Seven Circles Garden: January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

this week

A week of beautiful sunny days and a midnight splash of rain on Wednesday night. Last Sunday Jerry planted seeds of tomato (Martin Giant), bush beans and early summer squash in the green house. The tomatoes are already sprouting. Today we planted sunflowers and gourd seeds. Once the gourds are ready they will be transplanted to grow up the fence on either side of the gate. Now for a few photos of the third and fourth grade gardeners...

Jerry and Jada outside the toolshed

cleaning tools after use is such and important part of the job

checking out the sprouts

we planted these zinnias from 3 year old seed last week and they're already showing their little green faces

gourd seeds

happy gardeners

cauliflower that Carol and company harvested for aftercare snack

boots of the week

Friday, January 24, 2014

today in the garden

Even though it feels like spring with these incredible warm winter days in the 70's, the temperature is still dipping into the 30's at night. Today was a day of many tasks in the garden: composting, seed planting, potato planting and so much more.

We tucked trays of zinnias, catmint, and fairytale, green acorn, peach and autumn pumpkins into the greenhouse. Potatoes were planted in the berms of circles 1 and 2.

potatoes going into berm of circle 1

compost turning

compost sifting

we're so happy to have our little greenhouse for seed-starting this year

smiling boots

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