The youth garden work is part of a much larger and more comprehensive effort to create model programs that any neighborhood can follow to move toward sustainability. Our work on our garden program is ongoing.
Troostwood Garden
Troostwood kids spread compost over Troostwood Garden.
|
From Rockhurst University, we requested and were granted the use of a lot at the corner of Rockhurst Rd. and Paseo. We had Kansas City Community Gardens till a 30 by 45 foot area of the lot for our garden. Then we added six inches of compost paid for by Troostwood Neighborhood. After the compost was spread, an area gardener donated his time and tiller to create raised beds. A Star photographer was serendipitously passing by as we were working.
All Species works cooperatively with the Troostwood Youth program headed up by Erika Wright who lives in the house on the north side of the garden. Erica knows the kids and is an excellent disciplinarian and has been most cooperative. Erica has a disability that doesnt seem to slow her down any. As a matter of fact it works to her advantage in demonstrating an example to the kids. Erikas mother (Granny to the kids) also helps drive the kids on field trips, regular watering, weeding and in many other ways. The Wrights and the cooperation of the Troostwood neighborhood are invaluable in making this program a success.
Troostwood kids weeding the garden.
Rockhurst residences are in the background.
|
We took the kids on a field trip to John Kaiahuas gardens in southeast Kansas City. John has a subscription vegetable service, where people subscribe to receive the produce he grows on a weekly basis through the growing season. John showed us around and told us about gardening and his business. He has become an occasional advisor, visiting and loaning us cages and stakes for tomatoes.
Erica and I decided to focus our efforts on the main garden plot for efficiency of time and because some of the kids who could use the program were not ready to have gardens in their yards. We plan to site one or more other small gardens in other parts of Troostwood. One opportunity has opened to site a garden in a neighbors yard next to a home with kids who we believe could benefit. Our hope is that the neighbor can give some stability and regularity to our effort beyond our visits. I am most gratified by the organic way this program seems to be growing with community members accepting responsibility that most people wouldnt bother with.
Here Mrs. Wright places the kids early harvest on a hay bale.
|
The extremely hot weather coupled with our soil not being up to speed yet limited out put for the commercial aspect of the program although the kids did get enough tomatoes to have a market experience at a Troostwood festival in early September.
We are investigating the propagating native plants in hopes of finding a profitable crop that would have a great ecological learning aspect to it. The Missouri Conservation Department is doing some efforts with native plant propagation and ecological restoration of prairies, savannas, woodlands and glades. They can support us in our efforts with information and occasional visits.
At right, Marty dishes up crookneck squash for snack and the kids ask for seconds. They grew them, after all.
|
In a project related to the gardening program, in addition to the kids selling tomatoes at the Troostwood festival, we also created cement stones. Thirty five stepping stones were made by that many residents in a community building effort. The stones will be placed in a mandala like design at Troostwood Commons park as a monument to their community. The kids helped with the activity.
The garden is dormant as of this writing. The garden is to be enlarged so we will need to get more compost and fertilizer for the new areas and fertilizer for the rest. We are going to invest in soaker hoses and tools for the kids. I have been attending other Troostwood Youth events as I can to help, so I can understand the community better, and get better acquainted with the kids.
|