The first CCG work day was held on Wednesday, May 12th. The first task was to remove all of the grass in the garden area in order to get to work adding compost and tilling the soil.
Some went about this task in a very organized way in order to reuse the sod elsewhere. Others used any tools available, hoes, shovels, and rakes, to remove the grass. While the first method takes a little more time, the second method is very labor intensive. The second method also leaves plenty of loose grass and seeds in the bed. All together, the area was clear in about an hour.
The group then started spreading compost from the University of Alabama Arboretum. The compost is made up of pre-consumer waste from the University dining halls along with organic waste like grass clippings and raked leaves from campus and the grounds of the Arboretum. Other area farmers and gardeners purchase this compost from the Arboretum and swear by its richness.
Take a look at this amazing video put together by Ms. Lindsey Mullen. There are clips and photos from both the groundbreaking ceremony and the first work day:
The CCG is off to a great start with plenty of participation from the community! That doesn't mean we don't need more help though. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved with the garden. If you're interested in helping out with the garden, come by during a work day or contact Erica Smith.
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