The Latest Dirt - Nov 2023

The Family Harvest Farm Demonstration Garden Takes Shape

By Karen Maggio

The John Muir Land Trust staff (operators of the Family Harvest Farm) and apprentices got their first look at the draft plans for the UC Master Gardener–operated demonstration garden in Pittsburg, CA, on August 30th. The UC Master Gardener team presented both a professionally done full plan as well as a first–phase plan.

“They (JMLT) were very supportive and excited about the team’s presentation and blown away by the professional landscape plan shown,” said UC Master Gardener Kim Overaa. At the beginning of the presentation, “everyone on the team introduced themselves. It gave us each more insight into the friends we are working side by side with and what hidden talents everyone has!.”

The plan and project priorities took shape over several weeks of team meetings, where ideas were shared and refined by the entire team. UC Master Gardener Anna Wendorf took those ideas and translated them into an outstanding draft plan that includes an entry with a circular pollinator garden, raised beds, container gardening, an orchard, composting, a work area and a gathering area to teach and demonstrate.

Site preparation has been going on for months with squirrel proofing using metal flashing on top of the fences, and the garden just received its first donation of six fruit trees from Orchard Nursery in Lafayette. These trees have been moved to larger pots until they find their way into a permanent home this winter.

The Demonstration Garden team includes Jack Cortis, FHF co-founder and JMLT board member, Kim Overaa, FHF co-founder, Allison Thomas, Shawna Anderson, Anna Wendorf, Suzanne Miller, Jan Manns, Raw Cecchettini, Kathryn Wilson, Joie Spinelli, Lawrence Moglia, Marissa Smithwick, Nellie Beatty, Gina Rozenski, Bob Archer, Phil Quinlan and Karen Maggio.