THE RUTTER READER: Learning to Garden

Last Sunday we have the opportunity to do some volunteer work with Angel Faces. As I understand it, this organization helps you set up and garden and then you donate 10% of what you harvest. Rhonda was there to show us how to pull the weeds. You may be thinking doesn't every one know how to do this? There is a trick to it in the dessert if you don't want to break off the root and sprout several more weeds! Here is Rhonda, showing how to twirl it in a circle before pulling on it. The pictures below show the group watching her, then Sara, with her first weed and Kevin pulling up his first weed.

Next we went and got the seedlings that were to be planted an brought them to the gardens they were to grow in.

Then we picked our tools and stools.

We all gathered to listen to how Rhonda wanted them planted. First the holes were dug, then we checked to make sure that the hole was big enough for the coconut container to fit in and be covered gently with dirt. Rhonda took the time to make sure it was understood by everyone, she assisted when needed and had so much patience with all.

Todd did the watering, but even this had to be taught for the dessert! See how high he is holding the water above the dirt? He needed to bring the head of the hose much lower so that the water wouldn't be absorb into the air or blown to the wrong places by the wind.

More planting going on, we were taught to handle the plants gently like you would a baby. This brought back memories of when all the nephews and nieces were little for Uncle Kevin.

Gentle,gentle.

Kevin giving Andy a little help here. This two are so cute together, I'm sure they are going to enjoy be brothers-in-law!!!

OOPS! Rhonda had to remind everyone about cleaning up after they are finished working with their tools.

Next we learned about composting, first you take the leaves out of the bags and pour them into the built up garden, then you level them out with a rake. Then you take the wagon and pick up the containers of dirt to be poured on top of the leaves.

Well, unless you're Andy who thought they'd make a good bean bag chair!

Sara didn't like it when her man got dirty!

Rhonda also spent some time teaching Kevin and Todd about working together. I took a couple of tries for them to get together on three to lift. They finally did it and all was good. She also spent time to show them the proper way to lift so they wouldn't hurt their backs.