By 1812Blockhouse
Kingwood Center Gardens is gearing up to host an assembly that blends horticultural heritage with innovative gardening techniques. The 13th Annual Raising Richland Community Garden Summit, aptly themed “Planting for the Future,” invites enthusiasts and families to immerse themselves in a free event dedicated to the art and science of gardening. Scheduled for this Thursday, March 14, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this free event is a beacon for community engagement, education, and environmental stewardship.
A Gathering of Green Thumbs
As the doors open for registration between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, attendees are welcomed into a world where the past and future of gardening converge. Josh Steffen, extending a warm welcome at 5:30 PM, sets the stage for an evening of learning and connection. Following him, Daniel Neef of Green Patch Gardens delves into the significance of heirloom varieties in his talk, “Heirloom: The Past is the Future,” from 5:35 PM to 6:15 PM, highlighting the vital role of traditional plants in modern gardening.
The summit pauses for refreshments and a chance to meet local vendors from 6:15 PM to 6:45 PM, providing a perfect opportunity for participants to mingle, exchange ideas, and explore gardening resources. The event resumes with Seth Meehan of High Desert Greens, who will share insights on “Planning a Grow Space” from 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM, offering valuable advice on creating efficient, productive gardens in any environment.
Fostering Young Gardeners
Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of gardeners, the summit features special programming for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. From 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, parents can register their kids for an engaging session with Judy Villard Overocker, extension educator. Her presentation, “From Seed to Harvest to the Table,” scheduled from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, promises a hands-on learning experience complete with displays, storytime, and crafts, emphasizing the journey of food from soil to plate.
An Invitation to Connect
Beyond the educational offerings, the summit serves as a vibrant marketplace for local vendors, showcasing gardening supplies, plants, and artisan products. Kingwood’s Gateway Café Garden & Gift Shop will also welcome visitors until 7:00 PM, offering refreshments and unique garden-themed items for purchase.
This year’s Raising Richland Community Garden Summit not only celebrates the joy of gardening but also reinforces the community’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental education. It’s an event that brings together individuals of all ages, from seasoned horticulturists to budding enthusiasts, to share knowledge, foster connections, and inspire a greener future.
