WHAT’S NEW IN THE GARDEN
I think we can all agree “It’s hot!”. This picture shows the view from our recently constructed pergola, offering some much-needed shade on the Herbal Zen Garden side of the community garden. These last few weeks exceeding 100+ degrees every day has done more than make us wilt, our garden has struggled, as well. Along with the heat, the wind and the early harvests that have frustrated gardeners and visitors, alike. For example, just because a vegetable is big, does not mean it is ready to harvest. Pay attention to the curly-Q on viny plants, such as watermelons, cantaloupe and zucchini. Fruit or vegetables ready to harvest will have that curly-Q at where the fruit or vegetable join the vine and it will be dried up when ready to harvest.
Due to an abundance of eggplants this season, it was well worth taking the time to try different recipes for each meal. For breakfast, cut up a large eggplant, heavily salt the pieces and let them rest on the counter for 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel, setting aside in a large bowl. Mix up 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of milk and one tablespoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl. Beat the egg mixture until thoroughly mixed. Poor into the bowl containing the sliced eggplant. Gently fold the eggplant pieces into the egg mixture. Heat a frying pan with grape oil so that the oil doesn’t discolor the food. Fry each piece separately. Top as you would a pancake, with butter and syrup. Enjoy and grow more.
WHAT’S NEW AT THE GARDEN
We are having a cleanup day on September 10, at 7AM, before the parade of 1000 flags. Please join us if you would like to spend some time in the garden weeding, cutting out old plants, planting new plants and gathering vegetables if items are ready to harvest.
We have doubled in size in just two years! We have extended our garden to include an Herbal Zen Garden. We are celebrating two years of establishment of Ridgecrest Community Garden at 231 W. Haloid St. That anniversary and the grand opening of our brand-new garden space will be held on September 24, from 10-12. Come celebrate with us. We will have a ribbon cutting, music, food and beverages, and the launch of our herbal wellness products.
This is a social event so come ready to build relationships and connect with others. We will have an information booth so you can learn more about what we do. Click this link and let us know if you can make it. https://www.facebook.com/events/747894869837523/?ref=newsfeed
Find this spot in the Ridgecrest Community Garden, take a picture, and show us your snapshot of the same spot as it exists during the event, and you will receive a free Herbal aroma drying bag from one of our sponsors, Pop-Up Plant Stand (PUPS).
We continue to raise money to add plants and trees with medicinal properties, replace items stolen or destroyed in the garden and look into the cost of protecting the community garden from the vandalism we periodically experience, so please consider donating at the link below. We really appreciate the community support we’ve received.
https://www.holisticdivineinnovations.org/crowd-funding
Zen out, Ridgecrest :-)