The garden is a Memorial Garden, a garden of benevolence, a garden of love. It is a gift to our community from the God of Love, Jesus the Christ. The first “seeds” for our garden have come from members of the congregation and a designation from the congregation’s memorial funds. These seeds have brought us to the beginning of a journey that will last for many years. Guided by the Holy Spirit we will plow forth until row upon row of our work is accomplished and our community is better nourished. The Lord invites you all to be part of His work on earth strengthening and feeding His children. The garden is made possible by generous donations from the community, and grants from the ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants, the Alaska Food Policy Council through the Municipality of Anchorage, the Alaska Women's Giving Circle, The Alaska Master Gardeners of Anchorage, the generous support by the congregation of Lutheran Church of Hope, and support from the Alaska Synod of the ELCA.

Food from the garden in 2019 was sent to Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry, the Tudor Road Gospel Rescue Mission, and to Bean's Cafe.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Garden Update June 6,1018

East Half
The brassicas we planted on May 19th are still doing great. They look very healthy and I look forward to beginning the harvest in July. The squash we planted did not fair so well. We planted the seeds way too early and the plants were already blossoming when we set them out. Squash do not like to be transplanted as it is but when they are as mature as these were it's a disaster waiting to happen. Only a couple of the plants survived. I had enough foresight to have Bob Morgan plant more zucchini while we were planting those that died. Those plants well be ready to go this weekend (June 9).

On May 26th we planted peas on the north side of the garden up against the fence. The next day or so I purchased some 2 foot fencing material for them to climb on but I'm still about 25 feet short so will have to get some more and install it pretty soon. The north side peas were up on the 6th of June. So the fence is becoming urgent. Bonnie and I also planted some pole beans ( four plants) we were given on the north fence of the garden. They don't look too good but they are still alive. Will see what kind of production they have. If it's good will try some next year.
West Half

May 30th found us planting parsnips and turnips. The parsnips take 21-28 days to germinate so don't plan on looking for them 'til the end of the month. The turnips are supposed to take 6-10 days and indeed they made their appearance on June 5th.

On June 2nd we planted carrots, beets, collards, kale, and green beans. They were all watered in and I would expect to see the collards and kale come up Monday the 11th.

On the 6th I planted red and white radishes, two short rows of each. Will plant more next week so there is a staggered harvest. The potatoes showed up today as well as the green onions and the lettuce. Rod and I covered two of the raised beds today and I planted the Hungarian yellow wax peppers in one of them. There will be cucumbers in the other once they are hardened off.

Basically everything is planted. Now it's time to start up the compost bins and try to keep ahead of the weeds. If we come up with something that looks interesting there is still a little room. But right now that is reserved for more radishes in successive plantings. I almost forgot, the apple trees are beginning to bloom. They should be spectacular by Sunday, June 10th.



God bless you all and thanks for the help from all of my wonderful volunteers.
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