Reflecting on Our Season at the Garden
Contributed by Jolene Ottosen for the Chaparral Green Thumbs
As we wrap up another season, it’s a wonderful time to pause and appreciate not only what we’ve grown in the soil, but also how we’ve grown together as a community. Every year brings new lessons, new challenges, and new joys—and this year was no exception. Here are some highlights that show how far we’ve come.
Giving Back to the Community
One of our proudest traditions is dedicating one or two beds to the food bank. Over time, we’ve learned which crops work best—those that ripen around the same time and don’t require immediate picking. Root vegetables like beets, carrots, and potatoes have become our go-to choices. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we donated more than 70 pounds of fresh produce this year to support local families. That’s something we can all celebrate!
Adding Beauty to Our Space
When the garden was first built, the berm around it was planted with a few shrubs and perennials, but it quickly became overrun with quack grass. For years, we battled the invasive growth until, after countless volunteer hours—including help from our local Scouts troop—we finally turned the tide. Today, the berm is thriving, bursting with haskap berries, cherries, currants, comfrey, roses, lilacs, daylilies, irises, hollyhocks, rhubarb, horseradish, chives, and even pineapple mint. In summer, it’s a true delight—a testament to persistence and teamwork.
Learning Through Experimentation
This season, some gardeners tried new techniques. One member explored the Three Sisters method, a traditional companion-planting practice used by many Indigenous communities. Corn, beans, and squash—the “sisters”—support each other’s growth: corn provides a trellis for beans, while squash shades the soil. Although the beans and squash didn’t thrive as hoped for this year, the experiment offered valuable insights. Every attempt teaches us something that makes next season even better.
Celebrating Small Victories
Late in the season, I watched one gardener dig up some of the smoothest potatoes I’ve seen in years. After struggling with scab in previous seasons, she tried something new: reducing watering once the potatoes were nearing maturity. The result? Beautiful, blemish-free potatoes. It’s a great reminder that small changes can make a big difference.
Building for the Future
One of the year’s biggest highlights was the construction of our new shed. Our old one had weathered years of storms and vandalism, and it was time for a fresh start. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers led by Mike Reid, we now have a sturdy, beautiful new shed. A huge thank-you to Mike and to everyone who pitched in!
As we look back, it’s clear that our garden is more than a place to grow food—it’s a place to grow friendships, share knowledge, and create beauty together. Thank you to everyone who contributed time, energy, and creativity this season. We can’t wait to see what we’ll grow—together—next year!
If you are interested in joining us in the garden next season, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at [email protected].
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