The garden started last November as a small plot of land behind On A Whim, that had been used for many years as a dumping ground for trash of the community. In collaboration with Abonatura, La Casa Verde and Rebecca Hervieux clearing of the area took place.
Now it was time to plant. We started with 2 banana plants donated by Hotelito Dulce Mareas, 2 plantains and a big grass donated by Rebecca, and a basil plant donated by El Cardhu Del Mar. Unfortunately due to water restrictions during dry season the bananas and plantains didn't make it. Around this time a private donor also gave us a number of seedlings. I did my best to keep them alive but in the end I think it was the leaf cutter ants that enjoyed them most. A coconut tree was donated by Beth but from the early stages it lost leaves to hungry horses, cows and pigs. The basil plant however has flourished.
At this point La Casa Verde swooped in with their volunteers and built a reycled bottle wall with the cute yellow and green gate. This was just completed in June of this year so now with added security from animals, the garden can create new growth that won't be eaten immediately.
When Casa Patricia closed late last year I asked the owner for a piece of the enormous oregano plant she had. As of 2 weeks ago the community garden has 2 pieces of this plant as well.
A couple weeks ago Lena a private donor gave us grape vines. These will go into the community garden, but currently need time in the shade to grow roots before being transplanted into the very full sun garden.
So far this garden has been completed with almost no money...a few pairs of gloves were purchased and all the tools have been borrowed to date. It is with much gratitude that everyone on the community garden project wants to thank the Angels of Cape May for raising US$50 towards this project. We will post picture as we put it to good use. Check the Las Peñitas-Poneloya Community Events, Las Peñitas, Nicaragua or On A Whim links for more information on how to donate, time, money, plants, tools. We appreciate your help no matter how small... because the smallest seedling may become the biggest tree....