From one of our more active gardeners; D’Arcy!

Growing Fond of the Common Ground

Ten tips for ‘getting a little dirt on your hands’….

1. Relax!
2. If you are new to gardening, you have made a fine choice. You now have over 30 fellow gardeners sharing this experience with you. If something is not growing or you are confused about some basic gardening logic….just ask!
3. Whether you are a newbie, or a weathered veteran gardener…you share the same desire to have the satisfaction of becoming a little more ‘grounded’ by the hands-on interaction with a little piece of nature. Fresh Salads!
4. Be sociable….ask questions, visit, talk garden, bring a picnic lunch, (see: tip #1), enjoy admiring how the Common Ground is alive with people, growth & energy.
5. Garden Angels are like gods from another planet. We come back to our plots & find them moist & happy…you never even know a few weeds have disappeared. Ignored plots are a weary, dry sight. Share your own inner angel….
6. As you are encouraging your garden to grow, remember that includes talking to your plants. A loved garden is a happy garden and a fine meal hangs in the balance!
7. Express your love by slowing down (see: tip @1), putting the hose on low & letting get a good watering throughout. Don’t splash water on your leaves during the heat of the day…concentrate on watering the roots and let your plants do their thing. (You’ll find it easier to weed when the roots are moist.)
8. Now that you are in the swing of things….remember that there are a few shared beds (the bench areas & charity beds in the SE corner). Take a peek & see if they’re happy.
9. Your fellow gardeners are happy to share seeds, bulbs, a hand & advice. It’s ‘the nature’ of the common ground you share.  A 4’ x 8’ plot only takes so much work.
10. Smile if your hands are a little dirty…..you know where they’ve been!