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Vermont Community Garden Network
March 2016 Newsletter
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Spring is just around the corner! As the ground begins to thaw, VCGN is gearing up for an exciting growing season! This newsletter is bursting with
resources and opportunities for garden groups all over the state,
Burlington programs, internships, and
events, and
VCGN news, including new board members, a hot-off-the-presses toolkit for creating gardens at housing sites, and more.
We hope you're as excited as we are to keep growing together!
- Jess, Libby, Carolina, Trish, and Aaron
p.s. Check out our new Instagram page:
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Garden News and Opportunities
Free seeds for garden groups!
Thanks to High Mowing Organic Seeds and Gardener's Supply, we are offering bundles of assorted vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to Vermont community and school garden groups. The seeds will be mailed later this month, along with seed starting resources, and some product samples from our friends at Gardener's Supply and Seedsheets. Each bundle has 30-40 seed packs. Request yours
here!
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Grow Grant Deadline is March 15
The
New England Grassroots Environment Fund's (NEGEF) Grow grant offers up to
$3,500 for established school and community gardens to increase capacity, collaborate, and leverage impact. In addition to the grant funds, Vermont Grow grantees receive planning support and technical assistance from VCGN staff! The application deadline is March 15. Click
for more info and online application. Check out
our website for
more garden grant opportunities.
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Spring Grow It! Workshops
in
Bennington
Montpelier
Proctor
Sheffield
South Burlington
Thetford
Westminster
Join community and school garden leaders from your region for this workshop
focused on recruiting and engaging gardeners and volunteers
. Learn strategies to boost your garden programs, share stories and ideas, and celebrate this growing movement.
Click below to learn more and register online.
VCGN's 2016 Membership Program
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Sign up or renew your membership now
and get a discount on Grow It workshops, among other special benefits, including a discount to Gardener's Supply, half-price ACGA membership, and a snazzy sign for your garden. Visit our website or call us at (802) 861-4769 for more details.
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Burlington Programs and Internships
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Community Teaching Garden- Register now!
Want to grow your own fresh vegetables, but not sure where to start? Join the
Community Teaching Garden- a 22-week in Burlington, beginner organic gardening course. The course follows the rhythm of the growing season from May 9 through October 3.
Register online to participate in this dynamic course. The registration deadline is March 15.
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Summer Internship Opportunities
Gain valuable experience in garden education by working with diverse groups of adults and children in community garden settings. We offer one
Garden Education Internship (14 weeks from June-August) and two
Community Teaching Garden Internships (24 Weeks from May-October). All are for academic credit and include a stipend. Application deadline is March 18.
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Events
Seed Swap March 19, Noon-3pm
Fletcher Free Library
This free community event celebrates the upcoming gardening season and brings gardeners together to share seeds, garden stories, and resources. Lisa Coven and Ron Krupp will present workshops on garden planning and seed starting. Bring your own non-GMO seeds to share and exchange. Check out the event page for details.
Aaron Flynn and Rebecca Padula - VCGN Benefit concert April 8, 7 pm
Old Brick Church in Williston
This show features Aaron Flinn's unique sound, which combines elements of folk, indie rock, and classic country, and Rebecca Padula with her dark folk-rock flavored with a shot of bluegrass and a hint of jazz. Tickets: $10/12.
A celebration of soils, spring, and community spirit!
Mark your calendars for
April 29-May 1.
This jam-packed weekend of garden fun starts
Friday night with Dirt Ball dance party and karaoke contest at Skinny Pancake, continues Saturday for
Day in the Dirt
, and is topped off with CompostFest at Green Mountain Compost in Williston on Sunday. Volunteer registration for Day in the Dirt starts April 1.
Save the Dates:
- New North End Plant Sale: May 14 at Bibens Ace Hardware in Burlington. Mini-garden festival with music from DJ Brunch, food vendors, bagged compost for sale from Green Mountain Compost, burlap bags for mulching your garden from Vermont Community Garden Network, and beautiful veggie, herb, and flower starts from Red Wagon Plants. Come join the fun!
- Sweet Potato Slip Sale: June 11 & 12 at Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg. Fully-rooted organic Orleans slips for your garden.
- Burlap Bag Sale: Pre-order your bags and pick them up at the two sales listed above.
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VCGN News
This new
toolkit is a guide for starting, growing and sustaining healthy and productive edible landscapes at affordable housing communities. Produced in partnership with Vermont Edible Landscapes, it is available for free online and print copies are available for sale.
VGCN is pleased to announce new board members Sue Bette, Jennifer Black Leithead, Marielle Blais, and Chris Jacobson as well as new Communications & Events Intern Aaron DaCosta. Get to know the staff and board
here.
VCGN in the News
- Executive Director Jess Hyman on Dennis McMahon's CCTV show, Positively Vermont
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- VCGN featured in Ron Krupp's VRP commentary, Gardening Innovation
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HELP GROW GARDENS, GARDENERS & GARDEN LEADERS
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We need your support to meet the growing needs of Vermont's garden communities. These gardens feed tens of thousands of people and are rich social and educational sites!
Please make a donation today to help more people grow food for themselves, their families, and neighbors. Thank you!
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Since 2001, the Vermont Community Garden Network (formerly known as Friends of Burlington Gardens) has worked with hundreds of community and school groups to start, sustain, and grow gardens, building strong local food systems and vibrant educational sites.
Contact us:
Jess Hyman,
Executive Director
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Vermont Community Garden Network | 802-861-4769
12 North St., Suite 3
| Burlington VT 05401
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Copyleft 2016. Please share.
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