Forbidden Fruit: Improving Access

We share many interests. We are busy planting vegetable starts. Currently we have leeks, pak choi, gourmet lettuces, mesclun, edible pod peas, and more in addition to  many types of herbs, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, currants, grapes. We also have delphinium and hollyhocks germinating. Gardening and eating fresh is a way of life for us-one we would like to pass on. 
Historically one to three of us have participated in a plant swap. This year it is early May. This allows us to plant more diversely and minimize cost.
For gardeners forbidden fruit is tantamount to that which is just out of their reach. 
One of today's projects is propagating lemon grass. Who can resist Asian food? Lemon grass plants from a nursery are costly, however lemon grass cuttings put on shoots in 1-2 weeks and can be planted outdoors in 3-4 weeks. A single stalk makes a good container planting, or plant 3 or more stalks in the garden. Lemon Grass does not tolerate cold temperatures below 45 degrees, so when we transplant it, we will need to provide protection from the cold. Lemon Grass multiplies rapidly, but is not invasive. It can be purchased inexpensively at an Asian grocery store. We paid $1. for bunches of four to five stalks. To use lemon grass cut back the outer green leaves. Crush the bulb and a most wonderful aroma fills the air. This is the valuable part of the plant.
Forbidden fruit has another meaning. Lack of access. Obesity, nutrition education, food security, buying fresh, locally sustainable food, and helping the poor become more self sufficient are important topics. As our company grows we hope to do our part by passing on over 200 years of combined gardening experience. In the interim we continue to network with others. Today this writer donated fresh parsley, and a large volume of culinary sage and rosemary to Meals on Wheels, a program that helps senior citizens with affordable access to nutritious meals, and decrease social isolation.  

Abolish Hunger Now

One of Several Community Gardens-See Sponsoring Partners in 3rd Photo

US Marines Grow this Garden For Anyone in Need

This Partnership Makes Gardens Possible-See next Photo

A Closer View of Community Partnerships

Sustainability comes in a lot of packages. It can refer to food security, agriculture practices, green building, finances, energy, transportation and more. Food security is a big concern. Rising prices, pesticides, lack of access, generational poverty, the high cost of public benefit programs all play a role. Churches, nonprofits and businesses can help by developing sustainable partnerships. For instance a local Lutheran church has partnered with one of the largest health care systems in the United States, several local businesses and Thrivent Financial, a Lutheran organization to create a garden that is now serving apartment dwellers. Yesterday a member of our team interviewed the church secretary and looked at available plans and materials. The church has two master gardeners and several garden mentors available to answer gardening questions for apartment dwellers. Many have never grown a garden before and just need a little guidance. No pesticides are permitted in the garden, and gardeners are asked to use organic seeds. Seed sharing is highly encouraged. Soon we will post pictures that explain this partnership. There are many ways to improve food security. Willamette Christian Church in West Linn receives donated food from Whole Foods. They serve a meal on Sundays at 12:30pm and participants may "shop" for groceries after lunch. Some participants also freeze, can or dehydrate foods when quantities are sufficient. The availability of high quality food and produce helps mitigate health problem, and hunger, but also encourages use of fresh food and food preservation. Growing Gardens is a nonprofit that helps persons who have very low incomes become more sufficient by teaching them how to grow some of their own food. There is a long wait list. Mentors are assigned to help teach gardening skills. The organization uses volunteers to build raised beds, provides containers for gardening on decks or patios, tests for lead in soil if needed, and provides seeds to help gardeners get started. The food stamp program now allows participants to purchase vegetable seeds. Our company is challenging small businesses to incorporate sustainable practices in the workplace that build employee skills. We believe this can serve as a training ground that pays rich dividends. Employees that are exposed to the idea of growing food, preparing healthy food and snacks and breaking bread at work improve relational skills, learn about healthy practices, and eat better. They may in turn take some of what they learn at work and incorporate it at home. We also encourage the idea of family days to help children of employees learn new skills.

Weekend Travels-So What Is Your Story?

Weekend travels took members of our team to the rural town of Amity, Oregon and surrounding towns, then forty miles to Siletz Bay on the Oregon coast. On the return trip we visited small towns from Forest Grove to Banks, Oregon.

This journey is part of our story. It begins in the mid-fifties living in a house built in 1901 on the outskirts of town. Back in those days the house was surrounded by fields. Going back to our beginnings helps fill in the gaps. Family stories are important. They help cement our identity and pass the legacy onto the next generation. The same is true of organizations and small businesses. By telling the story others can grasp the vision. Passing the legacy is done through succession planning. We’ve all come across farms or small businesses with third, fourth or fifth generation management. Succession cannot be left to chance. It requires carefully integrating key skills and eventually handing over the reigns.

Early memories of parents reading the newspaper on this front porch

Family home. Built in 1901 on the outskirts of Amity

Great little out building next to the house.

Nearby general store in Amity-great selection, great prices and great management

Grain Mill/Coop-a landmark in rural Amity

150 year old First Baptist Church is another landmark in Amity

This is the only Brigitine Monastery in the world. It is about 4 miles from Amity.

Approaching the Monastery

Inside the monastery

Art helps tell the story

Living the high life with mortgage free housing. Eagles on nest near Amity

We stopped to feed the ponies

Shetland Pony on the way to Siletz Bay. There was also a fruit stand.

God is our rock and our redeemer. This photo was taken at Siletz Bay.

Cooling off at Siletz Bay. The clam diggers were out filling their buckets.

We love God's creation. Trees remind us of His majesty.

This tree cluster was photographed in Gale's Creek at a historic church.

The colors were worth the photo

Mighty Oaks of Righteousness

We could do a lot with a good, solid  barn

The garden is adjacent to this local business. Great idea. Kudos.

Cooperation goes a long way. The community garden is adjacent to a local business. These partners make it possible. What could your business do to improve sustainability?

Cucumbers coming out of a shade cloth

Who says you need acreage to grow hops?

Move over. Squash territory. No yard debis allowed, only vegetable waste is composted here.

Amity and Yamhill County is wine growing country

Cozy spaces do not have to be elaborate. This space has a shade cloth over it.

Great library building in North Plains. The light hits it just right.