Dear Gardeners,
The rain really helped the plants and now the sun is making them grow very quickly. There is a sudden green cast to the entire gardens with new growth. I saw someone with young carrots already harvested and lettuce is everywhere. There really isn't anything like salads in the spring with dill and cilantro and other herbs.
Insect workshop:

Good bug, bad bug and other pests.   Who is munching on those plants!  This informal, mini-workshop will cover identification, life cycles and strategies for dealing with crop destroying pests in your garden.  Bring your questions and observations.  For purposes of identification, you may bring un-squished bugs in jars or plastic bags.  June 6, Saturday, 11 am – noon, U Houses Garden, picnic table near the shed.

Plots available:

I also want to let you know that a few large plots are still available at each garden site. These are now half-price for the plot so please let friends who are considering gardening know. To apply, send or drop off an application (available on the website) and check (half-price) to the Eagle Heights Community center. There is one small plot available at EH at the moment from someone who changed their mind.

Workday opportunity:

We'll have a workday on Saturday, June 6 at Eagle Heights from 9 am to noon. We need to work on the common areas including weeding in the fruit trees and fixing up the sandbox area. If you would like to work this opportunity, please reply and I'll get you more details and let you know if we still have room for volunteers. We can take quite a few for these tasks.

Theft issues (sadly):

Unfortunately, I need to remind you about the theft issues in the gardens. I've had several reports of items missing from plots and vegetables taken. Please tell everyone who works in your plot that they should stay out of other plots and never take anything that doesn't belong to you. We take these issues seriously and you could lose your plot for thefts and we may get the police involved. Please get to know your neighbors since our best defense in these issues is to keep an eye out for each other.

Garlic scapes:

I noticed that some of my garlic varieties are starting to produce scapes (blossom buds). Hard-neck garlic will be growing these shoots soon and will benefit from your taking the scapes off by making larger bulbs. Besides, these scapes are delicious! More information, photos and recipes here:

http://gardening.about.com/od/herbsatoz/a/What-Are-Garlic-Scapes.htm

Finally, please leave the boundary markers (at the corner of your plots) in place. We have had people taking them out and using them for plant supports or throwing them away. These fiberglass or conduit markers should only be moved by garden staff so please contact me if you have questions.

Early mornings have been a delight in the gardens with all the birds and dewy plants. Hope you are enjoying the experiences and starting to see results.

Gretel, Garden Registrar