Garden Update to Friends

Below is a message sent recently to our Friends on our email list.  If you would like to be on our list, please message your email address to [email protected]

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​Greetings Friends of River Valley Area Community Gardens ,

As I write this snow is falling with 2 to 5 inches forecast BUT Spring is coming.  Activity surrounding the Gardens is picking up.

Plot Rental: Applications for garden plots have started.  We have a number of plots open for this coming season.  If you or someone you know is interested in gardening, we have printed applications in the INFO Mailbox on Westmor St at the Gardens.  Applications may also be downloaded from our website at rvacg.org or requested via email at [email protected] or by phone at 608-588-6040.

WRCO Radio interview:  Gardeners Doug, Marlon and Rose Ellen will be visiting with Phil Nee on WRCO's Morning Show on Tuesday March 14 at 9:05.  WRCO is located at 100.9 FM 

Garden Planning Workshop:  The RVACG and the Spring Green Community Library are sponsoring a free Garden Planning Workshop on Saturday March 18 from 1 to 3 pm.  There will be lots of time to ask questions and plan your garden for the coming season.  This workshop is appropriate for new and experienced gardeners.  More garden related workshops are being planned for spring and summer.

Shed Plans Approved:  At the March 8 meeting the Village Board approved the plans for our new equipment shed.  We had raised close to $12,000 last year but the estimate for the building has come in higher than expected.  We will be discussing possibilities at our upcoming Board meeting including designating all or part of our fundraising profits from this coming year for the shed.

Fundraising Dates:  We have set several fundraising events for the coming year.  Mark your calendar for the following dates:
June 24 and 25 - Ice cream stand at the Spring Green Art Fair approximately 10 to 4
July 15, August 19, and September 9 - Brat Frys at Prems Meats on Hwy 14 from 10 to 2
October 5 - Caramel Apple Sale, Local Night at the Post House Garden, 5 to 7 pm
October 6 - Caramel Apple Sale, RV School Fair at the RV Middle School, 8:30 - Noon

Youth Gardening:  We believe in starting our youth in the garden as soon as they are interested.

Junior Gardeners:  Our Junior Gardener program is for students in the River Valley School District in grades 5 through 12.  They will receive a free 10 x 10 plot and a mentor to help them succeed with their plot for the summer.  Applications are available on the Gardens website or may be requested at [email protected]

Busy Bees Garden Club:  Our Busy Bees Garden Club is a curriculum and activity based program for children ages 3 through grade 4.  Each child receives a 2 x 4 ft raised bed to grow veggies or flowers as they choose.  Numbers are limited due to the amount of space and volunteer time.  We are currently waiting to hear how many Busy Bees will be returning this summer before announcing how many raised beds we have available for the program. Children who apply after the raised beds are filled will be put on a waiting list for the next year and will be the first ones notified as beds become available.  The program starts with a Meet and Greet on May 22 with the program starting with Planting Day on June 6 and running on Tuesday mornings from 915 to 1015 through Aug 1.  This year we are planning a family picnic on Sunday Aug. 6.
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Volunteers Needed:  We are always looking for volunteers.  Tasks are available for all skill levels from baking cookies or working our fundraisers, to helping plant, care for and harvest food pantry plots, to weeding our flower beds or helping with the youth gardening programs.  If you are interested, let me know.  I'll add you to our volunteer list.

More information about RVACG activities will be available later in the year.  Follow us on Facebook or check our website  rvacg.org.  There is a calendar of events on the website.  

See you soon.
Rose Ellen Schneider

RVACG is a 501c4 nonprofit and as such may accept donations but they may not be deductible from an individual's taxes.