Opening day and orientations

Hello all -

This is a reminder that Opening Day at EHCG is this Saturday, March 28. Plot assignments will be posted that day on both the website and the bulletin boards at Eagle Heights and University Houses gardens. While checking your plot assignment and taking the trip to your plot, be sure to pay attention to detail. If you have a half plot (example: 627A), please be absolutely sure that you end up in 627A and not 627B. If you are uncertain at all, please email Gretel (ehgardens@rso.wisc.edu), the registrar, for more information. You can also ask any of your new neighbors, many of whom (about 2/3) are returning gardeners and familiar with the system.

Speaking of your neighbors, it is a great idea to get to know them right away. One's "neighborhood" is an important resource in the community garden. Whether you are interested in learning more about gardening structures, uncertain about the best time to plant tomatoes, or even confused about plot boundaries, your neighbors are likely to be able to steer you in the right direction. This sense of community can also be helpful in resolving minor disputes or confusion that can arise in any group setting. We highly value neighborliness at EHCG.

Another important resource for beginning the 2015 gardening season on the right foot is Orientation. We will hold 8 Orientation sessions this year, 5 at Eagle Heights and 3 at University Houses. We highly encourage new gardeners to attend an Orientation session, but feel free to stop by if you are a returning gardener as well. Orientation will begin at the sheds at both EHCG sites.

Orientation Sessions: Gardening Season 2015

Opening Day: Saturday, March 28

                    Noon at Eagle Heights and also at University Houses

                   5:30 pm at Eagle Heights with Mandarin translation

Sunday, March 29

                     Noon at Eagle Heights

Tuesday, April 1

                    5:15 pm at Eagle Heights

Seed Fair Day, April 11

                   Noon at Eagle Heights and University Houses

                  1 pm at University Houses with Mandarin translation

Gardens Maps (to help you find the sheds)


Next week, expect a post about what to plant in your garden this year, with expert advice by EHCG Field Staff Will Waller. The Seed Fair is coming up quickly, so get your plans in order for April 11.

Happy gardening!

6 days until Opening Day at EHCG

Hello all - 

Well, the weather has taken an interesting turn. Snow blankets the ground close to Opening Day for us this year, at Eagle Heights Community Garden. Today we may have lost the battle against the creep of winter into early spring, but by the end of the week will feel with confidence that we have won the war.

Keep an eye out for an upcoming post about choosing what to plant in your garden. This post will be geared at beginners who may feel uncertain about the feasibility of growing the various foods they like to eat, and will offer some advice excerpted from a recent exchange between myself and Will Waller, one of our Field Staff at EHCG.

Happy gardening!

Spring has come to Madison!

Hello all -

This is a quick update spurred by the wonderful weather we experienced all weekend, and is getting better every day. I am keeping an eye on the melting snow, water rushing toward storm drains on every road, and flora waking up in the sunshine.

This photo is the view from my office, just south of EHCG. Phenomenal.

While Madison is not quite gardening-ready yet, the day is close at hand. Take some time to take a walk outside this week, dust off your gardening gloves, and set a date for your first spring planting. I'm trying for favas next weekend.

Happy gardening!