Don't Let All That Concrete Fool You
Mary, Mary, How Does your Garden Grow? On Asphalt, Perhaps?
According to the Gardener’s Supply Company (www.gardeners.com), in order to cultivate a successful garden, “All you really need to get started is some decent soil and a few plants.” In other word s, don’t let a little asphalt get in your way.
Brooklyn’s Red Hook Community Farm — supported by the nonprofit organization Added Value — is a testament to what can be accomplished with a healthy dose of determination and an abandoned blacktop playground. Began in 2001, the urban gardening venture employs low-income youths in all aspects of farming (from planting arugula and marketing cabbage to pl anning training sessions). According to Executive Director, Ian Marvy, “It’s as much a youth leadership project as an urban agriculture venture.”
The asphalt lot is covered with 15 inches of soil — enriched by compost donated from the Brooklyn Zoo — and boasts over 40 varieties of crops per year. When possible, polycultural techniques are employed such that certain plants are placed in close proximity to other plants with which they can achieve synergy — the leaves of one, for instance, appropriately shading the fruits of another. And so the ancient ritual of the harvest is reenacted season after season in New York City’s most populous borough.
Not only do the local youths benefit from the experience, but so does the community at large. Twice a week, the Red Hook Farmers Market offers organic produce from the farm — as well as products such as fresh yogurt and pasture-raised meats from select regional farmers. In addition, the
market partners with several local restaurants, with regular deliveries keeping chefs stocked up on the essentials. The market’s salad greens have achieved local fame and are featured night after night (while in season) at Arnaud Erhart’s restaurant, 360.
Looking toward the future, Marvy has ambitious plans for the continued growth of the program — and the garden — to ensure sustainable conditions for the area. The more green thumbs in Red Hook, the better.
According to the Gardener’s Supply Company (www.gardeners.com), in order to cultivate a successful garden, “All you really need to get started is some decent soil and a few plants.” In other word s, don’t let a little asphalt get in your way.Brooklyn’s Red Hook Community Farm — supported by the nonprofit organization Added Value — is a testament to what can be accomplished with a healthy dose of determination and an abandoned blacktop playground. Began in 2001, the urban gardening venture employs low-income youths in all aspects of farming (from planting arugula and marketing cabbage to pl anning training sessions). According to Executive Director, Ian Marvy, “It’s as much a youth leadership project as an urban agriculture venture.”
The asphalt lot is covered with 15 inches of soil — enriched by compost donated from the Brooklyn Zoo — and boasts over 40 varieties of crops per year. When possible, polycultural techniques are employed such that certain plants are placed in close proximity to other plants with which they can achieve synergy — the leaves of one, for instance, appropriately shading the fruits of another. And so the ancient ritual of the harvest is reenacted season after season in New York City’s most populous borough. Not only do the local youths benefit from the experience, but so does the community at large. Twice a week, the Red Hook Farmers Market offers organic produce from the farm — as well as products such as fresh yogurt and pasture-raised meats from select regional farmers. In addition, the
market partners with several local restaurants, with regular deliveries keeping chefs stocked up on the essentials. The market’s salad greens have achieved local fame and are featured night after night (while in season) at Arnaud Erhart’s restaurant, 360. Looking toward the future, Marvy has ambitious plans for the continued growth of the program — and the garden — to ensure sustainable conditions for the area. The more green thumbs in Red Hook, the better.
For more information: www.added-value.org
Shift Mag
Post a Comment
6 References
Email Article to FriendReferences (6)
References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.
-
Response: gardening,golf -
Response: Adderall xr.How do you dissolve adderall. Buy adderall. Adderall without a prescription. Snorting adderall effects. Adderall xr adverse effects. Adderall. Adderall in mexico. Buy adderall no prescription.
-
Response: kulartinuminto 78 postall about kulartinuminto and top news
-
Response: Adult dating kwd xxxAdult dating kwd xxx
-
Response: Anna burns amateur modelAnna burns amateur model
-
Response: Adult baby stories wife changed diaperAdult baby stories wife changed diaper
 |SUBSCRIBE|COMMUNITY|ABOUT SHIFT |CONTACT US|TEAM Shift Magazine. All Rights Reserved. website designed by envisionit media |
Reader Comments