Published by the P-Patch Trust SUMMER 2013

Food is Medicine

Article by Ilene S. Ruhoy, M.D., Ph.D., indoles; orange represents carotenes and pressure but my love of cabbage is due tomatoes contain key vitamins such a B1, Photos by Grete Martinson xanthophylls; red represents lycopene and to its ability to stimulate glutathione. B2, B3, B5, B6, K and minerals such as anthocyanins; blue represents resveratrol Glutathione is an important antioxidant potassium, manganese and iron. Twelve Most of us look around at our garden and anthocyanins; and white represents that plays a role in liver detoxification. percent of the calories in a tomato are from and rejoice at the wonderful vegetables and allyl sulfides and anthoxanthins. So if A detoxed liver is a healthy liver and is protein content. Tomatoes are important fruits the soil brings us. Perhaps we think your daily diet has many colors you are better equipped to remove fat-soluble to reduce cancer risk, cardiovascular risk of the delectable additions to our meals sure to be getting a variety of nutrients toxins. Cabbage can also be useful in acute and overall inflammation but also regulate this bounty will provide. But I invite you and vitamins. But knowing the impact of treatments of migraines. neurotransmitters such as dopamine, to redefine your paradigm on our fruits and specific foods on our health is important so serotonin and norepinephrine. vegetables and instead view them as the let’s briefly review some that are popular LETTUCE Lettuce gets a bad rap as medicinal foods they are. amongst the P-Patch gardens. the supporting player of a salad. But is Long before our current health care should have a starring role. For my more system, where providers are too quick to KALE One of my favorites because it helps anxious patients, I recommend the dark, offer pharmaceuticals as treatment for what strengthen bones, fights inflammation, bitter lettuces as it contains lactucarium, a ails us, plants were the go-to prescription. lowers cholesterol and balances traditional herbal sedative. It can help calm Indeed, many Asian countries still practice excess estrogen. It is high in calcium, the nerves for those who are engaged in this way and, importantly, there is a magnesium, folate and vitamin K and is high-stress lives. current trend in the amongst full of chlorophyll. It is best for just about SPINACH I highly recommend spinach practitioners who want to more often resort anything. I often tell patients to increase for bone health and to ward off fractures to natural remedies. consumption of kale to help balance pH as it contains a substantial amount of Food IS medicine and our health and and counteract inflammation. It is also vitamin K, a bone protector. In addition our lives can be exponentially improved if particularly important for our bones as we to vitamin E, it is also a pretty awesome we embrace this notion. There is a long list age to ward off osteopenia and osteoporosis. CUCUMBER With its high water content source of antioxidants, which help reduce of ailments that can be treated or at least and its easily absorbable vitamins and overall cancer risk. I also suggest this leafy ameliorated by food. These range from bad electrolytes, cucumbers are an important vegetable to patients with elevated LDL, skin to cancer and everything in between. part of the summer diet. Yet it is also aka “bad fat,” as spinach can reduce the Anecdotally, I have treated patients with important during the rest of the year as it risk of deposition of this fat in the arteries, diabetes, hypertension, adrenal fatigue, helps maintain kidney function, wards off thereby reducing risk of atherosclerosis. depression and headaches successfully constipation, and contains phytoestrogens, DANDELION Dandelion is a superfood with a prescribed diet. Scientifically, the which can reduce risk of various cancers. and is excellent for liver detoxification last 10 years has shown an explosion of ZUCCHINI AND OTHER SQUASH and protection from viral infections. It is research and studies providing evidence Underrated in my opinion, zucchini packed with antioxidants and vitamins and for the therapeutic effects of different contains more vitamin C and potassium has mild diuretic and laxative effects. What foods and nutrients. Plants are foods than other squash that also contain beta- I like are the roots, which contain inulin, a and foods are plants. We are gardeners carotene, phosphorus and folate. This carbohydrate that is an effective pro-biotic first and foremost and I am choosing to vegetable is important for men with and can aid in nurturing healthy gut flora devote this article to help us recognize enlarged prostate, or even for those without and aid in digestion. that what we grow is what we need for our an enlarged prostate, and is also great for GREEN BEANS Instead of iron bodies. A whole-food approach allows the CHARD Oh chard! It contains cancer- the eyes, not only because of the beta- supplements, I recommend green beans multitude of vitamins and nutrients to work preventative antioxidants, bone-building carotene but also because of nutrients in to patients complaining of fatigue and synergistically to promote good health and, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E the skin of the vegetable, namely lutein decreased energy as this vegetable has to be sure, variety is the spice of life. and inflammatory mediators. I recommend and zeaxanthin. Indeed, research suggests more iron than spinach and can help ramp It is important to eat a rainbow of patients with diabetes to include chard in those who eat more squash are less likely up the delivery of oxygen to tissues as well foods because the colors imparted by their meals at least once a day because it to develop macular degeneration. as improve energy production by the body’s nature represent critical phytonutrients contains an important flavonoid that helps TOMATO This powerhouse fruit has cells. Green beans are also an excellent that are necessary for a multitude of control blood sugar levels. major carotenoid content: alpha- and beta- source of zinc, which can help ward off colds. biochemical processes. As a rule of thumb, CABBAGE With its diuretic properties, carotene, lutein and lycopene. Lycopene green represents lutein, chlorophyll and it is a natural means to regulate blood can help with depression. In addition,  Food is Medicine continued on page 9

P-Patch Post 1 Summer 2013 Introducing the Beacon Food Forest Article and Photos by Morgan Wright

Nine months ago, the bare grassy slope on the western border of in Beacon Hill was just that—a bare grassy slope, as it has been for the last several decades. Today, however, the southern-most 1.75 acres of that land have a renewed face. Over the course of several years, dedicated community members and volunteers, in partnership with the Department of Neighborhood’s P-Patch Program, have transformed the 1.75 acres into the Beacon Food Forest. The lower slope of the Beacon Food Forest is planted with 30 young fruit and nut trees, and is home to two honeybee hives and an expanding on-site nursery of perennial herbs, trees, shrubs and more. Soil preparation for the terraced community P-Patch plots on the upper slope began at the work party on June 15th, and will be ready for allotment in January. By the end of the summer, six beautiful educational signs will be installed throughout the garden, illustrating the ecological and community processes at work in the Beacon Food Forest. In the last several weeks community members have come together in the newly completed gathering plaza to eat, drink, and enjoy the transformation of Lunchtime at the July 15th work party, in the brand-new gathering plaza on this public land and celebrate the work that has gone into making it happen over the last the Upper Bench. several years. The list of partnerships that enrich this project grows longer every week—, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle P-Patch Program, Seattle Parks Department, Seattle Department of Planning and Development, City Fruit, the Urban Bee Company, the Sustainable Path Foundation, the University of Design Build program through the College of Built Environments (thanks for the gathering plaza—it’s perfect!), the Jefferson Park Alliance, the Beacon Hill Merchants Association, and many more. None of this would be possible without these relationships with community partners, city programs and grants, and nonprofit organizations that have contributed so much to the project. Interest surrounding the Beacon Food Forest also grows at an amazing rate, with the volunteer leaders hard-pressed to keep up with the groups and individuals requesting information, tours and the like: “Can I come and see what you are doing? How can I make this happen in my own city?” The diversity and enthusiasm volunteers bring to the monthly work parties is inspiring and is vital to the mission of the project—to design, plant and grow an edible urban forest garden that inspires our community to gather together, grow our own food and rehabilitate our local ecosystem. This summer, we look forward to building soil in the community P-Patch space, caring for and planting the plants in the nursery, and continuing to inspire our community to grow food here on public land. For more information and to stay updated on work party dates and recent developments, visit the Beacon Food Forest Facebook page or the Volunteers using salvaged cardboard on the Lower Bench at our website www.beaconfoodforest.org. Happy Summer! May work party.

Ray’s Corner: Water

Article by Ray Schutte foot plot with half an inch of water is the crops. It would take nearly 15 refills of used with the fan, the watering wand equivalent of 30 gallons of water. the watering can to water 100 square feet delivered 2 inches of water to the same You planted those seeds added a The top 12 inches of soil contain with one half inch of water. bed of beets in one minute. little water and observed the birth of new 95% of your plant roots. Until they are Soaker hose: ($35 to $50) A 100- Hose: (free) The hose can be fed vegetables and flowers. How they will established transplants and seedlings foot, ½-inch soaker hose will deliver along the ground between the rows, survive is dependent on the weather, your need more water. Soil moisture can be 54 gallons of water per hour. Soaker allowing very little water to hit the foliage soil and care. best measured with a moisture meter hoses require low water pressure. In my and virtually no loss to evaporation. Soil not only provides nutrition but ($12). The amount of water available measurement the soaker hose adequately Holding your hand over the end of the it has a direct impact on the amount of can also be estimated by appearance and watered 6 inches on either side of the hose will soften the flow for new seed water your garden will require. The type touch. Take a handful of soil and squeeze hose over an hour. The biggest issue with beds and seedling. Using the same water of soil will in part determine how much in your hand. If water drips from it there soaker hoses is the time it ties up the hose pressure and watering pattern as was used water will be needed. Organic is too much water. The ideal amount of in a community garden. with the fan and wand, the hose delivered hold down the evaporation keeping the moisture will leave a wet outline of the Fan watering nozzle: ($9 to $15) 2.9 inches of water in one minute. soil moisture consistent while feeding ball on your hand. No outline means I am not sure why the fan and other Water your garden in the early your plants and giving you more time it time to water. Although measuring watering nozzles are so popular. They morning or evening. or water your to enjoy your garden. If you’re curious soil water by appearance and feel is not lose a lot of water to evaporation and garden gently so you don’t compact your about your soil, King Conservation precise, with experience and judgment, water the plant foliage more effectively soil. Hoses are critical to every watering District (www.kingcd.org/pro_far_soi. you should be able to schedule irrigation than the soil where the roots live. Leaf system, take care of them.. Be aware of htm) provides King County residents up with a reasonable degree of accuracy. water provides no moisture for the plant your elderly neighbors and make sure to five free soil tests per year. I explored several water delivery and can promote disease. In a 12-square- the stored hose does not create a tripping Watering your garden efficiently systems to determine the most effective foot bed of beets, the fan delivered 1.5 hazard. For more on hoses go to http:// and effectively will save you time and and efficient in order to maximize my inches of water to the soil in one minute. ppatchtrust.org/take-care-of-those- help your garden grow. Plants can be time to enjoy my garden. Watering wand: ($18 to $50) hoses/. negatively impacted by both too little and Watering can: Watering cans cost Watering wands have the advantage of Based on my testing I have chosen too much water. A fully grown tomato on the average $15 and hold 2.1 gallons delivering water to the soil under the to just use the hose to water my garden. plant loaded with fruit can use up to half of water. They are great in the early plant foliage. This cuts down the loss of It is efficient and never compacts the an inch of water on a hot, windy summer season when you are taking care of early water and keeps the water off the leaves. soil and I don’t have to remember where day. The even watering of a 100-square- transplants and rows of newly seeded Using the same water pressure as was I left it.

Summer 2013 2 P-Patch Post Bartering 101

Article and Photo by Suzanne Schmidt overflowed with delicious-looking baked goods, and Favero, from Columbia City, When Creagh Miller returned to whose selection included homemade Ballard in 2009, she saw in her backyard miso paste and an assortment of flavored what many of us see in our P-Patches: vinegars. The initial setup period allowed a flourishing garden overflowing with us all to walk around, chat with others edible delights. As a novice gardener she and arrange deals to be completed once sought out neighbors with similar interests the barter commenced. It was exciting to and experience to achieve her goal. In peruse the wide selection of goods and doing so, she discovered a widespread imagine what I might trade for (what enthusiasm for creating connections to now seemed like) a lowly collection share knowledge and trade goods. Out of of edibles from my plot. To my great this experience Backyard Barter was born. pleasure I traded all of my greens and Build a P-Patch scarecrow! With over 600 members in little strawberry plants for this amazing neighborhoods all over Seattle, Backyard list of goodies: two chive plants and It’s easy! Barter is entering its third year of operation, a dozen garlic starts (from a newly- holding ten barters a year and hosting a discovered neighbor in Wallingford), a Article and Photo by Nikki Daniel, Queen Anne P-Patch Gardener website with forums for bartering and dozen multi-color chicken eggs, some discussions. This burgeoning community perennials to keep the weeds down at The other day I took a stroll through the Cascade P-Patch down by South Lake is a great resource for P-Patch gardeners our P-Patch sidewalk plot, a homemade Union. If you’ve ever been to the downtown REI, you’ve probably driven by it. It’s to expand their knowledge about topics bloody mary kit! (garlic-cilantro infused small in terms of P-Patches, but chock-a-block full of funky plot configurations, great- as diverse as “food prep skills/tools” and vodka, homemade tomato juice and spicy looking gardens and interesting things to look at. One thing that caught my eye was a little “bees and honey,” while other groups pickled green beans), a jar of purple scarecrow. She was dressed up, complete with a sequin tank top! I walked away that day such as “bulb swappers,” “seed swappers” sauerkraut, a hand-woven headband for my feeling that my neighborhood P-Patch needed a scarecrow too. and “produce/herbs” facilitate bartering daughter and a soy candle! I was hooked. After a little research, it turns out that making a scarecrow isn’t too hard. I just outside of their monthly events. Since then, Backyard Barter has held Googled “how to make a scarecrow” and watched a quick YouTube video. Like me, you But this is just a side-note compared events in Lake City, at SustainableWorks probably already have a lot of what’s needed around the house. Old clothes…check. to the actual barter events. I attended my in SoDo and the Youngstown Cultural String and yarn…check. Some old wood or garden stakes…check. The only thing I didn’t first barter in March of this year, held at Arts Center in West Seattle. As you can have was straw. But that turned out to be easy to get. I headed down to Seattle Farm Second Use Building Materials in SoDo. see, Backyard Barter aims to hold events Supply (off Holman Road) and bought a burlap bag of straw for $6. You can buy a bale of I arrived with a box full of bumper crop in different neighborhoods around the straw for $15, but unless you want to make a family of scarecrows, a burlap sack is plenty. winter greens (mustard, arugula and kale), city and hopes sometime soon to host a Once I had gathered supplies, I started by tying together two stakes in the form of a an assortment of early-season herbs and barter in one of our very own P-Patches. cross using some sturdy string (the YouTube video has a great technique for this, which a half-dozen strawberry plants that I had Backyard Barter is free to join and always is hard to describe). Next, I dressed my scarecrow and started stuffing. My scarecrow decided to purge from my plot at the free to participate. To learn more check needed some string suspenders to hold up her pants. My fellow scarecrow builder used Shiga’s Garden P-Patch in the U District. out www.backyardbarter.org or www. leggings and a skirt with an elastic waistband that didn’t need suspenders. For the head, I checked in 30 minutes prior to the start facebook.com/BackyardBarter. If you’re I used the corner of the burlap sack that my straw came in. My friend used some old of the barter and arranged a display of interested in hosting a Backyard Barter tights. At this point you can add as much or as little character as you like. And voila! A my goods at a folding table that I shared at your P-Patch or volunteering at one of scarecrow is born. with two other barterers: Joy, from the these events please contact Kellie Stickney Central District, whose wicker baskets at [email protected]. Addressing homelessness through urban farming Make sure to Article by and Photo provided by Chris Bajuk, Founder and CEO of Urban Harvest. find your and

Like all of you, I’m passionate about gardening and growing fresh fruits and other P-Patches vegetables. I absolutely love tilling soil, planting seeds and watching my plants grow on Facebook. and thrive. And of course, I enjoy the fruits of my labor! Unfortunately, I live in a rental house and the owner does not allow me to build raised planting beds. I also unfortunately If your P-Patch do not have a P-Patch. So about four years ago, I began experimenting with hydroponics as a way to grow fresh vegetables. I was astounded by how much more productive my doesn’t have a hydroponically-grown plants were compared to those grown in containers. One of my Facebook page, friends from graduate school also saw the difference, as well as the potential to create a hydroponic urban farming business. Thus UrbanHarvest was born. It is a Seattle urban contact your farming company with the goal of building rooftop or warehouse farms and to sell produce site leader and to local restaurants, markets and grocers. But before I could sign a lease for space, I was approached by the Millionair Club Charity, a Seattle based non-profit, to create an urban get one going! farming program on their behalf. The Millionair Club Charity was founded in 1921 in Seattle to provide jobs, meals Also make and support services for men and women experiencing unemployment or homelessness. sure to like the With the help of its donors, the organization today provides jobs, housing assistance, hot meals, showers, laundry services, vision care, preventative medical care and support P-Patch Trust services to thousands of people every year to support its workers’ success and to address on Facebook! homelessness in the region.

 Urban Farming continued on page 10

P-Patch Post 3 Summer 2013 Letter to the Editor

Mandatory downsizing damages the Seattle P-Patch Community. In the most • Strong feelings of resentment, alienation and disenfranchisement have taken root recent edition of the P-Patch Post, P-Patch Supervisor Rich Macdonald, wrote about the in a volunteer force (and voting public) upon which the P-Patch office depends newly adopted mandatory plot downsizing policy. His article failed to mention this in order to improve and maintain the city’s gardens. Many of these gardeners decision was made without soliciting any input from community gardeners, site leaders have routinely gone above and beyond in their service to their P-Patches and the or the P-Patch Trust. surrounding communities. The affected gardeners have requested a moratorium so that other solutions • There will likely be a devastating impact on the 60 low-income and immigrant that would meet the needs of current gardeners, those on the wait list and the needs gardeners who depend upon the food grown in their gardens but nevertheless will of the P-Patch staff, could be implemented. The P-Patch office has repeatedly rejected be forced to downsize in 2014. this request Per the downsizing plan, any gardener with more than 100 square feet of garden This is all the more surprising since the Department of Neighborhoods and the space, could be downsized in the future if the wait list at their garden continues to P-Patch Program pride themselves on building and valuing community. The top-down grow. The plan states that this can change on an annual basis and presents a chaotic and approach recently employed in the downsizing decision not only excluded the community, unsustainable approach to dealing with increased demand for gardening space. (If you it also has successfully alienated and divided the community and erased any sense of don’t agree, just ask your perennials how they would like to be uprooted and moved on collaboration that previously existed. an annual basis.) In addition, this decision is being implemented before measuring the effect of In sum, despite our stark differences with the P-Patch Office downsizing policy, we uniformly enforcing the two longstanding rules for plot retention;maintaining one’s all share the same goals of getting all those who want to, digging in the dirt! There is room plot and performing one’s required annual 8 volunteer hours. Multiple plots would’ve enough for all of us without the impending evictions. been freed up for new gardeners if these two rules had previously been, and were now, Please join us in insisting that the P-Patch Program honor its stance of valuing consistently enforced. community collaboration by calling a moratorium on implementing this downsizing As of July 8th, 2013 a number of untended plots remain at P-Patch, decision until alternative solutions have been heard and given a chance to be considered. while those on the wait list are told that no new assignments to these gardens will be Since P-Patches are largely on public land, it is time to involve the public, and as gardeners made until next year. This delay frustrates current gardeners who have to deal with the and taxpayers, we by definition, are the public! eyesore and airborne weed seeds. It also exasperates those on the wait list who see these To sign our Petition, please go to Change.org, click on “Browse”, and then on plots languishing and becoming more and more weed-choked after being abandoned for “Sustainable Food,” then enter the search words “Save Seattle Gardens.” Click the word so long before they are reassigned. Gardeners who are being forced to downsize, and sign and then you can view the entire petition and enter your signature if you choose. other gardeners who would like a chance to increase their plot size, also see this as a colossal and needless waste. Stephanie Butow, MSW Picardo Farm orchard steward and food bank gardener The consequences of the downsizing plan, are huge: • Gardeners and P-Patches have been pitted against each other. For more information, or to find out how you can help, please contact Stephanie Butow • The sense of community among affected gardeners is being destroyed. at [email protected].

Department of Neighborhoods Picardo P-Patch Conversion Response Project

Response by Karen Gordon, Manager, each garden in Seattle and came up with Article by Robert E. Stephens, Photos by John Olson Neighborhood Programs, Department what we believe to be an equitable formula of Neighborhoods that establishes a range of plot sizes based Our Picardo P-Patch is unique in several ways. It was the first P-Patch among the now on the size of the garden and the number 80+ community gardens administered by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. It gives Seattle Department of Neighborhoods of people on the interest list. For example, its name to the P-Patch Community Garden Program, the P representing the Picardo family developed the P-Patch plot size guidelines Picardo P-Patch now has a maximum plot who once owned and farmed the land from which our P-Patch was formed . It is also one of the in response to a growing list of people size of 800 square feet while a smaller largest and until 2012 it was the only P-Patch that had both year-round and seasonal plots. who wanted to garden in the city’s public garden like Phinney Ridge has a maximum community gardening program. Since the plot size of 100 square feet. If there is a beginning of the P-Patch program 40 years medium-sized garden with no interest list ago, there has been a surge of interest in or a relatively short one, the plot sizes may urban gardening, and what started as a be larger than a similarly sized garden with small group of urban pioneers in 1973 has a substantial interest list. Contrary to what grown to more than 6000 people in Seattle, some affected gardeners have suggested, and a handful of gardens has grown to 86. there is absolutely no intention to reduce all With that growth came the need to establish garden plots to a maximum of 100 square a framework of guidelines and rules to feet. This effort is a simple matter of equity govern the P-Patch Program including a and fairness for the use of public land. code of conduct, requirements for keeping In addition, there is no empirical up one’s garden and, now, maximum plot evidence to support the contention that sizes for gardeners. new plot holders will be any less generous Recognizing that many gardeners in donating produce to food banks, and it is had large plots, the P-Patch staff had been presumptuous to even suggest that. working with site leadership and individual Despite the petitions and protests gardeners for the past few years to ask from three or four of the affected plot those with unusually large plots to give holders, the other affected gardeners, up portions of their plots to allow some while unhappy about giving up a portion of the 1000+ people who are waiting for a of previously assigned gardening space for plot to participate in the P-Patch Program. new gardeners, understand the principles Our community garden is on 2.5 acres with an average of 280 plot holders, with That effort was largely successful with the of equity and fairness that the City must multiple gardeners per plot Picardo serves approximately 600 people and provides exception of 47 plot holders in 13 of our seek to achieve. We look forward to approximately 5000 pounds of food for local food banks. A brief history of Picardo 86 gardens. P-Patch staff surveyed garden having more individuals and families shows that it began its botanical life as a bog and part of the Ravenna watershed for size and the length of the interest list at become P-Patch gardeners. Willow Creek and the south fork of Thornton Creek. In 1922 after the bog was drained and platted Ernesto Picardo bought 18 acres of this land and began growing vegetables. The farm existed until the family retired from farming in 1965. The land was leased by the city and three acres were turned over to Puget Consumer Co-op in the early 2012 Trust donors 1970’s which became known as the P-Patch. In 1973 the City of Seattle purchased this parcel of land. Today this property is under the auspices of Seattle Parks Department The P-Patch Trust named the 2012 Trust donors in the Spring issue. However, with governance by the Department of Neighborhoods P-Patch Program. This year there were a few names left out and we wanted to acknowledge our thanks to these very marks the 40 anniversary of the P-Patch program which officially began in 1973. important people. The P-Patch Trust is grateful to the donors below, whose gifts were The south half of the garden has historically been plagued with drainage problems recorded between October 1, 2011, and September 30, 2012. during the winter that interfered with winter gardening. This was due to our P-Patch being part of a bog, originally mapped as wetlands. Part of the problem was ameliorated Tim Towner by installing a drainage system. Later, construction on land east and south of the garden Milton Tam diverted more of the water from the Thornton and Willow Creek watershed into the city Barbara Donnette sewer system. This also reduced the water problem for the South half of Picardo in the Frank Bubbs winter and effectively made it possible to convert the south half into year round plots. To implement the conversion of the south half of Picardo to year-round gardening, Your donation will strengthen the Trust’s ability to build gardens and grow funds were needed. A Grant Steering Committee consisting of site coordinators communities. Again, thank you for your support. and volunteer gardeners was formed to seek funding. Eventually, the Committee

 Picardo P-Patch Conversion Project continued on page 7

Summer 2013 4 P-Patch Post Garden shed of the month: New Holly Youth & Family Garden

Article and Photos by Mark Huston, Board Member P-Patch Post

Here are some photos of the tool shed at the New Holly Youth and Family Garden. It’s on the west side of Beacon Hill, with lovely area views. This shed is another example of a classic shed built from a kit. Wheelbarrows and tools are stowed neatly and there’s room for everything. Funded by the Parks and Green Spaces Levy, the gardeners have done a fantastic job with the landscaping to make the tool shed functional and attractive. Does your P-Patch need to upgrade the tool shed at your garden? The P-Patch Trust can assist you with the process to apply for a matching fund grant. Contact [email protected].

The Many Faces of Giving Gardeners

Article by Mariah Pepper, Lettuce Link Whatever the method of gardening or sharing, the common thread is the Even in my short time working with dedication and energy of volunteers who P-Patch gardeners, I’ve been struck by grow, harvest and deliver produce to their staggering generosity. If you need members of the community experiencing proof of that, look at the numbers: food insecurity. The depth and breadth of In 2012, the giving gardens donated gardening knowledge and experience being 26,248 pounds of produce to food banks put to use in giving gardens consistently and meal programs throughout the city! impresses me. These gardeners know And giving gardeners have planted over how to grow food and want to share that 6000 starts this year! experience with other volunteers. As of June 2013, 57 P-Patches have I want to extend a big thank you giving gardens and/or glean produce from from all of us at Lettuce Link to the giving individual plots specifically for donation. garden work party at their P-Patch is the through the sharing of fresh produce. gardeners in Seattle. Thanks to you, fresh In addition, there are at least 15 other highlight of their week. Many gardens, such as the beautiful produce fills the food banks and gardens (not P-Patches) that grow and Some giving gardens operate Magnuson, Barton Street and Delridge emergency meal programs in Seattle all share food with their communities. in less structured ways. At the Mien P-Patches, have a small group of dedicated season, feeding the community with good Giving gardens and gardeners take Community Garden at or the volunteers who make their giving garden food. Thank you all! many forms. Some have a few leaders who Thistle P-Patch, the gardeners informally flourish throughout the season. These folks organize a large group of volunteers, such share vegetables with those in their lovingly tend the giving garden at their Mariah Pepper is the Harvest Coordinator as at Interbay or Picardo. Those teams community, especially the elders, who P-Patch as if it was their own plot, and then at Lettuce Link, a program of Solid Ground. work together to grow food, getting to need fresh produce but aren’t able to buy happily deliver the produce to programs She coordinates the P-Patch giving know one another in the process. Many it. These gardeners know the needs of their that feed the most vulnerable individuals gardens, seed distributions at food banks, of these volunteers tell me that the giving community members and care for them and families in our communities. and the community fruit tree harvest.

P-Patch Post 5 Summer 2013 Tom’s Mom’s Harvard Beets Hazel Heights P-Patch Mosaic with Beet Greens Photos by Dan Mageau

Makes 6 Servings Mosaics created by Vicki Robinson and Cheryl Knox with the help of Claire Barnett and the crew at Seattle Mosaic Arts These sweet-and-sour beets were the only way my mom could get me to eat beets. The only difference between her recipe and mine is the sautéed beet greens. I often put these on the menu for Valentine’s Day because my wife, Jackie, loves them.

If your beets don’t come with a good-size head of greens, you may need to steal some from off another bunch. Or you could add a bunch of red chard. ______2 bunches beets with plenty of nice greens (about 2 pound beets with about 15 cups loosely packed greens) 3/4 cup fresh range juice 3/4 cup water 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water Kosher slat and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons toasted, skinned, and finely chopped hazelnuts

1. Separate the greens from the beets. Discard the stems and wash thoroughly and dry the beet greens. Peel the beets, cut them in half, and thinly slice them into half-moon shapes 1/8 inch thick. 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, water, brown sugar, vinegar, and zest. Once the sugar has melted, add the beets to this mixture and cook, covered, until tender but still retaining a little crunch, about 20 minutes. Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and simmer a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, the cook the greens until wilted, about 3 minutes, stirring in the garlic halfway through. Season with salt and pepper.

On the plate: Arrange the wilted beet greens on 6 salad plates. Arrange the beet slices over the greens. Garnish each salad with the toasted hazelnuts.

©Tom Douglas 2001 Tom Douglas’ Seattle Kitchen Harper Collins Reprinted by Permission

P-PATCH COMMUNITY GARDENING PROGRAM

Dear Botanical Interests, City People’s Garden Store Molbak’s, Osbourne Seeds, & Territorial Seed Company:

For the past 40 years, P-Patch community gardeners have been

 Growing community

 Nurturing civic engagement

 Practicing organic gardening techniques

 Fostering an environmental ethic and connecting nature to peoples’ lives  Improving access to local, organic, and culturally appropriate food The Importance of Site  Transforming the appearance and revitalizing the spirit of their neighborhoods Leadership  Developing self-reliance and improving nutrition through education and Article by Mark Huston, P-Patch As a P-Patch gardener, you’re hands-on experience Board Member responsible to care for your plot. But you’re  Feeding the hungry- 2012 alone, P-Patch gardeners donated nearly 27,000 also responsible to care for your P-Patch pounds of food Is your P-Patch plot all by itself in garden. Be sure to make a special effort to an empty lot? Of course not! Your plot is take extra care of the community parts of  Preserving heirloom flowers, herbs, and vegetables one of many in your P-Patch garden. That’s the garden. Take extra care of the tools as if  Budding understanding between generations and cultures through why it’s important to remember that when they were yours, because in a way, they ARE gardening and cooking you sign up for a P-Patch plot, you’re not yours. Be sure to clean the tools after you just signing up for a small plot of land to use them and take a couple of extra minutes to clean and organize the other tools too. Your organic seed contribution helps us better serve the garden by yourself. You’re also signing up to be part of a community garden. There are many other ways to take whole P Patch gardening community. A community garden requires LOTS care of your P-Patch garden, including

of work behind the scenes, not only to participating in work parties, helping with Much Appreciation, DON P Patch Staff maintain the garden, but to improve it. fundraising for new tools and hoses, or Perimeter plantings, common areas, maintaining a certain task or area. Here’s boundary pathways, tools, and the tool a unique idea: Call your garden leadership shed all need maintenance and care. and offer to help! Think of it this way: If there are 20 plots Remember, the more you put into in your P-Patch garden, shouldn’t you be your P-Patch garden, the more your garden responsible for at least 1/20th of all the will return to you in pride, satisfaction, maintenance of the community garden? camaraderie, and community.

Summer 2013 6 P-Patch Post Picardo P-Patch Conversion Kids Corner Project Photos by Emily Cashman-McCann (age 12), U-District P-Patch Gardener Continued from Page 4

Fruits of Our Labors applied for a grant from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods ‘Neighborhood Matching Fund’. We received a grant for $20,000. Matching funds were pledged from the gardeners, a private charitable foundation, and the surrounding community for over $25,000. Work on the conversion began in the fall of 2011. It took the hard work of Picardo gardeners, their families, friends, and volunteers to install a new water system; survey and install new 40 x 40 foot square gardening “quadrants” and paths; install the children’s and specialty gardens; and to get everything in reasonable shape so that the first year-round gardening season could begin in late spring 2012. What are the major outcomes of our project? The purposes of the grant were to develop, improve, and integrate the south half of Picardo P-Patch with the south hillside; to provide more community garden space and better public access to the benefits of community gardening. Specific elements included: a community design process, increased gardening spaces, better infrastructure placement, increased public access, installation of edible and wildlife-attracting plants, incorporation of public gardening spaces like a children’s garden, a mushroom demonstration garden, bamboo cutting garden, and raised bed food bank gardens. Emphasis has been placed on developing habitat for pollinators such as bumblebees. Many visitors stop by and wander through the garden mesmerized by the creativity, individual style and activities of the gardeners. There are many educational and demonstration projects, and a number of areas where visitors can just sit and commune with nature. Photographers, artists and students spend time in the garden pursuing their hobbies and professions. Daycare groups are led through the gardens so that the children can see, smell, and touch the

Many Hands (and Shovels) Make Light Work varied plants and vegetables. Science students from nearby schools visit the garden to do investigations of natural process and pursue the development of science projects. One of the most valuable outcomes of this project has been the increased participation of gardeners in work parties as well as the development of a strong plantings, viewpoints, a memorial bench have been met and are continuing to be sense of community. Gardeners are volunteering for committees as well as assuming and demonstration areas. Murals have implemented. Community involvement more leadership in these committees and ownership of its projects. A most visible been created by University Prep students has increased and has been sustained. example of this has been the development of the Children’s Garden, kids barn, and play and coordinated by Joan Williamson, Esthetic and educational objectives are area. Volunteers led by John and Sue Olson have put in many hours on this project. and a mushroom demonstration garden being realized. Gardener involvement in The highlight has been the involvement of children and their parents in developing and bamboo cutting garden are in place. and ownership of projects has increased. this child-themed garden with child-size tools, a children’s library on gardening Public service as a goal of the Picardo More efficient use of space is occurring stories and methods, and play areas. The barn is a delightful structure reminiscent of P-Patch. Laura Matter with support from and garden productivity is increased. a play house but has a practical purpose. Mason bees and other pollinators, water- many volunteers and the Food Bank Team We are creating a public space that will catchment systems and water conservation, and various methods of gardening are have installed a number of raised beds enhance the community and those who highlighted. This project presents gardening as both a learning and play activity. specifically dedicated for growing organic are involved in its creation. Picardo Volunteers led by Julia Wharton are continuing to develop the south hillside or produce for donation to Seattle food banks. P-Patch is a place and project everyone berm, a large, underutilized public space that is an untapped reserve for communal In summary, I think that our goals can enjoy and for which we can be proud.

P-Patch Post 7 Summer 2013 Artichoke Appreciation Article by Betty Lucas, Photo by Melinda Briana Epler

Growing up on a South Dakota farm, I didn’t even know what an artichoke looked like. But when I moved to San Francisco in the mid-60’s to go to school, there were these weird-looking vegetables on menus and in grocery stores. They even served them regularly in the hospital cafeteria at the University of California Medical Center. Such an exotic vegetable for such ordinary food service! Artichokes became a favorite food of mine and of my roommates, and I would prepare them often. California is the main producer of artichokes, with Castroville, down the coast from San Francisco, being the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The Castroville area produces about 75% of the U.S. artichokes, and there are annual festivals. The globe artichoke that we eat (Cynara scolymus) is a species of thistle, as evidenced by the “choke” you find on top of the “heart.” Artichokes are very common in the Mediterranean area, with Italy, Spain and France being major producers. I started to grow artichokes in the late 70’s in my first P-Patch at Interbay. I lost at least one plant during a cold winter, but replaced it. One also succumbed after our move to the Queen Anne P-Patch many years ago, but I found mulching over the winter was key for survival. My plant is now quite large and hardy—this year I harvested at least 20 artichokes. Not everyone likes artichokes, saying they are too thorny, too bland, hard to prepare, too much work to eat, and too much mess. Why bother, they ask? Well, I can’t really argue because they do take a sharp knife and/or scissors to get them ready to cook, and when you are done eating, there is a high pile of leaves and, often, messy hands. The flavor is certainly mild, but dipping in lemon butter, olive oil or mayonnaise makes them delicious. When eating an artichoke, you have to eat slowly (which is good for us), while you enjoy stripping off the edible part of each leaf with your teeth, then slowly uncovering and removing the choke to eat that sweet heart. A slow process, but worth it. Yummy! I usually steam artichokes and eat them hot or cold, but you can also roast, grill or sauté them. The stem is edible too, by peeling, slicing and cooking it. The new Deborah Madison book, Vegetable Literacy, includes many recipes for enjoying artichokes. And for some enjoyable reading, find a copy of Vintage Pellegrini: The Collected Wisdom of an American Buongustaio, by Angelo Pellegrini, an Italian immigrant who was an Support the P-Patch Trust! English professor at UW. These essays focus on gardening and the joy of food and wine, with mention of the esteemed artichoke. Article by Barb Donnette, Photo by Ken Wagner My current dilemma—as I have to downsize my plot next year—do I find room for that large artichoke plant? Or find it a new home? In 1993 we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the P-Patch Program by creating a hand-made garden quilt; it was raffled off and the funds were used to begin the “Land Acquisition Fund”. Those little steps allowed the Trust to be ready to be an active purchaser. Now the Trust owns 6 sites holding them as gardens in perpetuity. This may not sound huge but twenty years ago community gardens were still considered interim uses until something better came along. Fortunately thinking has come a long way! We all understand the important pairing of community and gardening. Now there are almost 90 garden sites in Seattle! WOW! This year marks the 40th anniversary of the P-Patch Program. It is only appropriate that we hold another raffle, again of a lovely hand-made garden quilt (this is the fourth P-Patch quilt). And here’s where we need your help. You can buy or sell tickets, just $2 each. You can also be a distributor for your area or display the quilt and sell tickets at one of your garden’s events or your work place. Your efforts count toward your 8 hours, and you can also volunteer to be a sales person at another garden’s event. There are events scheduled and we need you!

There are several ways to help: For tickets contact: Barb Donnette, [email protected] Eileen Eininger, [email protected] To schedule quilt display/sell tickets: Joyce Moty, [email protected] To become a regional distributor: Barb Donnette, [email protected]

We hope you understand that we are unable to mail tickets to you as mail costs consume our profits. We can let you know where the quilt will be on display so you can purchase tickets directly. Some of the quilt squares were photographed and made into note cards ($1.50). Your purchase also supports the work of the P-Patch Trust. The cards are available where the quilt is displayed. As you promote the quilt raffle, people may ask if we’ll make another one. Some may even want to make a square. Do take their names! One never knows what beauty will come next. Questions? Contact Barb Donnette.

Redefining urban life: Backyard Roots offers inspiring portraits of 35 urban farmers Article by Bill Thorness coastal cities of Cascadia, fill out portraits buckets, a garden pot, some plastic pipe Group gardening efforts, as P-Patchers of each farm. and a couple of tools, he crafted an well know, get fresh produce to lots of Need inspiration to boost your She plows fertile ground in telling uber-cheap planter for the dwarf people, revitalize neighborhoods, provide gardening practices? Crack open Lori and showing how and why people garden. fruit trees he’s growing on the roof, a nature fix for kids or people without Eanes’ new book Backyard Roots: Lessons The “dirt-to-plate connection” inspired a making it easier to keep plants watered their own land, and expose city dwellers to on Living Local from 35 Urban Farmers. Portland restaurant’s rooftop garden, while in a difficult demanding location. experiences outside the standard realm of There’s a neat way to be a great gardener the right to keep and slaughter livestock The tips abound along with the daily life. And as the writer/photographer on nearly every page. mobilized an Oakland woman who found gardeners’ stories. For instance, readers of this book enthusiastically shows, our A San Francisco–based food it connected her with her Mexican roots. get a snapshot of straw bale gardening, city region’s city farmers are changing the photographer, Eanes provides plenty of There are some DIY projects in foraging, cob furnace building and the best concept of urban life. close-ups of lovingly cradled vegetables, the book with step-by-step photos. ducks for egg production. but it’s her pictures of the urban farms, the I particularly like the self-wicking So many of the stories involve Bill Thorness is the author of Cool Season people who tend them, and the animals that planter bucket built by Lee Kindell, community that the reader might think Gardener and Edible Heirlooms, both live in them, that spur creativity. Well told the proprietor of City Hostel in Seattle’s it takes a village to raise a tomato. And released by local publisher Skipstone, stories of these farmers, who live in the Belltown neighborhood. Using five-gallon perhaps it does, or it should. which also published Backyard Roots.

Summer 2013 8 P-Patch Post Food is Bitter Lake P-Patch (BLPP) thanks Boy Scout Medicine Troops 123 and 125 for help in the garden Continued from Page 1 Article by Vonne Worth, Bitterlake out there to accomplish the project,” John George constructed a sign for ONION Onions have powerful P-Patch Gardener he said. his Eagle Scout project. He “...started antibacterial, antiviral and anti- As his Eagle Scout project planning the sign in May,” said Kenny, and inflammatory properties and they help Troop 123 Scoutmaster Norman Freneau Wang built the Americans with finished the project in June. He placed the remove parasites, largely because of the Partington, Jr. said his first contact Disabilities Act (ADA) raised beds in sign at the northwest corner of the shed. It sulfur compounds they contain. They with BLPP was early in December, 2012. the BLPP. Wang came to his first ADA is huge, made out of wood, with an upside- are also a good source of quercetin, a Later, he and Assistant Scoutmaster committee meeting in March, participated down V-shaped roof to protect the reading flavonoid implicated in raising HDL—aka Marty Kenny went to a BLPP community in meetings, helped choose ADA beds material from the elements. “good fat”—levels and decreasing risk for meeting where “it became apparent to (galvanized oblong tubs), gathered all In January Liam Comidy of Troop heart attacks and strokes. Their medicinal us that this would be a great opportunity materials, gathered the labor, and planned 125 first received notice of approval to qualities include staving off cancer thanks for a few of our ...Scouts to be able to the project. He and the ADA Committee construct the compost bin from Angela to the high level of antioxidants. help out at the very community they live Co-chairs, Nancy Edmondson and Vonne Fava, BLPP coordinator. "He built the BEET What are beets not good for is within and to ‘knock out’ their Eagle Worth, paced out the raised-bed P-Patch bin using all recycled materials—very the question. Beets aid liver function by projects at the same time." He said the site, staked it out, and assured that it met little was bought new," said Fava, and he neutralizing toxins, improve circulation by troop was moving soil in late January and accessibility guidelines. Worth tested finished about the end of May. Fava is supporting the production of red blood cells early February at BLPP (the new north the staked-out site and, later, the beds “very grateful he built [it]...” Comidy is and oxygen-carrying capacity, and help Seattle P-Patch on N 143rd St. between while on her scooter (wheelchair). Wang currently at the United States Military to rid the blood of toxins. Beets contain Linden Ave. N and Fremont Ave. N). and his other Scout helpers finished the Academy at West Point, according to his antioxidants, which lower cholesterol and “The Eagle Scout is Scouting's four raised beds on June 8. All persons mother, Colleen Comidy. blood pressure. As a neurologist, I love highest rank. Only 4 percent of boys of disability may now garden at BLPP “The troop (123) would like to them for their richness in anthocyanin, a get their Eagle Scout,” said Kenny, also because Wang made a difference. thank you (BLPP) for the opportunity to phytochemical antioxidant that protects Troop 123’s Eagle Advancement Chair. Late in 2012 and early in 2013, work with your organization and to afford the brain from oxidative damage and age- "The point of the Eagle Scout Project is Edmondson, also Co-chair of the our young men the experience of doing related memory decline. to benefit the community in some way, Construction Committee, met with people something that really makes a difference... while Scouts do leadership skills," he about building the shed. About the time the You have all been a pleasure to work with said. It also benefits the teen: It helps “young Scouts moved soil, “Partington, Matthew and I just want to express our gratitude to men learn valuable skills while giving Riemann and his father, Paul, offered to your organization for helping three young back to their community with their sweat build the shed.” Riemann started physical men hopefully obtain their Eagle Scout equity,” said Partington. “The guys work on the shed as his Eagle Scout rank advancement,” states Scoutmaster learn an incredible amount from having project in March and finished it on May Norman Partington. Troops 123 and 125 to organize the project, navigate the 25. Edmondson said the shed was “pretty are part of Chief Seattle Council, Boy bureaucracy, and then get the manpower demanding for a Scout project.” Scouts of America.

CARROT Carrots have long been part of weight loss plans—remember the days of eating carrots and celery when dieting? Carrots do have an important role in weight control mainly because their high fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness and aids bowel regularity. We also know carrots are good for vision and that is true mainly because of the lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which is also great for healthy skin and nails. RADISH For gallbladder support, radishes are a great food to add to your diet. Radishes stimulate bile production and improve the flow of the bile through the ducts, thereby improving fat digestion and overall gastrointestinal function. The high vitamin C content makes this cruciferous vegetable great for colds and the flu.

While the above discussion points to some specific health benefits of the foods we grow, it is important to note that there is overlap amongst the many vegetables and fruits—mainly in the form of anti- inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. A diet rich in the vast array of fruits and vegetables is the most important thing you can do to aid in the prevention of illness and disease. When our diets are given a boost in the quantity and quality of vegetables, the increased consumption of vitamins and nutrients can lead to a remarkable change in the way we feel, breathe and move. Fruits and vegetables are medicine—the kind without expensive costs and side effects.

Dr. Ruhoy is a Seattle neurologist who also has a doctoral degree in Environmental Toxicology.

P-Patch Post 9 Summer 2013 The Global Impact of P-Patch

Article and Photo by JoJo Tran, One day, I saw Antjie riding her little Cascade P-Patch Gardener son on a bike and she asked me if I could fix a fence of children garden for Eric. My Window to the World is from Antjie told me that in Germany, there my beloved Seattle Community P- Patch are many gardens like the one we garden Garden. Friends from all over around the together here in Seattle. world such as Ms. Wheeler from London, A meeting with Marc and Anne Baker from Latin-America, Taco-san Margruder reminded me that Vietnam is a from Tokyo. Abbie from Vietnam express beautiful country, who love Ha Long Bay, delighted when hear the word “garden” Dien Bien Phu and Mekong Delta. and asked what I grow and doing at the On Thanksgiving, I brought a moment in the garden. big bowl of delicious fresh green salad Baker encouraged me to grow more from the garden, listen to stories what “p” and he means pea and peace. Friends going on and happening around the also curiously asked if I could grow sugar- world that have a very deep impact to cane and corn in my garden. people’s life such as war, global warming, A peaceful walk to the garden, I often the shortage of foods and jobs, making meet new people, make new friends with women and children more miserable. neighbors and people from East Coast to Meanwhile the greedy only think about North West of America. money and making profit in many part of On Sunday March 2nd, 2003, I had the world that is destroy the planet, the introduced a group of eight people; Rachel, earth, causing flooding, climate change. Paul, Sarah, John, Phoenix, Jennifer, I ask myself if a country has David, Ian about Cascade P-Patch Garden, no P-Patch Garden, can it develop a about how to build a yard bin, a worm bin, community? And thought the US should a compost bin. lead, and be partner with every country to Another time, Ms.Yuka from Japan exchange the P-Patch Program to make told me that she will study herbs. accessible for all.

How to grow an edible Addressing homelessness neighborhood through urban farming Continued from Page 3 Article by Rae Russell Consider creating an Edible Neighborhood agreement, including: You’ve experienced the joys of • A list of everyone’s intentions and Homelessness producing food for yourself and your family expectations in terms of staying in Seattle and on your own P-Patch. Now think outside the in touch, meetings, end-of-the- surrounding areas is patch and consider extending your growing year clean-up and end state for the a major problem. On area beyond your own plot by combining gardens, etc. any given night, there your efforts with your neighbors’ to create • A list of planned vacation/travel are an estimated 8800 an edible neighborhood! times when special plans will be people who do not have needed a place to call home There are many benefits to cooperative • Maps or descriptions of each garden in King County; the growing, here are just a few: space and where important elements majority of those reside • More space/calability: Imagine are located such as water hookups, in Seattle. The solution being able to grow food throughout tools, etc. to homelessness is your neighborhood instead of just in • Common sense boundaries such to place individuals your own small plot. as behavioral standards, neatness, who are homeless • Cooperative buying: Get discounts common responsibilities, etc into permanent jobs on gardening supplies by buying in • An exit plan—agreements on how and housing. Placing bulk and sharing costs of materials, and when to end the arrangement a homeless individual hauling and labor. if desired in a stable job and • Built-in support network: Going • Risks and liabilities housing can help save on vacation and need someone local governments to look after your plants? Like Most importantly—have fun with it! Get up to $50,000 per to socialize while gardening and your children and teens involved, organize individual per year; just get your children involved? A work parties and harvest celebrations. The as importantly, placing community effort provides the practice of growing food together can lead individuals in jobs support you need. to growing your community. and housing creates a • More opportunities and sense of hope and self- microclimates: Maybe you don’t If you live in a very urban area or don’t sufficiency. get much sun, but your neighbor know your neighbors well: might. Together you can harness Urban Garden Share (http://www. So how does this the different resources that each urbangardenshare.org/) is a great online all relate to urban person has. resource for connecting gardeners with farming? • More flowering plants: With the drive and know-how to homeowners entire neighborhood growing there with property to share. Consider creating The Millionair Club Charity is researching urban farming as a method of creating will be more pollinators to help a meet-up group or posting on craigslist both jobs and fresh produce to feed to its workers and to share with partner organizations plants thrive and reproduce. to find other like-minded individuals that cater to individuals who are homeless or unemployed. The Millionair Club Charity willing to combine their efforts. The hired me to create an urban farming program that includes job training and fundraising for How to get started: possibilities are as limitless as your the development of an urban hydroponic farm. My company, UrbanHarvest, will manage Arrange a meeting with your imagination. farming operations and sales logistics once the farm is operating. neighbors: Choose an organizer/facilitator Our own company Cascadia Edible Farming in the urban setting makes sense for a number of reasons. Our long-distance and a designer/communicator. Create a Landscapes provides garden coaching agricultural supply chain is based on previously inexpensive fossil fuel—fuel that is contact sheet that documents participating and edible neighborhood workshops for becoming more expensive. By farming hyper-locally (within 10 miles of the end market), neighbors and the addresses of the shared gardeners in the Seattle area. Check out we can cut fuel use and associated carbon emissions. Seattle recently enacted the Seattle garden spaces. Talk about what you will our website at www.eatyouryard.com to Food Action Plan , with the goals of increasing urban food production, stimulating the grow, what the gardens will look like and learn more...and get ready to eat your local economy, increasing access to fresh healthy food for everyone and reducing food who will be responsible for different tasks. neighborhood! waste. The Millionair Club Charity is working with local political leaders, city officials, Create an assets checklist: Brainstorm real estate developers and customers to find ways to collaborate on a large scale urban about what resources each neighbor can Rae Russell works for Cascadia Edible farm project. share, i.e., money, skills, seeds, plants, Landscapes, a Seattle-based landscaping Our goal is to build a hydroponic farm within the next year and a half. The farm, the garden knowledge, space, tools, time, sun, company that specializes in assisting program, the produce and the jobs will all be based and grown in Seattle. and storage. This is a great opportunity individuals, communities and developers to learn about your neighbor’s skills and transform underutilized spaces into places To learn more about the Millionair Club Charity and UrbanHarvest, visit: interests. of food production and community growth. http://millionairclub.org/ http://www.urbanharvest.com/

Summer 2013 10 P-Patch Post The P-Patch Trust is Growing!

Article by By Melinda Briana Epler, P-Patch Trust Board of Directors, P-Patch Post Creative Director

The P-Patch Trust was founded in 1979 as the "P-Patch Advisory Council," to advocate for the interest of P-Patch gardeners in a growing P-Patch Program. In 1987, due to rapid growth in the region, local needs changed and the Council became a "Land Stewardship Committee." In the early 1990s, the organization became "Friends of P-Patch," a 501(c)(3) entity responding to a gap in funding as resources dwindled across government programs. The organization focused on scholarships for low-income gardeners as well as land acquisitions to grow the garden program. Branded in 2003 as the P-Patch Trust, we continued the scholarships and acquisitions, and expanded to include garden leadership training and support as well as gardener advocacy, and more. We have always been an organization that looked deep into our gardening community and filled its growing and changing needs. In 2013, the world is a different place than it was in 1979, 1987 and 2003. Now a healthy community of organizations supporting gardening, farms and open spaces surrounds us. As a result, we've found it's time to shift to fill new needs in our region. And that begins with a new name that symbolizes that shift:

GROW Grow what we've started. Grow our community. Grow beyond Seattle. Grow our support through leadership, partnerships and sharing best practices.And, of course: grow gardens, urban farms and green spaces.

Our New Vision We see inclusive, vibrant Northwest communities fed by organic gardeners and farmers, and a healthy food culture.

Our New Mission We build healthy and diverse communities by: 1. Advocating for, managing and funding organic community gardens, urban farms and greenspaces 2. Providing educational opportunities for growing, sharing and preparing food 3. Acquiring and holding land for organic community gardens, urban farms and green spaces

What's Coming Next Over the next few months, you'll see us roll out our new brand (identity) with a new logo, tagline and other materials. We're also working on a website that will become a community- centered resource for gardening, garden leadership, local and national support, and much more.

If you have any questions or ideas about the exciting changes, please contact Melinda at [email protected] We welcome your thoughts as we grow into our new shoes!

GROW:The power of gardening

The P-Patch Post is published three times P-Patch Post Brenda Mater P-Patch Program per year by the P-Patch Trust. Approximately [email protected] Grete Martinson, Managing Editor Office Staff 2400 copies are distributed each issue. Please Michael McNutt [email protected] submit articles or story ideas to the editors at [email protected] Rich Macdonald, Supervisor 206-386-0088, [email protected] [email protected]. Melinda Briana Epler, Creative Director Joyce Moty [email protected] [email protected] Lisa Uemoto, Administrative Assistant 206-684-0303, [email protected] Ray Schutte The P-Patch Trust Vision Jim McKendry, Copy Editor [email protected] Laura Raymond, P-Patch Parks & Green Space Levy Coordinator Tracy Stober 206-615-1787, [email protected] We see inclusive, vibrant northwest Charlie Evans, Copy Editor [email protected] communities fed by organic farms and Milton Tam gardens, and a healthy food culture. Lauren Young Ko, Editorial Support [email protected] Community Garden Coordinators Eric Todderud Julie Bryan Coty Huffman, Layout Designer The P-Patch Trust Mission [email protected] 206-684-0540, [email protected] Kenya Fredie Diana Vinh 206-733-9243, [email protected] We build healthy and diverse communities by: P-Patch Trust [email protected] 1. Advocating for, managing and funding Minh Chau Le Board of Directors 206-233-7112, [email protected] organic community gardens, urban farms Accountant and green spaces. Karen Abbey Lance LaRowe Sandy Pernitz 206-684-0284, [email protected] 2. Providing educational opportunities for [email protected] [email protected] growing, sharing and preparing food. Alice Burgess Bunly Yun Lettuce Link 206-684-8495, [email protected] 3. Acquiring and holding land for organic [email protected] Robin DeCook community gardens, urban farms and Laura Dewell Nate Moxley [email protected] 206-733-9586, [email protected] green spaces. [email protected] Melinda Briana Epler FRNF Representative [email protected] Helen Gabel [email protected] Mark Huston [email protected]

The P-Patch Post is published by the P-Patch Trust. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the P-Patch Trust or the P-Patch Program.

I want to help the P-Patch Trust acquire and advocate for community YES! gardens, and preserve and protect our existing community gardens.

Here is my contribution as a: My contribution is $______FRIEND: $25-$34 (pays the fiscal agency fee for one garden for one month) GARDEN HELPER: $35-$49 (pays the plot rental fee for one low-income gardener) SUPPORTER: $50-$99 (pays one year of liability insurance for one garden) Name(s) ______CONTRIBUTOR: $100-$249 (funds a Trust tool grant for one garden) BENEFACTOR: $250-$499 (pays a portion of the property taxes on the Trust’s gardens) Address ______PATRON: $500-$999 (pays a significant percentage of the annual support for Lettuce Link) GARDENING ANGEL: $1000 or more (pays for printing one edition of the P-Patch Post) City/State/Zip ______

You may be able to multiply your contribution through your employer’s matching Check here if you want to remain anonymous. gift program. Please check with your Human Resources Department for information and the necessary form. Adobe, Amgen, Bank of America, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks and Chase Bank are among the major local employers that Make your check or money order payable to: “P-Patch Trust” match contributions to non-profit organizations. and mail it to P.O. Box 19748 Seattle, WA 98109. You can also use a credit card (VISA or MasterCard) to make a An acknowledgement of your contribution will be mailed to you. contribution to the Trust via our secure website: www.p-patchtrust.org. Thank you! For more information contact us at [email protected] or call 425.329.1601 P-Patch Trust is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible to the full amount allowed by law. Our federal tax identification number is 91-1091819.

P-Patch Post 11 Summer 2013 Beneficial Bugs

Article by Rony Thi, Photo by Jennifer harmful insects for food, there small bowl. Shelter can be easily provided Outhouse, UpGarden P-Patch must be a supply of the harmful by adding rocks, stones, logs and mulch to Gardener ones to attract the ones we want. create dark and cool crevices for the insects Learning how to identify to hide from the sun. I was looking forward to harvesting which insects are our friends It is harder to provide the food for my lettuce the other day, but I was too and which are our enemies the insect because not only do their food late. Aphids got to it first. My first thought is the first step in attracting needs differ from one species to the next, was “where is a ladybug when you need beneficial insects to our garden. but even within the same species. Due to one?” Then a second thought popped into Identifying insects is difficult metamorphosis, most insects go through my head: “what about other beneficial for two reasons. One, they are drastic physical changes that also change insects?” I have heard about them and the small creatures and like to hide, their diets. Let’s use the ladybug again as wonderful things they can do for gardens. so finding one can prove to be an example; in their larva stage, a ladybug Unfortunately, I don’t know how they difficult. Second, insects go hunts for aphids. While in their adult state, differ from the harmful ones and how to through physical developmental they seek pollen and nectar. So having a attract them to my garden. So I decided to stages called metamorphosis. garden that supports them in their larva do a little digging and this is what I found. Unlike other animals, most and adult stages, will encourage ladybugs Insects are perceived as creepy crawly insects’ offspring do not to reside in your garden. This means there things that infect us with diseases and resemble anything like the adult. must be some harmful insects to attract the viruses. Due to this misconception, insects For example, people can identify beneficial ones. Remember the point of are one of the most under appreciated the red beetle with black spots as beneficial insects is to control not eradicate. species on this planet even though the a ladybug but many do not know Since lots of beneficial insects in services and benefits they provide are that in its larva stage, it looks their adult stage rely on pollen and nectar, unrivaled by any other. If insects disappear, more like a miniature alligator. having flowering plants tuck in between the numerous fish and birds that prey on To keep from accidentally your vegetables is a great way to protect them will disappear too. Without insects, killing the beneficial insects, them from harm. Flowering plants in the we could not enjoy delicious fruits and learning how to identify them in sunflower, carrots and onion families are vegetables because flowers will have no each stage is a worthwhile cause. terrific for attracting beneficial insects. one to pollinate them. Without insects to The web has lots of information I learned quite a bit about insects. breakdown dead material, we would be and images, making it a great They provide many services and benefits waist deep in it. If these tiny guys did not Amidst the complexities of life, I wish I could be resource to learn about these such as pollinating our flowers, breaking exist, the world we know now would not lady bug for a day and simply be cute, helpful, insects. down dead materials for our plants to use exist either. and hungry. Once we learn how to and keeping the pest pollution in check You may be thinking if they are so identify who’s who, we need to so they don’t do too much damage to our great, why are they eating my tomatoes? predators that eat these harmful ones and create an insect-friendly garden to attract crops. And they do it for free as long as they Just like everything else, there are “good” keep their population under control. This our insect friends. Just like any other have a place called home in your garden. guys and “bad” guys. In the garden, the is nature’s way of keeping everything in animal, insects need water, shelter and I will make my garden a friendlier place ones that eat your plants are the harmful balance. This does not mean eradication. food. Providing water can be as simple as for them because I now know beneficial ones. The beneficial ones are usually Since the beneficial insects depend on the having a place that collects water like a insects are a great addition to any garden.

Visit the Haller Lake P-Patch

Bob Brooks (photographer) along with Carolyn and Dorothy (pictured here with Leslie and baby Arthur) began this p-patch on a section of parking lot. Our gardening practices here have created great soil and prolific harvests. PAID

The Haller Lake P-Patch is located at 13045 1st Ave. N.E.

Make a P-Patch Happy

Article by Joyce Moty

If you are moving or have some garden tools that you don’t use anymore, consider giving them to the P-Patch Trust to distribute to needy gardens. Donate gently used tools such as shovels, soil rakes, digging forks, compost forks, pruners, hand trowels, weeders and

P-Patch Trust P-Patch P.O. Box 19748 WA 98109 Seattle, even hoses. Your contribution will get a tax deductible thank you and you will know that your tools are helping a gardener till the soil.

Summer 2013 12 P-Patch Post