November Greenthumb Newsletter

GrowTogether T-shirt Design Contest
Please send in your GrowTogether T-shirt Designs for the 2016 season. This year’s theme is Concrete Jungle to Garden Oasis. The winning design will appear on the 2016 GrowTogether T-shirts, worn by hundreds of gardeners all over the city. Any GreenThumb gardener is welcome to enter. Applicants may send in up to 3 entries. The deadline for entry is Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Symposium: Growing the Urban Farm
Growing the Urban Farm features four distinguished speakers who will address these critical questions and offer inspiration to experienced and aspiring urban farmers alike. This symposium is presented by Bronx Green-Up, NYBG’s steadfast community gardening program, which has been instrumental in the Bronx for the last 27 years. Bronx Green-Up of the New York Botanical Garden is happy to offer community gardeners a discounted price of $10 to the Symposium: Growing the Urban Farm

Citizens Committee Neighborhood Grants
Neighborhood Grants: Up to $3,000 for Your Community Group Through the Neighborhood Grants, Citizens Committee awards micro-grants of up to $3,000 to resident-led groups to work on community and school projects throughout the city. We prioritize groups based in low income neighborhoods and Title I public schools.

New Deputy Director, Carlos Martinez
Please join us in welcoming Carlos Martinez as Deputy Director of GreenThumb. Carlos joins us from the Partnerships for Parks Catalyst Program where he was the Program Manager and Waterfront Park Activities Coordinator.

GreenThumb Youth Leadership Council 2016
The GreenThumb Youth Leadership Council is an opportunity for 150 high school aged youth and 20 college students to volunteer at a 10 community garden in New York City.

Workshops & Events

Saturday, November 14, 2015

GreenThumb Fall Bulb Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Pick up a selection of spring flowering bulbs for fall planting at our compound. Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold bulbs for anyone.
Location: GreenThumb Compound, Queens
Cost: Free

GreenThumb Workshop: Healthy Soils
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Want to learn how to keep your plants growing strong this season? Plant health is usually directly linked to the health of the soil it is growing in.
Location: GreenThumb Compound, Queens
Cost: Free

Thursday, November 19, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Group Structure and By-Laws 101
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Is your garden group in need of structure and more organization?
Location: Living Restorations, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Hattie Carthan Community Farmers’ Market
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Shop for fresh, locally-grown produce, stone fruits, vegetables, herbs, Hattie Carthan cage-free eggs, value-added products, and specialty farm products.
Location: Hattie Carthan Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

GreenThumb Workshop: Putting the Garden to Bed
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Want to get a jumpstart on planning for next season? This workshop is all about planning ahead and taking the time you have during late fall and winter to get ready for spring.
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Green Thumb June Calendar

Green Thumb events are great ways for gardeners to learn about a topic related to community gardens. As a Green Thumb garden, West 104th Street Community Garden is eligible for certain benefits and free supplies. We are seeking volunteers who can commit to attending events. Attendance at certain Green Thumb may count toward the garden workday or makeup requirement. Contact us for details or to volunteer.

Irises & Green Thumb sign 5-15

Thursday, June 11, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Double Raised Bed Building

4:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.
We will be learning how to raise beds higher to make them more accessible, especially for…
Location: PS 53 Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

JUN11

City Chicken Institute: Basics of Chicken Keeping

5:30 p.m.7:15 p.m.
During this workshop, we will cover general topics of chicken keeping including ideal coop…
Location: Imani Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Saturday, June 13, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Freshkills Park Walking Tour

1:00 p.m.2:30 p.m.
Join NYC gardeners for a tour of Freshkills Park and see land transformation on an…
Location: St. George Ferry Terminal, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Powell Street Garden Workshop: Introduction to Beekeeping & Honey Tasting

3:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.
Join us for a brief introduction to beekeeping and enjoy tasting local…
Location: Powell Street Livonia Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, June 14, 2015

8th Annual Red Hook Jazz Festival at the Urban Meadow Garden

1:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Please enjoy a day of cutting-edge jazz music at the Urban Meadow Community Garden in…
Location: Urban Meadow Community Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: $10 suggested admission, kids are free

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Garden Design

5:30 p.m.7:00 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to do something different than the same old 4-by-8-foot wooden raised…
Location: Red Gate Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Thursday, June 18, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Perennial Swap

5:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
Perennials are plants like oregano or day lily, which grow and bloom in spring and summer,…
Location: River Garden (in ), Bronx
Cost: Free

Saturday, June 20, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Birdhouse Building

11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Interested in building a birdhouse? Come to the Clayton Williams Community Garden and learn…
Location: Clayton Williams Memorial Garden, Manhattan
Cost: Free

GreenThumb Workshop: Composting 101

11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.
This is the first in a series of compost workshops in Staten Island. These three…
Location: Westervelt Community Garden, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Sunday, June 21, 2015

8th Annual Red Hook Jazz Festival at the Urban Meadow Garden

1:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Please enjoy a day of cutting edge jazz music at the Urban Meadow Community Garden in…
Location: Urban Meadow Community Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: $10 suggested admission, kids are free

El Flamboyan Garden: Father’s Day Celebration

2:00 p.m.8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a Father’s Day celebration at the garden with a DJ, free food, and beverages.…
Location: El Flamboyan Community Garden (in ), Bronx
Cost: Free

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

City Chicken Institute: How to Build a Chicken Tractor

5:30 p.m.7:15 p.m.
Chicken tractors are a small chicken run without a floor that allow you to safely move your…
Location: Paradise on Earth, Bronx
Cost: Free

GreenThumb May Calendar

Green Thumb events are great ways for gardeners to learn about a topic related to community gardens. As a Green Thumb garden, West 104th Street Community Garden is eligible for certain benefits and free supplies. We are seeking volunteers who can commit to attending events. Attendance at certain Green Thumb may count toward the garden workday or makeup requirement. Contact us for details or to volunteer.

Irises & Green Thumb sign 5-15

For details visit GreenThumb at http://www.greenthumbnyc.org.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Le Petit Versailles Garden: May Day Beltaine!
12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the Le Petit Versailles Garden opening for the spring, with a may pole, dancing, and costumes.
Location: La Petit Versailles, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 2, 2015

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb, and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: GreenThumb Compound, Queens
Cost: Free

Bronx Green Up Workshop: Building a Community Garden
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join us in building the Rivers Run Community Garden, a new garden located along the Hutchinson River.
Location: Rivers Run Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

Tree Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
GreenThumb and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) are teaming up to bring you free trees as part of the Million TreesNYC initiative!
Location: GreenThumb Compound, Queens
Cost: Free

Resident Green Committee Summit
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Resident Green Committees and interested guests are invited to join the NYCHA Gardening and Sustainability Unit at their inaugural Resident Green Committee Summit.
Location: Williamsburg Community Center, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

East New York Gardens: Spring Open House
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Build your garden’s membership or go to your local community garden and find out how to get involved.
Location: Clara’s Garden (in ), Brooklyn, Floral Vineyard (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Powell Street Garden Fruit Tree Giveaway
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Please come to the garden for a free fruit tree, while supplies last.
Location: Powell Street Livonia Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

First Quincy Garden: Spring Kickoff & 14th Anniversary

12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Please join the First Quincy GreenThumb garden for a spring kickoff event.
Location: First Quincy St. Block Association (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Synergi Urban Farm: Urban Rebuilding Initiative, Growing Season Kick-Off
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Urban Rebuilding Initiative will kick off the 2015 season of growing and giving with their first food and tree giveaway/plant sale.
Location: Synergi Urban Farm (in ), Bronx
Cost: Free

Tree Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
GreenThumb and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) are teaming up to bring you free trees as part of the Million TreesNYC initiative!
Location: Diamante Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Monday, May 4, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Friday, May 8, 2015

Frank White Memorial Garden: Annual Planting Week
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Groups and individuals will work together on turning soil in raised beds, empty compost bins into raised beds, create smaller innovative garden plots, plant annuals and perennials in all areas food is growing, participate in group challenge course created by young people in the garden, create murals, and participate in or be entertained during the week.
Location: Frank White Memorial Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 9, 2015

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: Melrose New Generation Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

Red Hook Community Farm: Open Bin NYC
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the NYC Compost Project hosted by Brooklyn Botanic Garden at Red Hook Community Farm and enjoy the day by building a windrow, sifting compost, applying compost to street trees and learning about community greening initiatives from GreenBridge, Added Value, and Green City Force.
Location: Red Hook Community Farm, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Bronx Food & Farms Trolley Tour: The Bronx Blooms
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Kick off the growing season by sowing seeds in a community garden.
Location: Melrose New Generation Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Tickets are $30 by cash or check made payable to La Familia Verde.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Ten Neighbors Community Garden Cleanup Day
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join us to clean up the debris in the garden.
Location: Ten Neighbors Community Garden, Brooklyn

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Soil Health
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Want to learn how to keep your plants growing strong this season?
Location: La Perla Garden (in ), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, May 14, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Teaching in the Garden
4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Navigate the fun, but often challenging world of teaching kids in the garden.
Location: Joe Holzka Community Garden (in ), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 16, 2015

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: Hattie Carthan Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Butterfly Project NYC: Native Plant Share
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn more about the connections between native plants and pollinators and how to encourage them in urban landscapes.
Location: Grove Hill Learning Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

GreenThumb: Plant Starts Giveaway
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Get your veggie, herb and flower transplants at our annual giveaway, plus tips on square foot gardening.
Location: Hattie Carthan Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Powell Street Garden: Free Book Fair
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Please come to the garden for a free book fair while supplies last.
Location: Powell Street Livonia Garden (in ), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Worm Composting
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
We will construct a multi-bin worm composting system and learn the basics of vermiculture, including how to care for your system and worms, what to put in and leave out and how to harvest worm castings.
Location: Vinegar Hill community Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 23, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Beneficial Insects
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Want to attract native bees, butterflies and other pollinators? Come and learn how to do so with wonderfully smelling, showy flowering plants.
Location: Tranquility Garden, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Compost
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Get ready for hands-on learning! Construct a three-bin compost sifter and learn the basics of composting garden and food waste to make the soil in your garden burst with healthy fruits and vegetables.
Location: Risse Street Community Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

GreenThumb Grant Opportunities

GreenThumb Farmer’s Market Grant Program

The Farmer’s Market Grant Program micro-grants ($2,000-$5,000) will be awarded to registered GreenThumb community garden groups for the development and/or establishment of farmer’s markets within marginalized neighborhoods, where healthy food is scarce or inaccessible. Grants will be awarded for the purpose of increasing healthy food options and supporting regional farmers and NYC community gardeners. The program will also serve to build the capacity of community gardeners as entrepreneurs, develop connections between community gardeners and regional farmers, and increase the sustainability of community gardens in NYC.
DEADLINE: Proposals are due Monday, February 16, 2015 by 5:00pm.

Partnership for Parks Capacity Fund Grant

Partnerships for Parks’ Capacity Fund makes grants to community groups working in NYC parks to strengthen their outreach, membership, and program-planning capacity. We award small grants of up to $5,000. The Capacity Fund grant is funded in part by the Parks Equity Initiative of the New York City Council under the leadership of Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito.
DEADLINE: Application due by, February 1, 2015 by 6:00pm.

2015 Grants from Citizens Committee for NYC

Through our Neighborhood Grants, Citizens Committee awards micro-grants of up to $3,000 to resident-led groups to work on community and school improvement projects throughout the city. We prioritize groups based in low income neighborhoods and Title I public schools. We support projects that address issues that communities identify as important to them – anything from community gardens to tenant organizing.
DEADLINE: Application due by, January 26, 2015

City Parks Foundation 2015 Youth Apprenticeship Program

Interested 15-18 year old students may apply for a free afterschool program that includes hands-on science learning and training in: horticulture and gardening, career development, public speaking skills, community advocacy, and media arts.
DEADLINE: Application due by, January 23, 2015 by 5:00pm.
Participating gardens include:
Grove Hill Learning Garden, Bronx, NY- Eagle Ave bet. E 156th/158th Street- Meet on Tuesdays 3:30-6pm
Umoja Learning Garden, Brooklyn, NY- Broadway at Putnam Avenue- Meet on Wednesdays 3:30-6pm
Liberty Learning Garden, Queens, NY- 173rd St. near 106th Ave.- Meet on Thursdays 3:30-6pm

Rules Referendum Results

In the spring of 2014 two amendments to the garden rules were proposed. These were revised and again presented for review at the last garden meeting on November 16, 2014. Because these are changes to our governing rules, conducted a formal vote and asked that all gardeners participate. An email was sent to all current garden members in December and those without email were polled via phone.

The results of the referendum are as follows:

1. Currently our Children/Minors policy reads as follows: All children under 16 must be accompanied by adults while in the garden. Parents are responsible for the actions in the garden of all minors under 18.

Proposed addition: Children will not be permitted in garden areas where power tools are in use.

Approved.

2. Currently our Committee Membership policy reads as follows: As a member/gardener, you must participate actively in two garden committees in addition to working in your own bed. A brief description outlines the primary duties of each committee.

Proposed addition: Each committee may have a chair or chairs elected by the committee’s members on an annual basis. Where no volunteer chair exists, the steering committee may appoint one from within the committee by May 1st of the current year.

Approved.

The updated language has been incorporated into our Membership Application and garden rules documents. If you have not had a chance to complete the Membership Application or renewal for the 2015 garden season, please do so soon. Garden applications and renewals are due by February 15.

Green Thumb January Events Announced

Green Thumb events are great ways for gardeners to learn about a topic related to community gardens. As a Green Thumb garden, West 104th Street Community Garden is eligible for certain benefits and free supplies. We are seeking volunteers who can commit to attending events. Attendance at certain Green Thumb may count toward the garden workday or makeup requirement. Contact us for details or to volunteer.

Irises & Green Thumb sign 5-15

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Permaculture

1:00 p.m.3:00 p.m.
Interested in permaculture, companion planting, spiral gardens and the like, but…
Location: Old Stone House (in J.J. Byrne Playground), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Grow to Learn Meet-Up: Garden Classroom Mangement

4:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.
Ever been curious about how other teachers maintain classroom order when outdoors in the…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Grant Writing and Garden Design Workshop

4:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.
Is your school planning to apply for the Grow to Learn Mini-Grant this fall?…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

GreenThumb Garden Registration & License Renewal

5:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
All GreenThumb gardens under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and…
Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
Cost: Free

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Group Structure and By-Laws 101

6:00 p.m.8:00 p.m.
Is your garden group in need of structure and more organization? This workshop will help…
Location: Citizens Committee for New York City, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Expansion Grants

4:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Please note:  These workshops are intended for schools that have already received one…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Cooking with Kids

4:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.
Join chefs from School Food’s Garden to Cafe Program as they discuss tips, tools, and…
Location: New Settlement Community Center, Bronx
Cost: Free

Saturday, January 24, 2015

GreenThumb Garden Registration & License Renewal

10:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.
All GreenThumb gardens under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and…
Location: GrowNYC Conference Room, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Grow to Learn Workshop: Grant Writing and Garden Design Workshop

10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.
Is your school planning to apply for the Grow to Learn Mini-Grant this fall?…
Location: GrowNYC Greening Library, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Saturday, January 31, 2015

GreenThumb Workshop: Garden Accounting Basics

11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.
Learn how to effectively keep track of your community garden expenses, with an introduction…
Location: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Composting Suspended Until Further Notice

Important! Starting on July 1st, 2013.

The Compost Committee has decided to suspend all compost collection until further notice.
Dear Friends of Compost:

You have been too kind! And our compost program is a successful one.

Because WE have more compostable materials now than we can currently handle, please consider offering your beautiful, nitrogen-rich scraps to a green market compost collection site.  This will give us time to “cook” what we already have.

 

Greenmarkets @ Manhattan

We hope to begin receiving your kitchen scraps again later in the season. Please find attached a list of green markets that receive compost, encircled are our closest one.

Yours in Decay,

The West 104th Street Compost Committee Chair

Hurricane Relief from FEMA

Most of us were very lucky: Manhattan Valley escaped Sandy’s wrath.
But if you have friends or family who are struggling, this might be helpful.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated its transitional shelter program, which allows those who cannot return to their homes because of storm damage to stay in participating hotels, motels or other housing. You must first register with FEMA at a recovery center, by calling             (800) 621-3362       or by going to DisasterAssistance.gov.

2012 Opening Potluck Brunch

Since it looks like we aren’t going to have a winter after all, let’s plan for spring! The first meeting of the 2012 season for the West 104 Garden will take place on Sunday, March 18, at the Schneider Houses, 17 West 102nd Street, from 12 to 3 pm.  Time to catch up with gardeners you haven’t seen for a couple of months and think happy thoughts about the warm months to come.  This will be a Pot Luck lunch, as usual, so start thinking about what you want to bring.

Meeting and Potluck Brunch
Sunday, March 18, 1-3 PM
Schneider Houses, 17 West 102 St.
North side if the street, between CPW and Manhattan Ave.
We meet in the community room in back and to the right of the lobby.

We are looking forward to seeing you all and meeting new members.

**Important**
Steering Committee Election

If you would like to serve on the Steering Committee, please let us know and we will put your name on the ballot. While GreenThumb does not have a minimum required number for the steering committee, we have found that the five or six people we have had over the past couple years is not enough. At this time not all committee members are returning, so please step forward if you think you can help out.

See you all next Sunday!

W104 Garden Steering Committee

End of Season Reminders

This is a gentle reminder to all our gardeners to get out to Garden and clean up your bed and the area around it.  It is November.  Unless you are growing winter crops, the season is over.  Plant and other materials should be removed as appropriate.

Also, a big thanks to those who turned out for the optional work day on November 19.  Many tasks were completed to get the garden in shape for the winter.

Can you pick up garden supplies from Green Thumb?

Gardeners:  please respond to this email or contact a Steering Committee member if you can pick up sullies from Green Thumb at the winter give-away on Saturday December 3 in Queens.  Here is the link that provides hours and directions.  We need snow melting materials and black garbage bags, so the person who does this will need a car.

http://www.greenthumbnyc.org/newspdf/WinterProgramGuide201112.pdf

The Steering Committee