Phactory / DVPN Garden Project

Apologies for not being a compulsive blogger - I will try to do better!  But I do have some news of interest:

First, our next cleanup workdate is Sunday, May 18th from 10am to 3pm.   As usual, wear heavier shoes, gloves, long sleeves & pants, and be ready for a good workout.   We’ve already cleared a large space in the front, and are working our way back to the fully cleared courtyards.  

Michael will also have an open house during that time period - if you haven’t had the chance to see the site, please do stop by! 

 I also have some brainstorming for my fellow green thumbs - Since we can’t dig down, we need to build up!  So, lets hear your ideas for creative wall/hanging gardens, raised beds, etc.   I have old windows to use as the lids for coldframes, so we can have veggies growing even in the cold months.  And here’s another idea -  a labyrinth made out of raised planters, with herbs, veggies and flowers growing in them.  So, there’s a few possibilities to get you started, can’t wait to hear what you all come up with!  

 We have another call for volunteers - the gate to the courtyards needs repairing, and we’ve seen a lot of postings for free fencing materials.  But what we don’t have? Someone with a truck or other means to get them!  If you have a vehicle and/or are willing to help out with transporting things to the Phactory, please let us know.

 And thank you again to everyone for their time and contributions, you people rock!

-Raffaella, chief instigator and resident green thmb

Well, for those on the message boards this will be old news, but we will be having our first official cleanup and work dates this month!  

Saturday, April 12, 10am - 5pm-ish
Rain or Shine (we have projects that can be moved inside)
The Phactory Building - we’ll be in the courtyard between buildings, or inside. the main building, depending on weather. The main project will be clearing the old lumber and debris out of the courtyard, and clearing space just outside of it for raised planting beds and cold frames.

Sunday, April 27th - Planting time!
We’ll be getting the garden rolling, more info on specific projects for this date to be posted soon.

Michael from the Phactory LLC and our very own Franklin will be at the Wicked Faire this weekend to promote the Garden and Building projects.  Be sure to stop by their table and say hello!

http://www.wickedfaire.com/labyrinth/

Thanks to the folks at PhillyOrchards we now have info on renting equipment to clear the space.   And we are starting to work out plans for how to best use the space. 

If you are interested in the behind-the-scenes planning and want to help, drop us a line!   We need people who are willing to get out there and track down resources, follow up leads, do research, etc.  There’s more to a garden than just putting plants in the ground!  ;)

Just email garden@dvpn.org to volunteer

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Clearing the site - the first hurdle

We need to find out where we can rent equipment, such as a truck with a plow or mini-bobcat, to clear and remove the trash and weeds from the site.  We’ve assessed what we’ve got to deal with, and doing it by hand just isn’t an option.

If anyone has info on local rental companies, or any other ideas for clearing the space, please do post it here!

This will be the official information source for the garden project.  Updates will happen weekly, though not on any set schedule.