News from the Bulletin:
Green Thumbs at Work Garden Grants
Application deadline Jan. 21
Imagine walking outside your workplace on your lunch break to pick a fresh carrot, weed a little, or simply sit in a green and peaceful space. You can make it happen thanks to a new Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Community Garden Network grant program, in partnership with Gardener’s Supply Company and garden expert Charlie Nardozzi.
The Green Thumbs at Work grants will provide funding and technical assistance for nine workplace food gardens at sites around the state. Any business or organization with fewer than 50 employees in Vermont is eligible to apply. Two size grants will be awarded, $1,750 for Full Food Gardens and $650 for Container Food Gardens.
Click here for more information and the online application. Winners will be announced Feb. 10.
For more garden grants, visit: https://vcgn.org/garden-organizer-toolkit/garden-grants/
VCGN presents the 3rd Annual Community and School Garden Track at the NOFA-VT Winter Conference
Join us February 15 and 16 at the 32nd Annual NOFA-VT Winter Conference. The conference is a highlight of the winter for Vermont’s farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, and enthusiastic eaters. There will be speakers, workshops, networking, fun, and celebration. Register before Feb. 4 for a $20 early registration discount. The scholarship application deadline is Jan. 24.
For the third year, VCGN will be hosting the Community and School Garden Track at the conference with special workshops on how to start a successful community or school garden and take your existing garden to the next level. And don’t miss the fun Network Gathering and Garden Showcase. Come join us on Sunday, February 16th!
WORKSHOPS
(click here for more info):
• Summer Success with School Gardens and Connecting to the School Year
• Community Garden Leader Discussion: Strategies for Lasting Gardener Engagement
• Diverse Fundraising Strategies for Community and School Gardens
• Starting a Community-based Garden
• Dense Planting Methods for Raised Beds
Register Now for the Community Teaching Garden
The Community Teaching Garden (CTG) is a 22-week hands-on beginning organic gardening class for adults. Participants learn how to plant, cultivate, harvest, and preserve fresh vegetables in a fun and supportive environment. Classes are held in Burlington twice a week from May through September at Ethan Allen Homestead and the Tommy Thompson Community Garden at the Intervale.
Register online or call us at (802) 861-4769 for more information.
Hear what some of our students have to say about the class in these videos and check out more videos and the 2013 class blog.
The Toolshed: Tips for Garden Leaders
By Libby Weiland, Program Manager
Your January tip: The beginning of the New Year is an exciting time to inspire your garden community with talk of the garden and all that’s to come.
One fun way to bring gardeners together at the turn of the year is to organize a seed swap. This is an opportunity for gardeners to meet and exchange their extra seeds (harvested or from packets) from the last season. You can feature varieties that grow well in your area, personal favorites, heirlooms, and culturally significant crops.
This is also a great occasion to invite returning and potential new gardeners, providing information about your garden, important dates and developments for 2014, and how to sign-up for a plot. In some communities, seed swaps are annual events celebrating gardening, food, cultural heritage, and crop diversity. This is also a great opportunity to provide workshops and educational tips on seed starting, seed saving, and other timely garden topics. Whether you plan a small gathering or a community-wide event, you will have re-energized local gardeners and gardeners-to-be for the season to come-what better time to gather volunteers and new leaders for the year ahead!
See our website more for Garden Grants and Garden Events from around the state.
For more information, visit our website or contact us at:
12 North St. Suite 5
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 861-4769
We’d love to hear from you!
Jess Hyman, Executive Director
Libby Weiland, Program Manager
Ann Pearce, Volunteer Coordinator/Admin
Denise Quick, Community Teaching Garden Instructor