Free Class on Soil Cycles

March 14, 10 a.m.
Meet at the Peace Nook, back alley entrance

Learn about the ebb and flow of life beneath the surface and its relationship to what you grow! The class will meet at the Peace Nook, followed by a brief bio-brew demonstration at St. Joe Community Garden. Taught by Meghan Keeler, gardener, permaculturalist and community volunteer.

Spring Thaw Organizing Event

Sunday, March 7
2-4 p.m.
Columbia Public Library

The community gardening season officially opens with our Spring Thaw event. This is a time for new and returning gardeners to sign up for plots and for interested volunteers to make connections with gardens.Gardeners will also have the chance to complete the yearly information form we require, pick up some seeds, and meet other gardeners from around the city and county. I hope you’ll join us for a fun afternoon of garden planning.

Looking Ahead to Spring

Snowbells bloom on January 15, 2010.

Snowbells bloom on January 15, 2010.

The snowbells have already started to bloom and we are already getting inquiries from eager gardeners. So, I guess it’s time to shake off the winter stupor and get ready for spring.

If your mind has already turned to the garden, check out our gardening resources page while you wait for the seasons to catch up.

Also, I just happened to hear the Governer say this in his State of the State address:

“…every Missouri family should be able to share the bounty of the land, including fresh, healthy produce. That’s why my budget will help promote local farmers markets, and encourage more folks to start community gardens in their neighborhoods.”

Way to go, Jay!

Sustainable Living Fair

The 2009 Sustainable Living Fair is coming up:
Saturday Oct. 17, 10 am to 6 pm
Columbia College, Student Commons, 1001 Rogers Street

The CGC will have a booth there and you can find out about a lot of other topics that complement gardening like water conservation and energy efficiency.

It's a Potluck. And You're Invited!

Join fellow community gardeners, families and friends for a potluck Sunday, October 4, from 4 to 7 pm, at the Happy Hollow Shelter at Stephens Lake Park.  This is the shelter off of Broadway, across from Eastgate grocery store, at the top of the hill, end of the parking lot.

Please bring a dish to share, your own tableware and cup, a beverage of your choice, and entertainment or games.  Water and apple cider will be provided.

Everyone across our community of gardeners and other interested friends is welcome. Please come relax, share some tasty fall food, and meet some fellow gardeners.

Kansas City Urban Farms and Gardens Tour

Last weekend a few CGC gardeners headed west to tour the urban farms and gardens of Kansas City. The event was hosted by the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture and featured small farms, community gardens, youth gardens, and homesteads throughout the KC metro area.  Live music, cooking demonstrations, and childrens activities were sprinkled throughout the tour and farmers and gardeners were eager show off their efforts.  The tour was preceded by a week and half of events, films, and discussions about growing, selling, preparing, and eating locally grown food.

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Community Garden Bike Tour — Saturday, June 20, 9:00 to 11:00 am

We are putting the finishing touches on organizing a Community Garden Bike Tour with PedNet and GetAbout Columbia. The tour will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 9 to 11am and will begin at the Ash Street garden (201 W Ash, behind the brown apartment and wooden fence). The tour will then proceed to the Circus-Lyon garden, St. Joseph Street garden, Sustain MIzzou Research Farm, Benton-Stephens Neighborhood garden, and finish at the Westwinds Court garden. Plans are to spend about 10 to 15 minutes at each garden. Gardeners and garden leaders will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. For more information, check out the listing on the GetAbout Columbia events calendar, http://www.getaboutcolumbia.com/calendar.

Register by calling GetAbout Columbia at (573) 442-7189, ext. 29. Be sure to bring your helmet.