Plant a Seed

I'm often asked, "what is the best way to celebrate Earth Day?" (which by the way, is today). This year, my answer is simple- plant a seed.

Amazing things happen when seeds are planted, both metaphorically and in actuality. If you'll recall my pool-side chat with Mim-the-mother-of-five-all-under-the-age-of-eight late last summer regarding starting a community garden (click here to read the story); she asked what I thought about a community garden at the pool. "Right on" I said, and away she went, and in less than six months she had approval for land usage, a water source, a committee of interested gardeners and a solid vision. A seed was planted that day, and now, in a couple weeks, actual seeds will be planted in the first-ever community garden in Peachtree Corners.

Volunteers met at Jones Bridge Swim and Racquet Club this past weekend to pull vines, till the land, build a compost bin and create a path to the garden. In the next week or so, plots will be divvied up among members and the space will continue to evolve. All of this, because one person had a thought, coupled with vision and motivation, which all started with the planting of an idea. Plant a seed, change a community.

A few weeks ago, my daughters and I felt motivated and decided to build our own raised bed. Off we went to Home Depot, buying cedar boards (must use cedar when building a bed as to not harm the plants) for our 6x6 bed. I'm certainly no carpenter, and with a five year-old and a two year-old by my side, what may seem easy to some, was quite a task for me. Frustrated, but finished, we were off to Farmer D's Organics store to purchase all organic soil, compost, fertilizer, transplants and seeds. Upon check-out, I couldn't help but covet the gorgeous cedar raised beds, hand-built by Farmer D himself, that were not that much more expensive than what I spent in materials alone at Home Depot. Note to self: for my my next raised bed, buy one from Farmer D.

Now, a month or so later, our garden is booming with swiss chard, bok choy, broccoli, kohlrabi, four varieties of lettuce, carrots, onions, peas, beets, spinach, cilantro, radishes and potatoes. My very shy neighbor even came by to find out what we were planting. Plant a seed, connect with your neighbors. My older daughter piped up with a tour of her Sunshine Farm (cute name, huh?) and I was amazed at what she was learning about where food comes from, how to care for the plants, beneficial insects, soil quality and harvesting the produce. Plant a seed, teach children.

Even the first family has "dug-in" by planting an organic vegetable garden on the South Lawn, the first at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt’s victory garden in World War II. While the organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern. Plant a seed, set an example.

On another note, the semi-annual Gardens By Design plant sale is this Friday and Saturday, April 24 & 25 and will once again be held from 9am-noon at 4112 Little Leaf Ct. in Norcross (Amberfield subdivision- follow the signs).

Area residents Linda Edwards and Julie Foster (yes, the Julie with the amazing historic home from the Norcross Holiday Tour party) own Gardens By Design. They sell only top quality plants direct from local growers; locally grown plants are acclimated to our area's climate and soil type and are perfectly adapted to perform well in your garden. Plant a seed, support a local business.

New this year, they'll have a variety of edibles (blueberries, raspberries, figs, asparagus, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, etc.). I'm personally going to try my hand, oops, I mean green thumb, at asparagus this year- one will go in my yard, and one at the new JBSRC Community Garden. Plant a seed, start an adventure.

Dig in, it's Earth Day!
~Robin

Sustainable Peachtree Corners: Positively promoting green, sustainable living for those who live, work and play in the Peachtree Corners community.