December 2017 E-Newsletter
"I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
'We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,'
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December."
- Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing
Featured Instagram Photo of the Month: Thriving Fennel Plants in a Winter Garden.
Upcoming Garden Events:
Dec. 9 - Saturday Workday - 9:00 AM - Noon
Dec. 9 - Potluck Lunch - Noon
Dec. 9 - General Meeting - 1:00 PM
Dec. 9 - Greenhouse Fundraiser - 1:30 PM (please note the date change!)
Dec. 31 - Sunday Workday - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Useful info:
- Here are some general tips for gardening in December. Happily, at Ocean View Farms we don’t have to take all the precautions against the cold and frost. However, the tips about oiling and taking care to protect your garden tools from the elements are worth noting. Also check out the advice on what to sow if you’re looking for inspiration.
- If you’re looking for some seedlings to plant this month, the greenhouse will be hosting a sale after the general meeting on December 9th. Sadly, the nasty fall heat-wave wreaked some havoc on our this last batch of seedlings so it is a smaller sale than planned. Because of this, the sale has been moved back to its old location, time and date under the big pine tree after the general meeting.
Last month we posted a question to you all about Brussels sprout plants that don’t immediately become a ball of aphids when the heads start to appear. We had two gardeners who reported back with success stories. Grace Blumber wrote “I’ve had good luck with Hestia and jade cross, both hybrid varieties of brussels sprouts.” Christy Wilhemi shared “The only success I've ever had with Brussels sprouts was when I grew a variety called Rubine. They didn't get aphids even though other varieties did right along side them. They produced sprouts and grew to maturity without incident. Could have been luck, but that was my lucky variety.”
- Want to bring your gardening game up a notch? The UC Master Gardener training program is now accepting applications for their 2018 class.
OVF Announcements:
Last Warning – Finish Your Community Service Hours
Thanks to everyone who has already completed their community service hours for 2017. If you haven’t already done so, time is running out! There are only two workdays left this year and the last one is the morning of New Year’s Eve.
Still getting paper renewal letters? Sign-up to receive your OVF renewal via e-mail
OVF renewals are just around the corner. If you are still getting your OVF Renewal in a paper envelope, please consider helping OVF save some time and money by signing up fo OVF E-billing and receive your renewal notice in your e-mail inbox.
2018 Gate Closing Sign-up.
The 2018 OVF gate closing sign-up sheets will be posted in the main shed on Saturday, December 9 at 10 AM. Gate closing assignments are for one week, starting on a Sunday and continuing until the following Saturday. Gate closers arrive at the garden shortly before sun down to insure all OVF sheds and gates are secured for the evening. One week of gate closing earns eight hours toward your annual community service requirement. Members are permitted to sign-up for a maximum of two weeks of gate closing.
Check Out Our New Benches!
Back in 1999, the general meeting area at OVF was in disrepair. The benches at the time were chipped and bendy. Then a generous and talented member named Santino Barricallo built the benches that would last nearly two decades!
Well some of you may have noticed that the benches were becoming a little bendy again. This time around, members Frank Harris, Dean Cleverdon and Jason Washcho worked off an on for a month to complete OVF's new benches. And just in time for the next meeting on Saturday December 9th!
"I didn't know what I was gonna find when I took the old one apart. But I think it came out pretty good. I'm happy with how it turned out" said Frank of the project."
It's this kind of member generous and hard work that keeps this community thriving. If you see Frank, Dean or Jason around the garden, make sure to thank them for all they do to make our home a little brighter.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
As always: we want to hear from you! Send us an email, reach out on Facebook, or tag us on Instagram @oceanviewfarms.
That’s all for now. Happy gardening!