field project
Generation Connection
Generation Connection - Teaching Garden
Started in 1985, this intergenerational gardening project is designed to connect adults and children through exploration of their mutual interest in life within a garden. Integrated in a community garden, the area offers a myriad of different plants and animals for the young children to discover. The volunteers find creative ways to share their love of gardening with children while learning to see the garden through the eyes of the children themselves. Although there are rules (walk on paths, stay with guide and ask before you pick or taste), the children are mesmerized by the incredible exploratory journey through the garden.
The purpose of this multi-sensory garden experience is to help children make the connection that food comes from the garden and to provide hands-on experience of the life cycles (plant, insect, soil) within it. Volunteers for this project come from the Master Gardeners and the community at large. Teachers sign up their first and second grade classes for garden field trips. Children can benefit by learning to make and enjoy healthier food choices. Adult chaperones are offered information to start a garden and to recognize the resources available to them through the Master Gardeners. As well, volunteers benefit from the opportunity to share something they love with the next generation.
Palo Alto Demonstration Garden
The First Six Months' Report - December, 2003
PADG Home | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009
The summer of 2003 was the first growing season in our new demonstration garden, located in the Eleanor Community Garden within Eleanor Pardee Park at the corner of Channing Avenue and Center Drive. On this site we started work on our project's goal of creating two gardens that each emphasize pleasing design and best practices for home gardening.
Our initial focus was on getting the Edible Demonstration Garden started. There we planned to grow edible and decorative plants together in one garden, showcasing new and unusual varieties of flowers, vegetables and fruits. Our Water-Wise Nature Garden of drought tolerant ornamental plants that attract birds and beneficial insects would be started in the fall.
La Mesa Verde
La Mesa Verde
La Mesa Verde (The Green Table) is a newly established community program dedicated
to building organic vegetable gardens at the homes of low-income families in Santa
Clara County. The Master Gardener program is collaborating with the Health Trust and
Sacred Heart Community Services to support this exciting, ground-breaking project.
Phase One
In August 2009, 30 low-income families were recruited for the pilot project. La Mesa Verde Program Director, Raul Lozano, consulted with Master Gardeners on the design and construction of raised beds. In September, Master Gardeners conducted classes on basic gardening and cool season vegetables for the participating families. Classes were offered in both English and Spanish.
On September 26th, families came to Sacred
Heart Community Services and collected
seeds and seedlings for their cool season
gardens. Master Gardeners then helped each
family plant their first garden. The gardens
have thrived and provided fresh vegetables
all winter long, enough for sharing with
neighbors. The vegetables planted included
lettuce, peas, chard, broccoli, cabbage,
cauliflower, spinach, onions, garlic, and
cilantro. Master Gardeners have continued to
advise the families, answering questions and
offering guidance as needed. 
Map of Guadalupe Demonstration Garden
Thu, 08/06/2009 - 12:07pm — Abby Garner
- Login to post comments
Corn Trial 2007
Nine Palms Ranch Trial, 2007
Leads: Betsy Fischer and Gil Patrick
Team members: Carole Reek and Suna Herder
Summary
Under challenging weather conditions, Silver Queen and Peaches & Cream ranked highest among the four corns tested. Golden Bantam is not recommended.
Overview
We compared four varieties of sweet corn (Zea mays) to determine the best production and taste. All the varieties were standard corn, not super sweet. Silver Queen is white corn, Golden Bantam and Jubilee are yellow, and Peaches and Cream is bi-color.
