Last night, I took some time to read the comments that have been posted on the blog. What a blessing to see so many encouraging and enthusiastic responses from so many different parts of the world! My intention has been to let you all feel connected to the garden, but your reception has made me feel connected to you in a whole new way. Thank you for welcoming this special gardening project into your hearts.
A few people have shared their love of growing things in small, confined spaces. Let me assure you, there is no space too small that can’t be improved with one of God’s precious plants! When Chuck and I were newlyweds at Texas A&M University, I worked on campus in the Extension Horticulture department. I didn’t know anything about gardening, but those passionate horticulturists shared their knowledge and expertise with me in such a way that I couldn’t resist trying to grow something! By the time Chuck graduated from college in 1975, our little balcony looked like a jungle. My gardening canvas has increased in size since then, but I still get just as excited about the process today as the first time I watched a seed sprout on that balcony so many years ago.
For those who have wondered if I have actually planted anything in the garden yet, the answer is no. We are working on the irrigation system this week so we can start planting additional trees next week. The trees that currently call the garden home are several types of oak, vitex, and crepe myrtles. To those we will be adding fig, almond, red cedar, olive, pomegranate, and Eve’s necklace.
Next Tuesday, I will be working with students in our children and youth ministry, including those who have been a part of my Junior Master Gardener group, the Glory Gardeners. The children have adopted the tribe of Benjamin as their gardening project, the senior high youth have adopted the tribe of Asher, and the middle school young people are adopting either Manasseh or Reuben. This means that they will be involved in the planning, planting, and maintenance of those three areas of the garden. And, of course, they’ll learn something about the tribes and horticulture at the same time!
I will be posting a work schedule here within the next several days. Those of you in the area who enjoy digging and getting dirty will be welcome to pick a time and join me in the garden.
Happy Gardening!
Posted by Linelle Kelley on March 8, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Pam, I’m not a gardener, but it is a joy to read your blog. I look forward to following the progress of the garden. I love other people’s gardens!
Posted by Rachael Guzman De Vlugt on March 8, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Pam, thank you for the news. I am working to assist with the revitalization of aquaponics in my country. My friends Carlyle and Thaddeus are helping me http://www.aquaponicsinternational.com/2.html They can introduce you to our Non Profit friends in Florida if you are interested. Could you consider including it in the Garden Plan maybe later on in the Kibbutz? Aquaponics within the Kibbutz can help make it self sustainable within about an eight month period. Blessings.
Posted by Virginia Mary Zajesky on March 8, 2011 at 11:24 pm
I think its fantastic that the youngsters are being included. My motto has always been “each one, teach one” and I’m so glad to see you think the same way. Enjoy!
Posted by Dottie Maryott on March 9, 2011 at 2:18 am
PAM, your response today is a delight! Thanks so much for making us feel so much a part of this project. I volunteer 2 days a week with the Hortcultural Therapist at the Rehab I was in 2 yrs ago and have delightful contacts with quite a few Master Gardners who also help and so generously share information. I love that you are raising a crop of Jr MG’s! Our local Food Bank has a project of coming in and installing raised beds in facilities and then local school classes plant, tend and harvest the crops to be taken to the food banks. The youngsters love participating. Since we are supposed to get up to 2″ of rain Thurs. it’s doubly encouraging to see your blog, when we have nothing but cold, soggy soil, but Spring is glorious when it comes!! Blessings, Dottie, Dowwningtown, PA
Posted by Susan Kay Murphy on March 11, 2011 at 4:59 am
Thank you for all of the pictures and the Blog. It is awesome watching the restoration process and all the blessings that are being uncovered. Can’t wait to see all the different Tribe gardens…how great it is that all different ages are coming together to create “Beulah Gardens”. Looking forward to playing in the dirt sometime. Blessings for all that you do and thanks for sharing your vision with us!
Posted by elizabeth hill on March 13, 2011 at 1:40 am
I have never had a garden but I love seeing the results achieved by others.
I am eager to see the end results of your work. You sound to really enjoy what you do.
Bless you.
Posted by Dottie Maryott on March 19, 2011 at 12:12 am
Pam, I was rereading you Garden Responses post and I wonder if you will describe Eve’s Necklace to me? That’s a one one to me. Is it specific to the south, to Texas, or does it have a different name in other regions’ Off season, I’m addicted to reading garden catalogues and this has me stumped.
Gobbled up your new post and the great pictures today! Dottie
Posted by Pam on March 20, 2011 at 11:48 am
The Eve’s Necklace is native to central Texas. It can tolerate some sun, but prefers late afternoon shade during our hot Texas summers. The tree produces lovely rosy-pink blossoms in the spring, followed by seed pods in the fall that look like a string of black pearls. Hard to find in most nurseries, but worth the effort!
Posted by Ernestine Denmon on September 12, 2014 at 6:36 pm
Pam,
I have a Moon plant. Right now I just have it in a flower pot, but I plan to plant it in my garden once I make it. What is the best way to plant it? It is really doing good now. I want it to continue to grow once I put it in the ground.?
We’ve had several full moons in the last few weeks, and it has really been blooming.
HELP!!!!!!!