blog

jubilee garden grows thanks to microsoft volunteers

Monday, 14 September 2009 10:48

At the end of each month, after all the rent and other costs of living have been accounted for, many of our low-income residents find themselves with very little to cover the cost of their groceries. While donations of non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated and help bridge the gap each month, fresh and nutritious produce items are simply harder to come by.

For these reasons, we are delighted to thank our friends at Microsoft, led by Theresa Haynie, for their efforts on September 11, which has been designated a National Day of Service. In one day the group of 13 volunteers pulled up turf and installed two new large vegetable garden beds which will produce a sustainable array of fresh fruits and vegetables for our residents. Longtime volunteer and gardener extraordinaire Lauren Zimmerman headed up the project for Jubilee.

During this Fall season, the garden grows lettuce, spinach, kale, beans, and tomatoes. The installation also included “cloches” to protect the new plants and allow for winter gardening. Volunteers have taught and will continue to teach residents how to plant and maintain their garden throughout the year.

“The garden will be a welcome addition and provide fresh, healthy produce. Thanks to all the volunteers for their hard work and to Microsoft for donating all the plants,” says E., a current Jubilee resident.

Thanks to Microsoft, Swanson’s Nursery, Squak Mountain Stone, Home Grown Organics, and Lauren Zimmerman for their support of this project. You can help support our vegetable garden, too! Jubilee needs additional donations of seeds and gardening supplies; please contact Bryn at (206) 957-5512 to help our garden continue to grow.

Newsletter
Fall 2009