Hello everyone,
I hope many of you have some time off this Canada Day weekend coming. And if you don't, thanks for doing whatever job you have to do.
This morning I did something I've never done before: I was interviewed for a local television show - EcoVox. Voice of environment. Sounds good doesn't it? Maryanne MacDonald, founder of Waste Free World in London and a strong driver in the greening of London's many festivals, was asked to work with Rogers Cable tv on a 13-part environment series. They've already done several shows, and will be working a breakneck pace to wrap the shows by the end of July.
The show's producer, Christine, and Maryanne came to my gardens today. Maryanne asked me questions about why gardens and saving seeds are important, and asked me about London's food charter. I had to remember to not look at the camera! The cool thing was that I got to talk about things that are important to me ... and then I got to drag them around the garden and show them plants! I love to show people plants. As far as seed saving goes. I've got parsley growing a treat; it wintered over from last year and has a lot harvestable foliage as well as stems projecting upward that are just now at the bud stage. Loads of spinach and kale wintered over and is into the seed or pod stage. There are redemption Chinese cabbages ... two kinds, that will produce seed. Beans are climbing their poles, tomatoes are finally putting on growth, beets are just sprouting ... lots of things are happening. Plus, Chris had just trimmed back some paths so it was possible to get 'round the place. Altogether, it was the perfect morning for someone to walk through the garden.
Lest I get too carried away with a plant list, let me mention that earlier in the morning Christine and Maryanne had been visting a Community Supported Agriculture organic farm, and next on their appointment list were several organic farmers who were at the Covent Garden market. I think these will be blended with my bit to talk about the ways in which local and diverse agriculture is important for individual eaters and the local economy. I'm looking forward to seeing the show.
Food is the talked about issue everywhere it seems.
I think I'll add a bit to this post later ... I'm being called for dinner.
Best regards,
Why's Woman
So much of what comes my way lately has to do with gardens, food, agriculture and the interconnections. I feel dizzy sometimes over it all ... and with the big news items on radio and tv focusing on negative things, sometimes I feel pretty bad.
And then there's something like this, that lifts my spirits and reminds me of what's possible and that so many people near and worldwide are doing, good and amazing things.
Growing Power is a national nonprofit organization and land trust based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With two acres and 6 greenhouses right in the middle of the City, it teaches young people to grow food and sells the healthy produce to the surrounding community. It's pretty amazing and the best thing is to check out its website at: www.growingpower.org where you can even see a video or two about the project.
Growing Power was just awarded $450,000 to build 150 hoop houses (a type of plastic tent greenhouse) on vacant land within the city. 150 people will be trained and employed to work in these neighbourhood farms over the next three years. Growing Power will have to raise even more to do the project right (I think it will have to match funds and more), but founder Will Allen is confident in the program and its precedent for green jobs: "“We can find this money. The low overall cost for the benefits the program will bring – both in terms of creating jobs and providing fresh, nutritious food for urban families – will hopefully be a powerful formula for success.”
Allen and his co-workers/volunteers have done something incredible by bringing back to life a complex of 6 greenhouses that remained in the middle of urban Milwaukee. They went on to develop markets, education programs, and job training; this project adds a step.
Great stuff Mr. Allen! Great stuff Growing Power people!
Very best regards to all,
Why's Woman
reference article: Growing Power Initiative to create 150 new jobs aimed at African American males
from: Milwaukee Courier newspaper, 16 April 2011
http://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2011/04/16/growing-power-initiative-to-create-150-new-jobs-aimed-at-african-american-males/