From the Registrar: December 14, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Applications for the 2024 gardening season will be available starting tomorrow, December 15th! Paper copies will be available, and applications will also be on the website to print (they will not be available yet if you check today):

https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardeners/plot-applications/

If you gardened in 2023 and you want to renew your plot for 2024, you will need to submit a renewal application and fee payment no later than February 15th of 2024.

Please be on time if you want to renew. I want to help everyone keep their garden plots if they want them! 2/15 is a fixed deadline, and it’s not within my power to make exceptions. If a renewal application is received after 2/15, it must be put in line with all new applications and there is no guarantee that a plot will be available. I try to help late applicants if I can do so within the rules, but sometimes gardeners do lose their plots due to turning in their renewal application late. If you plan to mail your application, please get it in the mail in advance of the deadline.

Please note also that all payments must be made payable to "Division of University Housing", and we can only accept the following forms of payment: checks (no starter checks), cashier's checks, and money orders. UW Housing processes all of the Garden fees and these are their requirements.

The Community Center will be undergoing some remodeling in December, and as a result the location for drop-off of completed applications will vary:

• From Dec 15, 2023 to Dec 22, 2023 the Community Center will be open. Applications will be in the foyer and applications and payment can be put in the secure drop box.
• From Dec 23, 2023 to Jan 1, 2024 completed applications and payment can be dropped off at the Apartment Facilities office:

      2997 Haight Rd
      Madison, WI
      53705

• Beginning on Jan 2, 2024 the Community Center will be open again and the drop box in the foyer can be used again.
• Applications and payment can also be mailed to:

      Eagle Heights Gardens c/o Community Center
      611 Eagle Heights
      Madison WI, 53705

(If you mail your application during the time period that the Community Center is closed it will be redirected to the Apartment Facilities office and I will pick it up there).

Please email me with any questions.

Planning next season’s garden can be a nice way to get through the cold weather and short days! This garden planning tool from Johnny’s might be helpful if you’re interested: https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/methods-tools-supplies/market-gardening/planning-plotting-your-market-or-backyard-garden.html

Best,

Lily

From the Registrar: November 2, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Parking availability extended along Eagle Heights Drive: University Apartments has agreed to extend the gardener parking along Eagle Heights Drive for Eagle Heights gardeners until Nov 15th due to the delay in leaf mulch deliveries. After 11/15 no parking will be permitted there for the remainder of the winter. Parking is also still available at University Houses.

Leaves delivered: I’m pleased to be able to say that the leaf mulch deliveries have begun. It also looks like we will have some nice weather this weekend to put the Gardens to bed. It’s not too late to plant garlic if you haven’t yet. http://www.eagleheightsgardens.org/tips/garden_manual_v_1.12.pdf (page 80)

Please remember to return all tools and carts to the sheds after you use them. They will be put inside for the winter. If they are abandoned in the snow all winter the handles will rot.

Translation and/or proofreading request: We are in need of some translation and proofreading for the 2024 applications. We need the following:

• A translator to update the Chinese application with changes for 2024.
• A proofreader for the 2024 Spanish application.
• A proofreader for the 2024 Turkish application.
• Other translations of the application in any language are always welcome! If you are interested in translating the application into a language that we do not have available yet, please let me know.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/org

From the Registrar: October 27, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Closing day extended and leaf mulch update: Closing day at the gardens will be extended a week. It will now be Sunday November 12th. We have just learned that leaf mulch deliveries can be expected to begin next week but most of the deliveries will be in mid-November. We will ensure that carts and tools are available for those that want to spread leaf mulch on their plots once it arrives.

Freeze warning: There is a freeze warning for tonight. If you still have plants that are sensitive to cold, today is the day to harvest everything and bring it indoors. The forecast after today only looks colder, and we may get some snow in the next week.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/org

From the Registrar: October 19, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

2024 Garden registration fees: Due to increased operating costs the registration fees for Eagle Heights and University Houses Community Gardens will be going up in 2024. The increases are more substantial for UW staff, alumni, and community members. We have increased the fees for UW apartment residents and students at a lower rate. It is our priority to support these residents and students in the gardens and provide the lowest fees to those who need them. Eagle Heights and University Houses Gardens are funded by plot registration fees. We must be able to meet operating costs, and fees have not increased since 2011.

To apply for a garden plot as a student, you must meet the same criteria that UW Apartments uses to determine residency eligibility for students. From their website:

“In order to live in University Apartments, graduate students must carry a minimum of two credits per semester for an academic year. If a student is a dissertator, three credits per semester for an academic year are required. Undergraduate students (with families) must carry a minimum 
of six credits per semester for an academic year”.
Students should submit a course schedule with their garden application. Applicants may appeal to the Garden Committee regarding their student status.

The no-workday fee will also increase for all groups. Please see this chart for new fee details:

Application fee per plot as follows (status of primary gardener):	Large plot	Small plot
Eagle Heights, University Houses, and Harvey Street Residents*/UW Students*	$38	$26
UW Faculty and Staff/ UW Alumni/ Community Members (everyone else)	$74	$57
No Workday Option (per plot in addition to the above fee)	$45	$45

Closing day: Closing day at the gardens will be Sunday November 5th. Most of the tools and carts will be put away for the season at this time, but we will leave a few things out for gardeners that want to continue working in their plots. Please make sure that you do not have any community tools in your plot.

Portable Toilets: The portable toilets will be picked up from the gardens next week and they will be brought back in March of next year.

Reminder about applying for 2024: Please put the renewal deadline for 2024 on your calendar now. It will be February 15th, 2024. If you want to renew your plot for 2024, you must turn in an application by this day at the latest. All gardeners must fill out an application every year. I will send more reminder emails when the applications are available and again before the renewal deadline. Late applications have to be treated as new applications, so please do not miss the deadline if you want to keep your plot.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/org

From the Registrar: October 13, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

I hope that everyone has had a productive and enjoyable gardening season! It’s coming to a close, but there are still some things that can be done this year.

Putting your garden to bed: It’s time to put the gardens to bed for the season. You can start by pulling out plants and weeds and taking them to the weed pile. Spreading mulch over your plot after the plants are cleared will help protect it from erosion and add organic matter to the soil. Try to avoid stepping on the beds when you remove plants, to prevent compacting of the soil. Remove as much dirt as possible from the roots of plants before taking them to the weed pile. Not only are we not supposed to have dirt in the weed pile, but it is also not good for your garden to remove it from the plot. Also, please remember that NO PLANTS ARE ALLOWED IN THE DUMPSTERS.

Leaf mulch: We are expecting deliveries of new leaf mulch any day now. UW Housing and the Village of Shorewood will be bringing some to both garden sites. I do not believe that we will be able to get any horse manure this year.

Water: The water in the gardens will be shut off by the UW plumbers sometime in the next week and will not be turned on again until the spring.

Garlic planting: Mid to late October is the best time to plant garlic in Wisconsin. It's possible to plant it in the spring, but it won’t do as well. If you plant it in the fall, it can begin to grow right away in the spring and take advantage of a longer growing season. Garlic should be planted late enough in the fall that it won’t grow shoots. You can get garlic cloves for planting at a garden store or a Farmers' Market. It’s better not to plant garlic from the grocery store unless you can be certain it hasn’t been treated in any way. There is some helpful information on planting garlic in the garden manual on our website:

http://www.eagleheightsgardens.org/tips/garden_manual_v_1.12.pdf (page 80)

Workday cleaning up an individual plot: If you still need to do a workday and would like to help put a garden to bed, please consider this opportunity on Saturday 10/28 from Noon-3pm. Two volunteers are needed.

Thanks, and happy gardening,


Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: September 26, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Gardening in 2024: Every year, all gardeners must reapply for their garden plots if they want to keep them for another season. If you’re interested in gardening again in 2024, please make a note that the deadline to apply for renewal will be February 15th. Applications will be available beginning December 15th. I will send out a reminder email when applications come out, and again before the February 15th deadline. Any un-renewed plots will be assigned to new gardeners after Feb 15th, and by that date there will already be a long list of new applicants. If you know now that you do not plan to renew your plot, please let me know.

Please remember that only assigned gardeners from 2023 will be eligible to renew a plot for 2024. If there is someone gardening in your plot with you now that would like to renew the plot for next year you must make sure they are listed as the secondary gardener BEFORE December 15th. If I receive a renewal application from someone that was not previously assigned to the plot, I cannot renew it for them.

Additionally, for gardeners applying to renew plots in 2024, a workday for this year must either be done, or the no-workday fee paid to be in good standing for renewal.

Workday opportunities:

• Tomorrow, Wednesday 9/27 there will be two workdays:
• 10am-1pm, University Houses, weed whacking, two volunteers needed
• 2pm-5pm, Eagle Heights, weeding, five volunteers needed
• On Thursday 9/28 there will be a workday at University Houses:
• 12pm-3pm, weed whacking, two volunteers needed
• On Friday 9/29 there will be a workday at University Houses:
• 12pm-3pm, weed whacking, two volunteers needed

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: September 14, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Tomato tasting: Thank you to everyone who participated in the tomato tasting! Over 32 varieties of tomatoes were brought by gardeners and sampled by gardeners. It was a lot of fun and many people left with new ideas of varieties to grow next season. We hope to have the event again next year. Here is a list of the tomatoes that were sampled with a few comments from the tasting (I have tried to make a note of all varieties, and a few crowd favorites are in bold):

Black Krim, Amish Paste, Brandywine, Centiflor, San Marzano (a classic), Celebrity, Sungold, Harry’s Heritage, Grape, Solar Flare (people found this less acidic), German Johnson, Japanese Black Trifele (flavor is great but the large core can be annoying), Juliet, Momotaro (great flavor and texture), Rose de Bern, Currant, Super Sauce Hybrid, Chocolate (great flavor “almost has a bit of chocolate flavor” “almost like a mole sauce”), Garden Treasure (“surprisingly good for a UFlorida hybrid. beautiful color, good flavor”), Black Velvet, Big Boy, Better Boy, Brandysweet, Green Zebra, Latch, Blush, Indigo Cherry, Mariano Hybrid, Sunrise Bumblebee, Cherry, Opalko, and a few mystery varieties.

Weedy borders: There are quite a few plots that look very well-tended on the interior but have tall weeds going to seed on the edges. Please remember to keep your garden cleared all the way to the border, and don’t allow weeds to go to seed and spread. If you’re unsure about your borders, please let me know.

Workday opportunities: There are a few workday opportunities next week. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

• On Monday 9/19 from 2pm-5pm there will be a weed whacking workday at University Houses, two volunteers needed
• On Tuesday 9/20 from 9am-12pm there will be a weeding workday and Eagle Heights, five volunteers needed
• On Tuesday 9/20 from 1pm-4pm there will be a stump-digging workday at Eagle Heights, five volunteers needed
• On Wednesday 9/21 from 9am-12pm there will be a stump-digging workday at Eagle Heights, five volunteers needed
• On Wednesday 9/21 from 1pm-4pm there will be a weed-whacking workday at Eagle Heights, two volunteers needed
• On Thursday 9/22 from 2pm-5pm there will be a weed whacking workday at University Houses, two volunteers needed
• On Friday 9/23 from 9am-12pm there will be a border-clearing workday at Eagle Heights, five volunteers needed

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: September 7, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Tomato tasting and seed-saving: Please join us for a tomato tasting to celebrate the 61st anniversary of Eagle Heights Gardens this Sunday Sept 10th at 12 pm! The tasting will be held at Eagle Heights Gardens by the shed. Please bring tomatoes from your garden plot to share and come to try new and interesting varieties. All gardeners from Eagle Heights and University Houses are welcome, and the tasting will last until 2 pm or the tomatoes run out. The more gardeners that participate and bring tomatoes the more we can sample and share, but you do not have to bring tomatoes to join the tasting.

There will be a presentation on saving tomato seeds before the tomato tasting beginning at 11:30 AM: Saving seeds from your favorite tomatoes and tomatillos requires a few extra but easy steps. Come early to the tomato tasting to learn more from one of our gardeners. Meet at Eagle Heights shed at 11:30 before the tasting begins. A short demonstration will be given.

Workday opportunities: There are a few workday opportunities next week. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

• On Tuesday 9/12 from 9 am-12 pm there will be a weeding workday at Eagle Heights, five volunteers needed
• On Wednesday 9/13 from 9 am-12 pm there will be a weed whacking workday at Eagle Heights, two volunteers needed
• On Thursday 9/14 9 am-12 pm there will be a weed whacking workday at University Houses, two volunteers needed

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 31, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Weed and garbage dumping: There was a recent report of some gardeners dumping their weeds and garbage in another gardener’s plot. All weeds must go to the weed pile and all garbage must go to the dumpster. These things can never go in common areas or in other plots. I know it can be a bit of a walk to the weed piles or the dumpsters from some plots, but these are the only options. All returning gardeners have the chance to move plots when renewing. So, if you find the distance to the weed pile is too far for you, please consider asking if there is a spot open that is closer when you reapply for next season.

Tall plants and trellises: Please remember to only plant tall things and put trellises in places that will not shade your neighbors’ gardens. A trellis or patch of tall sunflowers can create a lot of shade, so they should particularly be kept away from the Northern side of your plot. A trellis that runs North-south will block less light in your garden than a trellis that runs east-west and is a better option to maximize sun exposure for your plants.

Workday opportunity: There will be a weeding and wood-chipping workday at Eagle Heights Garden tomorrow, Friday 9/1 from 3-6 pm. Four volunteers are needed. Please email me if you are interested and I’ll assign spots in the order replies are received.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 23, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Preserving food: Garden harvests can be a overwhelming at this time in the season. If you’re looking for ways to preserve your extra produce, there are a lot of great options. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has guides for canning, freezing, drying, fermenting, and more: https://nchfp.uga.edu/#gsc.tab=0

Or you can also put your extra produce on the share shelf for other gardeners!

Workday opportunities: There are a number of upcoming workday opportunities. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

• On Friday 8/25 there will be two workdays
• 9-12 AM, Eagle Heights, Weed whacking, two volunteers needed
• 3-6 pm, Eagle Heights, Weed whacking, two volunteers needed

• On Saturday 8/26 there will be three workdays:
• 8-11 AM, University houses, Weed whacking, two volunteers needed
• 12-3 pm, Eagle Heights, Digging stumps and clearing debris, four volunteers needed
• 4-7 pm, University houses, Weed whacking, two volunteers needed

• On Sunday 8/27 there will be two workdays:
• 12-3 pm, Eagle Heights, Weed whacking, two volunteers needed
• 4-7 pm, Eagle Heights, Weeding and wood chipping, four volunteers needed

• On Monday 8/28 there will be one workday:
• 4-7 pm, University Houses, Weeding and wood chipping, three volunteers needed

• On Wednesday 8/30 there will be one workday:
• 4-7 pm, Eagle Heights, Weed whacking, two volunteers needed

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 16, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

There is no harvesting allowed in the Preserve: The Preserve is not only a protected area that does not permit harvesting, but sometimes pesticides are used there, and it is a potentially unsafe place to eat from. We have had a number of reports of people harvesting in these areas. Please share this message with anyone who needs this information. The Preserve surrounds both Gardens. Please contact me if you have any questions about this.

Workday opportunities: There are a number of upcoming workday opportunities. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

• On Saturday 8/19 there will be three workdays at Eagle Heights Gardens:
• 8-11 AM, digging tree roots, four volunteers needed
• 12-3 pm, digging tree roots, four volunteers needed
• 4-7 pm, weed whacking, three volunteers needed

• On Sunday 8/20 there will be three workdays at Eagle Heights Gardens:
• 12-3 pm, carting debris to weed pile and weeding fruit plantings, four volunteers needed
• 12-3 pm, tool painting and possibly weed whacking, three volunteers needed
• 4-7 pm, weeding and wood chipping, four volunteers needed 

*Two workdays will be run simultaneously from 12-3 pm this day*

• On Wednesday 8/23 there will be a workday at University Houses Gardens:
• 4:30-7:30 pm, weed whacking and hand weeding leaf pile area, three volunteers needed
• On Thursday 8/24 there will be a workday at Eagle Heights Gardens:
• 4-7 pm, hand weeding, five volunteers needed

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 10, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Weed dumping: Please remember that the only place that weeds can ever be dumped is in the weed piles. Weeds can’t be dumped in the tree islands at Eagle Heights, anywhere in the Preserve around both garden locations, or in the dumpsters.

Plot borders/paths: Every plot must maintain a six-inch weeded border on all sides next to neighboring plots. If everyone does this and makes sure that fences are placed at least six-inches in from the borders, there is a one-foot path between plots. These paths are necessary for many people to get to the water, and they also prevent gardens from encroaching on each other.

Workday opportunities: There will be two workday opportunities this week. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

• On Sunday 8/13 there will be a weed whacking/weeding workday at Eagle Heights Gardens from 10 AM to 1 pm. Three volunteers are needed.
• On Wednesday 8/16 there will be a weed whacking/weeding workday at Eagle Heights Gardens from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Three volunteers are needed.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: July 26, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Parasitized bean beetle larvae: Now that the parasitic wasps have been released in the Gardens, we will begin to see them attacking the bean beetles. Rather than the live, yellow larvae of the Mexican bean beetles, the larvae parasitized by the wasps are brown. Please don’t crush the parasitized larvae if you find them on your beans! These are exactly what we want to see, and more wasps will hatch from them.

Workdays: Every plot is responsible for one workday or one no-workday fee payment. I will be sending out two group emails to let everyone know what their status is. I will send one email to the principal gardeners of plots that have already fulfilled the requirement, and another email to those that have not yet fulfilled the requirement. I know that some people have tried to sign up and have missed the opportunity or the workday has been cancelled due to bad weather. The garden workers will be scheduling more workdays and I can also help you find an independent workday if none of the times work for you. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

Workday opportunities: There will be a few workday opportunities this weekend. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

• On Saturday 7/29 there will be three workdays at Eagle Heights Gardens:
• 8-11 AM, Weeding and chipping fruit plantings, Four volunteers needed
• 12-3 pm, Plot clearing, Four volunteers needed
• 4-7 pm, Weeding the buffer zone North of the 500s row, Four volunteers needed

• On Sunday 7/30 there will be two workdays and University Houses Gardens:
• 12-3 pm, Weeding and chipping fruit plantings, Four volunteers needed
• 4-7 pm, Weed whacking and tool painting, Three volunteers needed

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: July 20, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Fence etiquette: There are many fences in the Gardens, and this is not a problem if they are well-maintained. Fences need to be kept weeded. They can become overgrown quickly with invasive plants like bindweed, and they need to be weeded frequently. If you have climbing plants, please make sure they stay in your plot and don’t climb over a fence or into your neighbor’s plot.

Mexican Bean Beetles: There have been some sightings of bean beetles at Eagle Heights Gardens. The Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) is in the same family as ladybugs, and the adults resemble an orange ladybug. The larvae are yellow and spiny: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/mexican_bean_beetle.htm

As we have in previous years, we have ordered parasitic wasps (Pediobius faveolatus) to try to keep them under control. I will distribute the wasps in the Gardens tomorrow. Please let me know if you have noticed bean beetles on your bean plants, and if you're willing to host some of the wasps in your plot. These wasps are very small and don’t sting people.

Hoses: All hoses must be kept out of the paths so they can be mowed. Please do not leave them lying in the grass. This creates a lot of extra work for the garden workers and risks the hose being cut by a mower. Please also disconnect your hose from the spigot at Eagle Heights when you are done using it. Many people share spigots and leaving your hose attached means someone else must remove it for you to have access. If your hose is stuck and you can’t detach it, you can report it using the maintenance request form.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 28, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Planting for fall crops: If you’d like to start another round of planting for Fall crops, this is a good time to start thinking about it. Many things, like greens, beets, radishes, and more, can be planted a second time in July or August. Johnny’s Selected Seeds has a useful chart available here with planting dates. Scroll down and see: “Fall Harvest Planting Calculator”: https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/online-tools-calculators.html?glmmftrdlst The average date of first frost that’s already in the sheet (10/1) will work for Madison.

Maintenance reporting form details: It’s important to use this form for reporting maintenance issues to ensure that the information goes to the right people as quickly as possible:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Use this maintenance reporting form for things like:

• Water issues: Leaks, dripping faucets, non-functioning water, etc.
• Reporting trees that need removal
• Trees fallen on plots

Do not use this maintenance reporting form for:

• Plot border questions
• Gardening questions
• Reporting weeds, either in your own or another plot
• University Apartments maintenance requests (Here is their form: https://www.housing.wisc.edu/apartments/maintenance/ )

Workday opportunity: There will be a weed whacking and clean-up workday at Eagle Heights Gardens this Sunday 7/2 from 4-7 pm. We will need three volunteers. Please let me know if you're interested and I'll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 21, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Hoses in path: Please do not leave hoses in the path. The garden workers need be able to get through to mow, and stopping to disconnect and move hoses at Eagle Heights and return them to the reels at University Houses takes a lot of extra time. Hoses can also be difficult to see in the grass and might end up cut by the mower. Hoses also need to be stored in your plot at Eagle Heights, and not in the path.

Tools in plots: Please remember to return all communal tools to the sheds when you are done using them for the day.

Look out for trees in your plot: Check your plot for tree seedlings and pull them up while they are still small. We have a lot of unwanted trees in the gardens, and once they get large enough, they’re much more difficult to remove.

Ticks: Every year we get reports of ticks found by gardeners. Wisconsin is home to a variety of ticks. Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to humans also. The primary concern here is generally with deer ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. Please check for ticks and be careful. The UW Department of Entomology has extensive resources about ticks: https://wisconsin-ticks.russell.wisc.edu/

Although we often associate deer ticks with deer, Ticks often make their way to humans via smaller animals, like mice and voles. This is a great reason to limit rodent habitats in your garden. They like lots of cover to hide from predators, so tall weeds and brush will attract them. Not only can they bring ticks into your plot, but they will also quickly eat your crops. So, there is more than one good reason to discourage rodents from entering your garden!

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 14, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

DATCP survey: A plant pathogen survey will be conducted by DATCP at the Eagle Heights Garden location. The survey will involve taking samples from randomly selected plots. If you DO NOT want your plot to potentially be included in the survey, please let me know that you would like to opt out as soon as possible. All plots that do not opt out will be in the pool for random selection. Please read the survey description below:

“The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is conducting a vegetable crops pest survey for two plant pathogens: potato spindle tuber viroid and tomato brown rugose fruit virus. In late June or early July, two DATCP Plant Pest and Disease Specialists will visit the Eagle Heights community garden to survey and collect plant leaf samples. We will visit the garden plots once for survey and sample collection. DATCP staff will enter and collect samples from ten randomly chosen plots. These are plots where the gardener has given their permission to participate in the survey and contain either potato or tomato plants. We will collect a small amount of leaf tissue (1-2 inches) from each potato and tomato plant in that plot. We will take care to reduce the sample impact on the plants in each garden plot. After sample collection, they will be tested at DATCP's Plant Industry Bureau Laboratory for potato spindle tuber viroid and tomato brown rugose fruit virus. We will share the survey results with the Eagle Heights garden committee and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. During our visit, we will bring fact sheets on the target plant diseases and be glad to answer questions. Funding for this multi-pest, early detection survey comes from the USDA Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey program.”

Rain Garden plant donations: Thanks to EH gardeners Doug and Jim, and the help of a work crew last Saturday, the new rain garden installation at the end of the 100s row is looking fantastic. There have been some nice plant donations, but they are still looking for a number of plants to fill the area. If you have plants from this list that you could donate, please let me know:

• Jacob's Ladder
• Wild Geranium
• Spiderwort
• Culver's Root
• Swamp milkweed
• Turtlehead
• Mountain mint
• Sedges
• Purple coneflower
• Black-eyed Susans
• Brown-eyed Susans
• Butterfly weed

Colorado potato beetles: The potato beetles have started to come out for the season. You may have seen some adults on your potato plants, but many plants are just hosting eggs right now on the undersides of the leaves. This is a great time to check your plants and destroy the eggs before they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, plants can be quickly defoliated if there are many larvae.

Potato beetles will eat anything in the Solanaceae family, including tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tomatillos, but most of the damage we see is on potato plants. The best method for controlling them in your plot is to pick them off and dump them in soapy water.

The link below from the University of Minnesota Extension has some good pictures of the beetles at each stage of life. Please remember that only organic control methods are allowed in Eagle Heights and the A and B rows of University Houses. The gardens sometimes spray Spinosad to control them, but it is too early to consider that.

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/colorado-potato-beetles

Gardens seeking additional garden worker: The Garden Committee is looking to hire another garden worker. This is a part-time position doing caretaking in the Gardens and leading volunteer workdays. If you are interested, or know anyone who is, please contact the Garden Committee Co-Chairs: Jessica Pritchard (jessica.pritchard@gmail.com) and Ninja Geiger (ninja.geiger@gmail.com)

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 5, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Weeds: Please take a look at your plot and check for Artemesia and Canada Thistle. Many of the thistles in the gardens are close to flowering, and they should be removed before they do. If you can’t remove all the thistles right away, you can cut off the flower heads to prevent them from producing seed while you weed them out. Many plot borders are beginning to get weedy at this point in the season also. Please remember to keep the six inches around the sides of your plots clear.

Please don’t enter any plots but your own: Please remember that you can only enter another gardener’s plot with their permission.

Insect workshop: Eliza Pessereau, an Eagle Heights Gardener, will be leading an insect workshop organized by Insect Ambassadors this month at Eagle Heights Garden. Please see the message below for details:

Garden Pests and Beneficial Insects Workshop at Eagle Heights Community Garden (June 24th, 1-3pm)

Did you know that bees and flies help your garden produce fruit and vegetables, and that lady bugs and wasps help rid your garden of pests? Come learn about these bugs and more with UW Insect Ambassadors at the Eagle Heights Community Garden! We'll talk about how to attract and monitor bees with the WiBee app (available for free in the iTunes App store and on Google Play) and how to identify and manage garden pests with extension entomologist Russ Groves. This event is part of a larger series of Insect Community Science Events at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Registration is required: https://forms.gle/4BNH8trpaoQWCvSFA.

Workday opportunity at Eagle Heights: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights next Saturday for the rain garden that is being put in at the end of the 100s row. Volunteers will be digging out the rain garden, planting, and mulching. The workday will be led by the gardeners managing the rain garden project. It will be held on Saturday 6/10 from 8:30-11:30 am. We would like six volunteers. Please email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 23, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Thistles: Please look around your plot for Canada Thistle and pull up any plants you see. They have not started to bloom yet, but they will soon. Once they bloom, they will go to seed and spread. https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/canadathistle

For the last couple of years, we have had a few people act as “thistle monitors” to keep the Canada Thistle at bay in the communal areas between weeding workdays. Please let me know if you’re interested in doing this!

Volunteers work independently to pull thistle from areas like the blackberry patch and borders.

Standing water: Please turn containers upside down in your plot so they don’t collect rain. Standing water in plots will increase the mosquito population in the gardens by providing a place for them to lay eggs.

Another bricks and blocks workday: There will be one more workday at Eagle Heights to clean the broken bricks and blocks and the tree island. It will be held this Thursday 5/25 from 4-7 pm. We would like two volunteers. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 18, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Bricks and blocks workday: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights this Sunday 5/21 from 4 pm-7pm to clear the broken bricks and blocks from the weed and mulch pile areas. Volunteers will also remove some junk from the tree island at the end of the 600s row. A dumpster has been delivered and we’ll have it for a limited time. Please consider helping with this project! We would like six volunteers. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Warm weather plant sale this Sunday 5/21: The warm weather plant sale will be held by Blue Moon Community Farm this Sunday 5/21 from 10 am to 1 pm at Eagle Heights Gardens. Their seedling list is attached, and details are below.

Plants are $4.00 per item (either a 3.5" pot or a 4-pack depending on what vegetable it is--indicated on the seedling list)
Mix + Match discount: 6 for $20, or a full flat of 18 for $60
Payment options: cash, check, credit card, venmo

Eagle Heights tree island: With the tree island at the end of the 600s being cleared, I want to remind everyone that this is a communal space that we can all use. If you’re not familiar with it, there are some benches there and it’s a nice place to rest in the shade. Please note that the other tree island, labeled “North Tree Island” on the map, and at the end of the 700s, belongs to the Preserve, and is not open to gardeners: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EHG-UHG-Plots-2021.pdf

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 12, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Hoses and tools in paths: With mowing of the paths beginning, please remember to keep all your belongings in your plot. Hoses left in the path may be mowed. At Eagle Heights your hose needs to be in your plot and disconnected from the spigot, and at University Houses it needs to be returned to the reel. Plants that are growing outside the border of your plot may also get mowed.

Water not potable: Although the original water source for the Gardens is city water, we cannot guarantee that it will remain potable once it enters our water systems. For this reason, the water in the Gardens is safe for watering plants but is not suitable for drinking.

Garden juries: Juries consist of small groups of gardeners who are assigned to walk through sections of the gardens and report to the registrar about plots that appear weedy or abandoned (or especially nice). There are three gardeners on each jury. This year we will be increasing the number of juries in the Gardens. There will be two juries each month (June, July, and August). The first set of juries will need to submit a report by the first week of the month, and the second set of juries will need to submit a report by the third week of the month. The weed juries will be asked to report on specific noxious weeds, like thistles and artemisia, and to remove communal tools and carts from plots.

If you’re interested in being on a garden jury, please let me know. Spots will be assigned in the order that people reply. Each jury will meet three times total: in June, July, and August. Juries will work together to coordinate a meeting each month and turn in their reports. To be consistent with contacting gardeners about problem plots, all juries will need to submit a report by their deadline. Being on a garden jury for the season counts as a workday.

Warm weather plant sale next Sunday 5/21: The warm weather plant sale will be held by Blue Moon Community Farm next Sunday 5/21 from 10 am to 1 pm at Eagle Heights Gardens.

Please remember to return all communal tools to the sheds when you are done using them for the day. If they are left in your plot no one else can use them. If they are left in the mulch piles, they will end up buried, and the wooden handles will rot.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 3, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Canada Thistle! Canada Thistles have begun to come up around the Gardens. They are an invasive species and are particularly disliked by the Nature Preserve because the seeds spread into the Prairie next to our Gardens. We’ve made an effort to remove them over the last few years and there are fewer in the buffer zones around the gardens, but they are still prevalent in the Gardens. Many are coming up in plots right now as the weather gets warmer. Please take out any thistles that are in your plot now and continue to remove them throughout the season (it’s a good idea to wear gloves). It’s especially important to remove them before they flower. Here are some pictures for identification: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/canadathistle

Water update for Eagle Heights: The water remains off in Eagle Heights Garden except for in the 100s and 500s rows. One of the leaks further up the hill has been repaired, and the other is currently being worked on.

May planting: It’s still a good time to plant many cool weather crops. It is too cold for plants like tomatoes and peppers and will be for a few weeks. Next week is a good time to start planting beans.

http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/vegetable_planting_guide.pdf

If you haven’t had a chance to buy row cover yet but would like to, please let me know. Here is some information on how to use row cover: http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/row_cover_handout.pdf

Communal tools: Please return tools and carts to the sheds at both gardens when you are done using them for the day.

No drones in the Preserve: I’ve been asked by Preserve staff to let everyone know that drones are only allowed in the Preserve with a research permit: https://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visitor-etiquette/

Links: From now on, I’ll include links for the maintenance request form, email blog, and gardening resources on our website with each update. Please see them below if you are looking for any of this information.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Gardens maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: If you are looking for information sent a previous week, old emails are posted to the blog: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: April 25, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Refund deadline: The deadline to receive a refund for a plot cancellation is May 1st. If you would like to give up your plot, please contact me.

Return bricks and blocks to the pile soon! We have requested the delivery of a dumpster to dispose of the bricks and blocks that are piled by the weeds and leaves. This is our chance to get them out of the gardens to prevent them being buried in the soil. Please take the opportunity to return other blocks to the pile. If you have some in your plot and would like help moving them back to the pile, please let me know.

Water: I’ve requested that the UW plumbers turn on the water at both Eagle Heights and University Houses this week. We can’t choose what day they do the work, but the water should be on by this weekend.

Reporting maintenance issues: Please use this form to report all maintenance and repair requests (It is ONLY for reporting maintenance issues, like water system problems): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

It can also be accessed via the website, on the sidebar and under the “Gardeners” tab: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/

Cool weather plant sale this Sunday! The cool weather plant sale will be held by Blue Moon Community Farm this Sunday 4/30 from 10 am to 1 pm at Eagle Heights Gardens. Their seedling list is attached, and details are below.

Plants are $4.00 per item (either a 3.5" pot or a 4-pack depending on what vegetable it is--indicated on the seedling list)
Mix + Match discount: 6 for $20, or a full flat of 18 for $60
Payment options: cash, check, credit card, venmo

Row cover sale: I’ll be selling row cover at Eagle Heights Gardens on Sunday also, from 11-12. The pieces are approximately 7 ft x 20 ft and they are $5 each, CASH ONLY. Please bring exact change if possible.

Organic gardening: If you garden anywhere at Eagle Heights, or anywhere in the A and B rows at University Houses, your garden must be managed organically (University Houses C, D, E, & F plots are not required to be organic). Organic gardening means that no chemical insecticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or fungicides can be used. Any products used must be approved for organic use. Here is some information on organic gardening products you can use in your plot:

http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/OrganicProducts.pdf

There are many ways to manage an organic garden beyond buying organically certified products. Mulching to suppress weeds and improve soil health, companion planting, and crop rotation are just a few possibilities. This article from the University of Missouri extension is a good resource if you’re looking for more ideas about organic gardening: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6220

Planting guide: If you’d like a reminder of what to plant right now, check out this planting guide from our website:

http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/vegetable_planting_guide.pdf

More resources can be found here: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: April 20, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Reminder: Do not dump plant waste anywhere but the weed piles. Some rhubarb was found dumped in the tree island at the end of the 600s row at Eagle Heights. The only places that we can leave plant waste at either garden location are the weed piles.

Garden operations: The Gardens are run by the gardeners. We have a Garden Committee that meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7 pm (currently via Zoom) to discuss the running of the Gardens. All gardeners that are interested are welcome to participate! Please contact me if you would like to attend a meeting.

The Committee is led by two co-chairs, who set the meeting agendas and run the meetings. The Gardens have a few part-time employees: A registrar (me) and some garden workers (Megan, Ian, and Nichole). The registrar does administrative work: assigning plots, answering questions, and explaining the rules. The garden workers take care of the Gardens: doing maintenance and leading volunteer workdays. All employees report to the Committee via the co-chairs.

Our gardens are one of the oldest and largest community gardens in the country. We currently have 565 plots between both locations, with 777 registered gardeners. If you do not have a secondary gardener listed on your plot and you’d like to add one, please contact me. All gardeners receive email updates (primary gardeners are required to provide an email address and secondary gardeners have the option).

Help plan the EHCG anniversary party: Eagle Heights Community Gardens is turning 61 this year! We would like to form a small committee to help plan a celebration for all gardeners this September. Please contact me if you’re interested in helping with this project.

Gardener looking for watering help: A gardener in the 1000s row at Eagle Heights is looking for help watering and maintaining a plot for six weeks starting June 1st. If you are interested in helping a neighbor, please let me know and I will put you in touch.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: April 12, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Spring planting: Usually, April 15th is the day that marks when you can begin planting many things outdoors here. Some good options of seeds to plant right now are: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Chard, and Kale. We have an excellent guide for this that I would normally link here, but our website is unfortunately down at the moment. I will share the link as soon as it’s back up or I’ll email a pdf of the guide tomorrow.

If you’re planting transplants, they might benefit from some row cover. There are a number of plants that are frost-tolerant, but they might not survive prolonged freezing temperatures. (A frost is possible with a temperature under 36° F. A freeze can happen under 32° F, and a hard frost under 28° F). It’s still possible to have more cold weather before Spring is over. Row cover also protects small plants from pests like flea beetles.

If you would like to buy some row cover before the cool weather plant sale, please email me. The pieces are approximately 7 ft x 20 ft and they are $5 each, cash only.

Plant sale details: I’ve attached the full seedling list from Blue Moon. Here are their price details:

Plants are $4.00 per item (either a 3.5" pot or a 4-pack depending on what vegetable it is--indicated on the seedling list)
Mix + Match discount: 6 for $20, or a full flat of 18 for $60

• Cool weather plant sale: Sun 4/30 10 AM-1 pm
• Warm weather plant sale: Sun 5/21 10 AM-1 pm

Don’t take the bricks and blocks: Please don’t take the bricks and blocks from the area by the weed pile at Eagle Heights for use in your plot. Many gardeners have them in their plots, but they sink into the ground and end up buried for future gardeners to dig up. We are trying to get rid of the blocks, which were originally given to us to build a retaining wall.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: April 6, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Seed Fair this Saturday! The Seed Fair will be held at the Community Center this Saturday April 8th from 9 AM to 11 AM. Each plot can have 12 free packets of seeds. If you drive, you can park in the Community Center parking lot. If the lot is full, you will need to park in the gardener parking spots on Eagle Heights Drive and walk over to the center.

There has been an update to the timeframe for the tuber trade: It will now be held from 9:30 to 10:15 during the Fair. Please bring tubers you would like to trade/share with other gardeners.

Row cover sale: We’ll be selling row cover at the Seed Fair. The pieces are approximately 7 ft x 20 ft and they are $5 each, CASH ONLY. Please bring exact change if possible. We will have copies of this handout on row cover with instructions at the Fair: http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/row_cover_handout.pdf

Lakeshore Nature Preserve: Both Eagle Heights and University Houses Gardens are a part of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. The Gardens consist of the garden plots, common areas, tool areas, weed piles, and mulch piles (and the paths between). Any area outside of that is a protected area. Please never dump weeds in the protected Preserve areas or take anything out of them. The branches and sticks in the Preserve are not available to use in plots. All weeds should go in the weed piles, and only sticks in the blue stick barrels are available for use in gardens.

We observe the Preserve’s hours, which are 4 AM to 10 pm every day. Bikes are permitted on the garden paths, but not on the Nature Preserve paths. Dogs must be on a leash in all parts of the Gardens and Preserve.

Please note that events that are held at the Gardens and within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve must be approved by both the Garden Committee and the Preserve.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: March 31, 2023

Hello Gardeners,

Due to the snow, many opening day activities last weekend had to be postponed. The carts and tools are now out, and new gardener orientations will begin this weekend. Plot maps and assignments are posted at both Eagle Heights and University Houses. If you are a new gardener, and you have not already, please remember to sign up for an orientation time.

All orientation groups will meet by the garden sheds at the entrances for both garden sites (Eagle Heights and University Houses).

Seed Fair: The Seed Fair will be held at the Community Center on Saturday April 8th from 9 AM to 11 AM. Each plot will be entitled to 12 free packets of seeds. I hope you can join us!

Cancellations and refunds: If you find that you won’t be able to garden this season, or you no longer want to, you can receive a refund if you cancel your plot assignment by May 1st. The gardens are full, and cancelled plots will be reassigned to people on the waitlist.

Plot markers and corner posts: Please don’t move your numbered plot marker or the corner posts of your plot. The markers are not just for the gardeners of the plots. They also help new gardeners find their way around the gardens, and they help the garden juries correctly identify plots. The corner posts are essential for identifying borders.

Plants and fences can extend to the border only in the front of the plot. On all other sides there must be six inches of space left as a path (so there are 12 inches between plots).

Upcoming plant sales: The plant sales at Eagle Heights will be held by Blue Moon Community Farm this year. There will be two sales:

• Cool weather plant sale: Sun 4/30 10 AM-1 pm
• Warm weather plant sale: Sun 5/21 10 AM-1 pm

Kristen from Blue Moon would like two volunteers to help for each sale. Volunteers will need to arrive at 9:30 and stay to close up after. Please let me know if you’d like to help with either plant sale. It will count as a workday, and I will give the spots out to gardeners in the order I receive replies. I’ll send a reminder before each sale, along with any details I get about prices and which plants will be available.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: March 17, 2023

Additional new-gardener orientation times: All new gardeners need to sign up for an orientation. Please reply to sign up for a time at the site where your plot is located. If none of the times work for you, please let me know and we can arrange something else:

Eagle Heights orientations:

• Saturday March 25, 9 am
• Saturday March 25, 11 am
• Saturday April 1st, 11 am
• Saturday April 8th 12:30 pm
• Tuesday April 11th 6 pm

University Houses orientation:

• Saturday, March 25, 1 pm
• Sunday April 2nd, 11 am
• Saturday April 8th 12:30 pm
• Tuesday April 11th 6 pm

Water: The water at both gardens will be turned on in late April or early May, when we can be certain there’s no chance of the pipes freezing. If you need water for early planting, bringing jugs of water to your plot is helpful.

Important date reminders:

• Opening day in the gardens will be Saturday, March 25th.
• The Seed Fair will be held at the Community Center on Saturday April 8th from 9 am to 11 am.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily