By Bayla Greenspoon
In the winter season, those of us who grow food gardens in colder climates often take time to rest and recharge, appreciate the bounty that nourished us for many months, and reflect on what we want to plant next year. We who participated in the Siskiyou Land Trust GardenShare this year were so well fed from the fruits (and vegetables) of our efforts! We grew 39 different crops and reaped more than 1100 pounds of delicious, nutritious, organic, vibrant food. We worked together (13 women this year) sharing our time, labor, knowledge…lives. We harvested as a group beginning in April (hooray for kale plants that over-wintered!) through November. And actually, in December there were still some hardy greens like arugula, bok choy and broccoli leaves that continued to grace our tables. Such amazing bounty!
Preparing the weekly harvest at the GardenShare.
Part of the mission of the GardenShare is to grow organic food, respecting the environment and ecosystem. Our mission also states that we share the harvest with each other and with the greater community. In previous years we donated produce to local pantries and soup kitchens. However, this past year we collectively decided that we wanted to support individuals within our community, so each week we allocated part of our harvest for several single moms with young children. They came to the garden at the end of our work time to collect their produce…and seemed to enjoy the surprise of what they were receiving on that day. Sometimes we had to tell them what the vegetables were and how they might cook them. Here are a couple of statements from two of those moms…
Thank you to all the ladies who worked so hard with love on the land lent to them by the Siskiyou Land Trust! The vegetables were so wonderfully fresh and delicious; each stir-fry and soup I made with them was extraordinary. My daughter loved the fruits that were occasionally available, especially the strawberries. Thank you again for allowing us to partake in the harvests! -Victoria S.
I am a mother of two little ones, and I have been so grateful for the wonderful produce from the GardenShare. It was such a joy each Sunday to be offered such fresh food, which always added excitement, nourishment, and support to our meal times. I also really loved how my children got to witness the garden and see where their food was coming from… straight from the earth, and it showed and taught them something much deeper about our planet and food than a trip to the market. It was a true joy to be able to take part in all of the garden goodness, and I am so appreciative. I give thanks that this garden is in existence and that the produce is offered so generously to the community, especially to mothers and children. Thank you, to those who give their time, energy, and love! -Sophia O.
We are so fortunate to be part of a community that values the basics…good food, clean water, helping others, living in harmony with the land and participating in healthy pursuits for the good of the individual as well as the collective. Here’s to the continuation of these values in the coming year.
