Meet Me In The Garden Pt. 17 and 18

I've been away from blogging about my lovely garden for a while but don't worry I have photos t5o share. It's getting closer to the end of the summer so we have been picking some veggies from the garden. I still have collards growing, cabbage, tomatoes, a cucumber or squash, peppers and an eggplant. I'm so excited because my mom has been using the vegetables in her meals cooking fried green tomatoes, adding them to salads and making cabbage.

Saturday September 3, 2011
Plot 1


Plot 2




Plot 3


Wednesday September 14, 2011
Plot 1








Plot 2






Plot 3



Dead leaves


Around the garden: Everyone has been picking their vegetables


Mom's Garden: Progress
Wednesday September 14, 2011

Garden Feature: The Washingtons

These are some photos taken of Mr. and Mrs. Washington's plantsthey are growing in their backyard. They shared them on Facebook, so I asked if I could share them with you guys. They also note how Lemon Grass plants are a natural mosquito deterrent and the wedding favor plant will be updated when it flowers. The yard featured here is in Hillside, New Jersey. Such beautiful plants.

Cactus plants: These grow in warmer climates


Hens and Chickens: I've read grows good in shady and dry rock gardens


Cactus plants with Hen and Chickens


Lemon Grass: I've read that these are native to the Philippines and are used in soups, teas and curries


Daylilies: These are adaptable landscape plants


Seed from her daughter's wedding favors


All images are property of Paulina Washington.
Info from http://en.wikipedia.org

Garden Woes: Community Gardens

Even though having a community garden can have it's advantages and can bring a community together, there are some woes you may have to face. My street has a new community garden and it is quite cool to see as a new addition. It's a way to promote going green and healthy eating. During my five week journey so far, there have been numerous issues and I have weeks to go. Now there may be a possibility of more issues. But I'm sure this isn't the only garden that have these problems. Thanks for good neighbors and community workers of the Greater Newark Conservancy they don't last long here.




Pollution:I get upset seeing pollution in the streets, but when I see it over a fence in your garden it drives me up the wall. Why would anyone have the nerve to throw trash over the fence inside someone's gardening area. Then the trash not only makes it look bad but it can blow and harm your plants. I wouldn't even dare do that to someone and there is a garbage can on site.

Pest Control:I know as it gets closer to the summer more and more stray cats come out. The cats are advantage because they do kill any mice and rats they may stray out. But cats will go through your garden too. They may even start to eat plants and vegetables as they grow for food. They are great climbers and can jump fences pretty quickly. I know there is also a dog that goes in through an opening in the fence to wonder around which is not good either.

Too Much Access:There may be a rule in some gardens that only people who sign contracts are the only people allowed to start a plot and have a combination. This also makes it easier to keep track of who enters and exits in the event of vandalism. When too many people enter and exit, things become missing, damaged and stolen. This brings me too my next point.

Unlocked Fences:When there is a lock on the property to protect people's plots, only those who have a combination or key can get in. Yet some people may exit and not lock it back, so it is easy for people to get in and can possibly do damage. Unwelcome and disrespectful outsiders can steal as well.

Lack of Resources:There are ways people are supplied water for your garden, but sometimes that well runs dry. So you have to keep contacting people to give you a refill or you have to depend on rain. Since it's not your own yard garden, you don't want to use your own water risking a high water bill in the future.

Welcome to Garden and the City

This blog was created to tell you guys my adventures in the community garden on my street in Newark, NJ. It is also to share articles and book reviews related to gardening. This is also my first time growing vegetables so I am documenting my progress on a weekly basis. Then also mention some gardening tips and affects I may have gardening in the city. There are plenty of other things I will be sharing as well. So stay tuned to see what I have to offer.