Chabot Garden Project

Here is a brief recap of the events relevant to this particular project:

Seedlings

-Thursday 10 - 2 pm field day work on the raised garden bed (RGB).
- 1A Parsley Sweet Curly, 2A Basil/Sage Italian Aromatic, 1B Marigold Pinwheel, 2B Hollyhocks Black Watuaman

-the sprouted seeds(lettuce, leeks) were transferred/repotted into to 6-pack style seed trays. These plants should be weather hardened before they are planted into the RGB.

Garden Area

-Access to to water should be available.

-Contact MO to transport additional soil and compost to RGB.

-A compost area will be built alongside the RGB and the fence.

-the RGB should be extensively raked leaving no chunks/clumps in order to breakup its compacted state due to last weeks rain.

-Peas and Beans (for beans; no need to dig a hole, just lay on soil and shower it with 1/8 in of soil) will be planted. Also, a watering of the RGB.

-a bark/wood chip strip of material is to be laid along the border between RGB and MO's nursery. This will act as a barrier to help reduce the pests and bugs from crossing into the garden. Also, it would allow for access around the perimeter of the garden.

Other associated projects

-an art project - artists needed to make signs to help identify the plants/vegetables in the ground. Also, to acknowledge and inform of the seed's origin both public and private donations. Ideally the signs would be made of durable material that would stand the outdoor elements.

- Cord Ozment (cozment@clpccd.org) will be conducting four half hour sessions regarding the installation and maintenance of a garden drip irrigation system. I believe dates and times are being discussed.

-The Guard shed will be moved towards the corner of the RGB (closest to the science class room buildings)

-an art project - paint and build shelves for storage

-Outdoor classroom project - build trellis for beans and cucumbers. The placement of the trellis will help destinguish the classroom portion of the garden.

- Jose has contacted two local nurseries in Hayward (Grower's Choice - I will meet with the owner Anthony on Friday and Grove Way Bonsai - who are open Thur - Sun. Evergreen in San Leandro informed me that they send their trays back to the vendor)

chabot projects club

1. What is your passion?
My passion is to live life to its fullest and be able to give back to the surrounding community which helped me develop an appreciation for life. There are numerous instances I have been encouraged/mentored/tutored/etc.which have introduced me to a greater understanding of life and our role in this universe. Most of these revelations have come through scholastic learning. What I once thought to be mysteries were soon demystified through education and learning. And while not everything can be explained through scholastic means, it does provide a general understanding. This is why it is my passion to become an educator. I would like to teach to the youth in particular, as I believe they are the key to the future of our planet and existence. I would like to become an elementary science teacher. During my years as a student I had found it personally difficult to understand complex processes and theories. The only way I am able to comprehend is by asking questions and looking for the answer via alternative means(web,books, peers,teachers.) Most of the time this led me to re-write the whole concept into simple terms and analogies so that even a child would be able to understand. My goal is to make science fun and accessible to grade school children in order for them to gain perspective of the ever evolving world around them. It is my belief the sooner we introduce children to these concepts the easier it will be for them not only to grasp complex problems in the future, but it will also give them a greater appreciation of our planet in order for them to take care of it for future generations to experience.


2. What is holding you back from accomplishing your passion?
In order for me to achieve my goals of becoming an educator I need to continue and finish my college education. Also, I need to stay in touch with the local community and be knowledgeable of the issues which affect the local populations as well being. I have been on this path of education since Spring 2012 and I look forward to working with the Chabot Projects Club as it will prepare me for my future endeavors.

3. What is your favorite song?
Music is great! It's hard to pick a single song, especially when there are soo many to chose from and they all vary depending on what type of mood I am in. I usually prefer to listen to instrumental music while doing school work as the lack of lyrics keep me focused. If I were to pick a favorite song it would have to be a song that speaks to the truths of life. So any story telling type of songs capture my attention in particular "Highwayman" by the Highwaymen, a band comprised of country legends, as it portrays the life of ordinary people who find their demise while trying to find their way through life as technological advancements not only enhance the quality of life but they can also be detrimental. I come to interpret the end as us human beings having the same aspirations and then life runs its course and then the next generation comes and picks it up where we left it off. And since everything in the universe is composed of atoms (new and recycled), including us, there is a chance for us to leave a trace of our existence on this plant at the atomic level.