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By Valerie Testa
Greetings, dear neighbors!
The warm breezes of spring have arrived, awakening our gardens and filling the air with possibilities.
Whether you’re completely new to gardening, a budding green-thumb hungry for knowledge, or have many seasons of experience under your belt, I’d like to invite you to enjoy and participate in the community gardens in Hazelwood this 2024 growing season. Our neighborhood gardens and green spaces are a place for us to grow food, tend plants, relax and observe nature, and refresh our eyes, minds and hearts.
The plots in the Hazelwood Community Garden on Monongahela Street are now available for the 2024 growing season. It is a large space with lots of potential; your ideas for and participation in spaces beyond individual garden plots are welcome. If want to reserve a plot or have any questions, I’m happy to help.
Save the date for our community fruit tree and shrub planting day on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’ll be transforming more green space into an edible landscape for all to enjoy. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm.
Everybody’s Garden on Lytle Street will be planted once again with flowers and herbs in May. Anyone interested is welcome to join in the planting, the date of which will be announced soon. The joys of gardening await, my friends. I can’t wait to see you out there.
Please email gardens@hazelwoodinitiative.org to reserve your plot, ask questions, share ideas and sign up to receive news about garden events and seasonal updates.
This is going to be a wonderful year in our community gardens. We can’t wait to enjoy them and dig in with you!
Valerie Testa is the community gardens manager for Hazelwood Initiative and a Hazelwood resident.