Village Learning & Achievement Center plants first beds

Envisioning beautiful landscapes for visitors and learning experiences in the community, a small volunteer group met Feb. 7 to put ideas into action. The members met at the Village Learning & Achievement Center to continue plans for the first phase of an organic garden that will economically benefit the center by providing Stoney Glen residence “Villagers” with an easy-access work environment for growing vegetables for themselves, volunteers and the community.

“This is a nice way to enhance residents’ lives. They will get their hands dirty and do it. We’ve surveyed several existing gardens and now want to make our own community project with community volunteers. This first garden will be a springboard for future phases,” said Kimberly Brusatori, Center founder and developmental director.

“Kingwood is a great place for this. There are many people in the community interested in organic foods, but this garden can’t happen without volunteers,” said Ben Turner, meeting chairman and garden development coordinator. “We are soliciting 25 volunteers to help Saturday, Feb. 21, and Sunday, Feb. 22, at 8 a.m. each day at the center, 3819 Plum Valley Drive, next to Walgreens on Northpark Drive in Kingwood. Open Harvest is our model and we need everyone’s experience.”

There will be something for everyone to do, requiring easy to moderate work, building light supports for tomatoes, beans and pepper plants. Lou Georgiades, an experienced volunteer, has offered to supervise the compost bin construction and will make sure all materials and tools are available.

Following an overview and discussion including blueprints and pictures of similar gardens, the group members focused on bed foundations and decided to use both grass and newspapers. They called on the community to donate enough papers to cover a 1,000-square-foot area. Turner then led a tour of the prime property where the garden will be.

Those who love working with gardens and in their community are asked to call Brusatori and confirm participation. After the first harvests, these volunteers will receive gift baskets of the vegetables.

Future phases include an experimental cucumber archway, potting shed, green house and herb garden, and habitat garden to attract butterflies and lady bugs.

Recognition for funding will include name plaques in vegetable beds, orchard and picnic areas, and on pathways.

For more information, visit www.urbanharvest.org or www.villagelac.org or call 281-358-6172.