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  GEMS, our Garden Custodians

By July 27, 2023July 28th, 2023Beet 2023 08 August
Marcie Katz
Latest posts by Marcie Katz (see all)

                                               

You’ve heard me talk about the GEMS before. Formally known as the Garden Education Mentors, they are the garden caretakers and custodians of the beautiful Demonstration Gardens on the Extension grounds.

If you haven’t been out to experience the gardens, now is the perfect time, as they are in full bloom! This year, with the help of our Student Apprentices, the gardens look amazing. We have a great bunch of workers, and as they say, “many hands make light work.”  And it shows! I am excited to see that many of the students are dedicated to their selected gardens, are engaged in long-term garden planning and show up every week to carry on with the constant maintenance required.

If you are interested in becoming a GEM or co-GEM, we have two gardens in need of a GEM – the Entry Garden and the Lavender Garden. Or, if you simply want to come out and help, lend a hand to these two gardens. The Rose Garden needs additional help because its team of six workers has dwindled down to one. All those the roses require deadheading and that’s a lot to do by oneself every week!

Being a GEM is rewarding. You will share in the comradery of working on a group project, giving and receiving help from other gardeners, feeling pride in your garden, and having fun in teaching gardening practices. Sometimes the students are even the teachers!

If you are interested in becoming a GEM, please contact Marcie Katz at marciek10@gmail.com