Seven Circles Garden: June 2011

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Today the kindergaarten kids and I modified the old geodesic dome by removing one of the pentagons on the side to make a door way. The kids then added straw to the floor of the dome. At that point there were kid in, on and around this structure hanging from the top and adding straw from the top of the dome. What summer day fun.
jerry

Monday, June 20, 2011

warmth finally arrives

photos by Susan

The warm weather brought lots of new growth last week...

baby tomatoes

squash and pumpkins

beans sprouting in Circle 3

and the beautiful new gate at sunset...

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

All circles planted!

Carol reports...

planted in Circle 1:
tomatoes, squash pumpkins, melons, carrots, potatoes, marigolds, sunflowers, echinacea, black eyed susan vine, cucumbers, corn, lettuce, borage, nasturtium, onions
Circle 2:
tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, peppers, corn, squash, pumpkins, watermelons, lettuce, borage, chard, poppies, marigolds, nasturtium, onions, chives
Circle 3:
bush beans (fresh cut), alfalfa, clover, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, peas
Circle 4:
yellow bush beans, alfalfa, clover
Circle 5:
purple bush beans, alfalfa, corn
Circle 6:
bush beans (provider), alfalfa, clover
Circle 7:
bush beans (fresh cut), alfalfa, clover

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Sunday morning - June 5, 2011

photos by Susan

new signs take place - designed by fifth graders with Reuel...

work on the fence continues...

another new compost pile...

and the unseasonable rain continues to nourish...

Turning the compost last week

images by Jerry

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Involvement is connection, contribution, association, taking part, interest, commitment, enthusiasm, inspiration.

At the Meher Schools, we’ve discovered that nearly everything we do that is worth doing comes from the energy of love.

No one has exclusive ownership of Ideas. We discover when we become aware of an idea and begin to speak of our excitement and enthusiasm about that “idea,” that it is actually a vision shared by others, and that vision can take form only by real collaboration. Each of us holds a piece of the vision.

We know that nothing can be forced. If the timing is right, then everything lines up to support the manifestation of the vision. If the timing is right, and if the urge comes from the heart, the energy is there to accomplish the impossible. The work builds on itself, and provides the nutrition for growth and sustainability. .

Our Seven Circles Garden is such an idea, and is also its own perfect living metaphor. The timing was right, and indeed, everything lined up to make this wonderful platform for learning and growth possible. Hard work, collaboration, enthusiasm, no one taking ownership, “being there and being involved,” with invitation but not obligation, Joining others as they catch fire. To me, that is how we inspire others to become involved.

People want to be part of something meaningful and bigger than themselves, and to feel that their efforts, no matter how large or small, contribute to the success of a project. We honor and appreciate all efforts. The work itself is the reward, as is the experience of connecting with others who have tapped into the same current. Just look around. We are all grateful for the opportunity, and wish that every school could have this experience. And if an “award” follows, then it is one that is shared by every person who participates.

~ Ellen's acceptance speech for the Sustainable Contra Costa Best School Award, October 7, 2011