Recovery Garden

Spring rushed into Summer

2011-06-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Spring rushed into Summer last week here in Redding. Our rainy Winter-Spring has really provided plenty of water and temperate conditions to enhance the beauty of our gardens.

Clients continue to enjoy weekend tending to the gardens. The water also increased the wild flowers (weeds). We've added a grapefruit tree to the "mini-orchard" in progress. Our apple tree produced a few apples last year. We are hoping for a few more this year.

The enjoyment of getting our hands dirty and the benefits of beauty we are reaping when we work or relax in the park, is really paying off on so many levels. The joy of accomplishment and the serenity of peace and beauty are all enjoyed.

Enjoying Earth Day 2011

2011-04-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Our Iris collection is absolutely stunning this year. This is the second full year of the bulbs acclimating to their new home in Redding.

Our Earth Day garden chores included spring weeding and trimming, and we planted our annual petunias. Our fingers are crossed that Mother Nature will be kind to them by allowing spring to take its normal course. We've had an unusually long winter.

The park looks so inviting this time of year with all of the new life. Stop by and enjoy.

Smoky Mauve Irises and Flowers in Bloom Mid April 2011

2011-04-19T16:19:00.001-07:00

Our donated Iris bulbs have done well. This is the second year since planting, and they really seem to love the soil and location. Our staff and clients certainly love to look at them!

Winter is Winding Down

2011-02-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

The northstate gardens can suffer from harsh cold spells and damaging winds. The Recovery Garden is mostly protected from strong winds, but frost and freeze can take their toll. Yet, this last week the garden has started to come alive with perennials awakening, bulbs preparing for spring bloom, and the apple tree leafing out. Some of this early spring-like garden behavior can be attributed to the mild last four weeks. In this area, the risk is for an early bloom that can be damaged by late season cold snaps and storms. Our gardening groups are picking nice days to prune back, weed (a chronic, nasty part of gardening!), and getting ready for spring planting. Gardening this time of year is a challenge and guessing game against Mother Nature. The gamble can be early reward with color if plantings are not damaged. There can also be heartbreak as tender growth may be damaged. Spring is around the corner, and that means the next season of growth is upon us.

July in Redding - The Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-28T09:10:00.001-07:00

"A garden is a friend you can visit anytime."

Marigold seeds planted in early summer are now in bloom.

"Earth laughs in flower."

This old tree seems to thrive with the wild flowers in its bed.

Our Dwarf Apple Tree's first fruit. Four apples, and the birds seem to be enjoying two of them! The lavender is also in bloom below. "As Rosemary is to the spirit, so Lavender is to the soul."

The Recovery Garden freshly mowed and looking beautiful!

Picnic tables waiting for a picnic lunch!

Our garden is in survival mode, and soon we will refresh the annuals.

Below is a Water Blessing from Dr. Masura Emoto for the healing of our collectively beloved Gulf Coast waters. Dr. Emoto has done extensive research on how water molecules respond to emotion and positive affirmations. Many friends of the Earth are participating in this healing prayer.

"I send the energy of love and gratitude to the water and all the living creatures in the Gulf of Mexico and its surroundings.

To the whales, dolphins, pelicans, fish, shellfish, plankton, coral, algae, and all living creatures -

I am sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you."

We are not powerless. We are powerful. Our united energy, speaking this prayer daily...multiple times daily...can literally shift the balance of destruction that is happening.

We don't have to know how...we just have to recognize that the power of love is greater than any power active in the universe today. Please join us in oft repeating this healing prayer.

This month, we also share some garden wisdom and folklore from the Farmer's Almanac. A few whimsical garden quotes are included for your enjoyment.

Ne'er trust a July sky.

If ant hills are high in July, the coming winter will be hard.

As July, so next January.

The old-age practice of performing farm chores by the Moon stems from the simple belief that the Moon governs moisture.

Pliny the Elder, the first-century Roman naturalist, stated in his Natural History that the Moon "replenishes the earth; when she approaches it, she fills all bodies, while, when she recedes, she empties them."

Earth Day 2010 -- 2nd Annual Celebration

2010-04-22T14:47:00.001-07:00

We added permanent recycled borders to the gardens. We weeded and added fresh annuals and perennials to the flower beds. Herbs were also started. A blessing of crystals was offered to the newly planted beds. Staff and clients worked the entire day with plenty of positive reinforcement from community passersby, with honks and shout outs about the beauty of the park. Some staff and clients enjoyed their BBQ lunch in the picnic area.

Spring Spruce-Up

2010-03-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

Tree Huggers enjoying the sun....finally!

Prepping and augmenting soil for future planting. We added harvested seeds from last years garden.

One of our sacred iris preparing to bloom.

Beautiful!!!!!

Hydrangea newly planted in the Ivy bed.

Our Apple tree is blooming and the blooms have survivied the March storms.

New Year's Spruce Up

2010-01-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

After the holiday festivities and activities, we turned our energies to the flower beds. The gentle and not so gentle rains of the last month had left the soil ready to give up the old plants and make way for the new. Our abundant crop of annuals, which included marigolds and cosmos, were ready to be deadheaded and then placed in drying trays for future replanting.

Leaves were raked, crabgrass was pulled, and soil was further loosened to plant fresh white and mauve pansies. Seeds, which had been previously dried, were spread and covered with fresh redwood bark. With the expected rains and mild temperatures, we expect our flower beds to give us a refreshed display very soon. Most of the mums took and were trimmed, as were our plentiful Iris.

The clients were again very enthusiastic and pleased with the ongoing progress of our Recovery Garden. Incorporating reuse and recycle principles into the activity was appreciated and recognized.

The Nature Conservancy has started a website to encourage reuse of "stuff." Go to nature.org/jan10 for more information on how to buy and sell used items. Be mindful of Mother Earth.

Games and Yoga at the Recovery Garden

2009-10-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Clients and staff enjoyed another beautiful day by taking a Yoga class, or playing a game of cards or dice. The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze. A good time was enjoyed by all. Some enthusiatic people even did cartwheels to burn off their extra energy.

Bike Rack Dedication at Graham Park

2009-10-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

During the negotiations regarding the beautification/adoption plan with the city and Fire Department, a special request for a bike rack at Graham Park was included. Yesterday, the area was cleared and a new bike rack for six is now installed. This is another effort to welcome the community to enjoy the park.

Table Restoration

2009-10-14T12:36:00.001-07:00

Crestwood donated these picnic tables to Graham Park about 20 years ago.

The picnic tables have been refreshed by the efforts of our environmental service experts, Mario and Bruce. The project included sanding the wood to improve the integrity of the table. Then a fresh application of stain to brighten them up. The project was complicated by our recent rain activity. Now it is complete and so inviting.

Staff and Families Enjoy the Park

2009-10-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Our adoption and beautification of Graham Park has enticed many community members to sit, relax, and take in the beauty.

Picnic in the Park

2009-10-14T12:19:00.001-07:00

After the planting of the apple tree, about 20 clients and staff enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park. It was a gorgeous day. Blue skies, temperate, and a slight breeze. One of our talented musicians brought his guitar and played old 70s rock songs for us. The grass was inviting for a nap. A few of us took advantage of getting "grounded." Our group of RN students from the College of the Siskiyous enthusiastically joined our outing. Perhaps they will become psych nurses.

September 30, 2009 -- In Honor of Johnny Appleseed

2009-10-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

We carefully picked a welcome spot for our apple tree. It is in a restful cove in the park. Morning sun will give it strength, and afternoon shade will give it respite from Redding's hot summer sun.

We had a few strong men dig, pick, and force their way through the hardpan and rocks. The women coaxed the root ball out of the nursery container. And, together, we planted the tree with fresh soil and love. Once planted, we made a circle and sent good wishes for its growth and apples for us at a later date. Our Maintenance Technician made sure she was off to a good start and has been bringing her a little extra water until the rains come in.

September 2, 2009 -- Fall Planting

2009-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Although the Redding weather wasn't saying it was autumn, our garden was showing signs of being tired and needed some TLC. We pinched the marigolds, petunias, cosmos, and zinnia to have seed for next year's summer display. The soil was turned, iris was clipped, and new holes for autumn mums were dug.

Recovery Garden Refreshed

2009-09-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, we took time to weed and refresh our Recovery Garden. We weeded, planted some fall color, and seeded throughout, followed by fertilizing and light watering. Some staff and clients volunteered and enjoyed getting into the spirit of our garden by working in the dirt and revitalizing the look. Seeds of fallen flowers were set to dry and re-plant in the spring.

As quoted by Elizabeth Murray ~ Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and the sky as canvas.

It's Official -- Our Adoption Sign Has Been Put Up!

2009-09-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Recovery Garden 7/10/09

2009-07-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Garden

Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses...

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:

1. Peace of mind

2. Peace of heart

3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:

1. Squash gossip

2. Squash indifference

3. Squash grumbling

4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:

1. Lettuce be faithful

2. Lettuce be kind

3. Lettuce be patient

4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:

1. Turnip for meetings

2. Turnip for service

3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:

1. Thyme for each other

2. Thyme for family

3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

June 24 Midsummer Day

2009-06-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

People have become awakened to the dynamics of Mother Earth. Global Earth Warming effects have enlightened more people who have been asleep. People are reclaiming the care and nurturing of the earth in their own ways. Our Recovery Garden does so much for us. Our spring plantings are now growing well and providing such joy and remembrance of nurturing ourselves and the earth. Springtime contemplating or tending to our flowers has many rewards.

As summer moves towards its peak and our bounty needs additional nurturing, it will remind us of this also. Water is a precious gift. It needs to be honored for its life force and diminishing abudance. In that spirit, we are growing drought-resistant plants to preserve this resource while enjoying the beauty of our recovery garden.

Through all the long
midsummer day,
The meadow-sides
are sweet with hay.

~ John Townsend-Trowbridge
(1827-1916)

Midsummer Day - June 24

Although Midsummer Day occurs near the summer solstice, or what we think of as the beginning of summer, to the farmer it is the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting, and an occasion for celebration.

Taking Root

2009-05-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Some of the bulbs have taken root and have began to bud. The wildflower seeds have begun to grow and we are looking forward to seeing the blooms. Clients and staff go over every few days and check the progress.