily stained and damaged. Those stains can be hard to remove. If washing won't remove a stubborn stain, try this: Cut a lemon in half, dip the exposed flesh into some table salt, and rub it vigorously on the stain. But do this only as a last resort; acid can damage marble. Rinse well.

Make a room scent/humidifier
Freshen and moisturize the air in your home on dry winter days. Make your own room scent that also doubles as a humidifier. If you have a wood-burning stove, place an enameled cast-iron pot or bowl on top, fill with water, and add lemon (and/or orange) peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple skins. No wood-burning stove? Use your stovetop instead and just simmer the water periodically.

Neutralize cat-box odor
You don't have to use an aerosol spray to neutralize foul-smelling cat-box odors or freshen the air in your bathroom. Just cut a couple of lemons in half. Then place them, cut side up, in a dish in the room, and the air will soon smell lemon-fresh.

Deodorize a humidifier
When your humidifier starts to smell funky, deodorize it with ease: Just pour 3 or 4 teaspoons lemon juice into the water. It will not only remove the off odor but will replace it with a lemon-fresh fragrance. Repeat every couple of weeks to keep the odor from returning.

Clean tarnished brass
Say good-bye to tarnish on brass, copper, or stainless steel. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt (or substitute baking soda or cream of tartar for the salt) and coat the affected area. Let it stay on for 5 minutes. Then wash in warm water, rinse, and polish dry. Use the same mixture to clean metal kitchen sinks too. Apply the paste, scrub gently, and rinse.

Polish chrome
Get rid of mineral deposits and polish chrome faucets and other tarnished chrome. Simply rub lemon rind over the chrome and watch it shine! Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

Prevent potatoes from turning brown
Potatoes and cauliflower tend to turn brown when boiling, especially when you're having company for dinner. You can make sure the white vegetables stay white by squeezing a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into the cooking water.

Freshen the fridge
Remove refrigerator odors with ease. Dab lemon juice on a cotton ball or sponge and leave it in the fridge for several hours. Make sure to toss out any malodorous items that might be causing the bad smell.

Brighten dull aluminum
Make those dull pots and pans sparkle, inside and out. Just rub the cut side of half a lemon all over them and buff with a soft cloth.

Keep rice from sticking
To keep your rice from sticking together in a gloppy mass, add a spoonful of lemon juice to the boiling water when cooking. When the rice is done, let it cool for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

Refresh cutting boards
No wonder your kitchen cutting board smells! After all, you use it to chop onions, crush garlic, cut raw and cooked meat and chicken, and pre-pare fish. To get rid of the smell and help sanitize the cutting board, rub it all over with the cut side of half a lemon or wash it in undiluted juice straight from the bottle.

Keep guacamole green
You've been making guacamole all day long for the big party, and you don't want it to turn brown on top before the guests arrive. The solution: Sprinkle a liberal amount of fresh lemon juice over it and it will stay fresh and green. The flavor of the lemon juice is a natural complement to the avocados in the guacamole. Make the fruit salad hours in advance too. Just squeeze some lemon juice onto the apple slices, and they'll stay snowy white.

Make soggy lettuce crisp
Don't toss that soggy lettuce into the garbage. With the help of a little lemon juice you can toss it in a salad instead. Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water. Then put the soggy lettuce in it and refrigerate for 1 hour. Make sure to dry the leaves completely before putting them into salads or sandwiches.

Keep insects out of the kitchen
You don't need insecticides or ant traps to ant-proof your kitchen. Just give it the lemon treatment. First squirt some lemon juice on door thresholds and windowsills. Then squeeze lemon juice into any holes or cracks where the ants are getting in. Finally, scatter small slices of lemon peel around the outdoor entrance. The ants will get the message that they aren't welcome. Lemons are also effective against roaches and fleas: Simply mix the juice of 4 lemons (along with the rinds) with 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water and wash your floors with it; then watch the fleas and roaches flee. They hate the smell.

Clean your microwave
Is the inside of your microwave caked with bits of hardened food? You can give it a good cleaning without scratching the surface with harsh cleansers or using a lot of elbow grease. Just mix 3 tablespoons lemon juice into 1 1/2 cups water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls and ceiling of the oven. Then just wipe away the softened food with a dishrag.

Deodorize your garbage disposal
If your garbage disposal is beginning to make your sink smell yucky, here's an easy way to deodorize it: Save leftover lemon and orange peels and toss them down the drain. To keep it smelling fresh, repeat once every month.

Bleach delicate fabrics
Ordinary household chlorine bleach can cause the iron in water to precipitate out into fabrics, leaving additional stains. For a mild, stain-free bleach, soak your delicates in a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda for at least half an hour before washing.

Remove unsightly underarm stains
Avoid expensive dry-cleaning bills. You can remove unsightly underarm stains from shirts and blouses simply by scrubbing them with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice (or white vinegar) and water.

Boost laundry detergent
To remove rust and mineral discolorations from cotton T-shirts and briefs, pour 1 cup lemon juice into the washer during the wash cycle. The natural bleaching action of the juice will zap the stains and leave the clothes smelling fresh.

Rid clothes of mildew
You unpack the clothes you've stored for the season and discover that some of the garments are stained with mildew. To get rid of mildew on clothes, make a paste of lemon juice and salt and rub it on the affected area, then dry the clothes in sunlight. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. This works well for rust stains on clothes too.

Whiten clothes
Diluted or straight, lemon juice is a safe and effective fabric whitener when added to your wash water. Your clothes will also come out smelling lemon-fresh.

Lighten age spots
Before buying expensive medicated creams to lighten unsightly liver spots and freckles, try this: Apply lemon juice directly to the area, let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse your skin clean. Lemon juice is a safe and effective skin-lightening agent.

Create blond highlights
For blond highlights worthy of the finest beauty salon, add 1/4 cup lemon juice to 3/4 cup water and rinse your hair with the mixture. Then sit in the sun until your hair dries. Lemon juice is a natural bleach. Don't forget to put on plenty of sunscreen before you sit out in the sun. To maximize the effect, repeat once daily for up to a week.

Clean and whiten nails
Pamper your fingernails without the help of a manicurist. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to 1 cup warm water and soak your fingertips in the mixture for 5 minutes. After pushing back the cuticles, rub some lemon peel back and forth against the nail.

Cleanse your face
Clean and exfoliate your face by washing it with lemon juice. You can also dab lemon juice on blackheads to draw them out during the day. Your skin should improve after several days of treatment.

Freshen your breath
Make an impromptu mouthwash using lemon juice straight from the bottle. Rinse with the juice and then swallow it for longer-lasting fresh breath. The citric acid in the juice alters the pH level in your mouth, killing the bacteria that cause bad breath. Rinse after a few minutes, because long-term exposure to the acid in the lemon can harm tooth enamel.

Treat flaky dandruff
If itchy, scaly dandruff has you scratching your head, relief may be no farther away than your refrigerator. Just massage 2 tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice into 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff disappears. No more itchy scalp, and your hair will smell lemon-fresh.

Soften dry, scaly elbows
It's bad enough that your elbows are dry and itchy, but they look terrible too. Your elbows will look and feel better after a few treatments with this regimen: Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make an abrasive paste. Then rub the paste into your elbows for a soothing, smoothing, and exfoliating treatment.

Remove berry stains
Sure it was fun to pick your own berries, but now your fingers are stained with berry juice that won't come off with soap and water. Try washing your hands with undiluted lemon juice. Wait a few minutes and wash with warm, soapy water. Repeat if necessary until the stain is completely gone.

Disinfect cuts and scrapes
Stop bleeding and disinfect minor cuts and scrapes. Pour a few drops of lemon juice directly on the cut or apply the juice with a cotton ball and hold firmly in place for one minute.

Soothe poison ivy rash
You won't need an ocean of calamine lotion the next time poison ivy comes a-creeping around. Just apply lemon juice full-strength directly to the affected area to soothe itching and alleviate the rash.

Relieve rough hands and sore feet
You don't have to take extreme measures to soothe your extremities. If you have rough hands or sore feet, rinse them in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water, then massage with olive oil and dab dry with a soft cloth.

Remove warts
You've tried countless remedies to get rid of your warts, and nothing seems to work. Next time, try this: Apply a dab of lemon juice directly to the wart, using a cotton swab. Repeat for several days until the acids in the lemon juice dissolve the wart completely.

From www.rd.com