And now, a shout-out for a fantabulous Bay Area Edible Landscaping Tour and very worthy non-profit organization ~
Many thanks to Suburban Farmer who has graciously invited me to write this guest post to shamelessly promote a good thing: Common Ground’s 4th Annual Edible Landscaping Tour is coming up this Saturday, July 24th, 11AM to 4PM.
This self-guided tour of suburban gardens features ten homes in the Palo Alto area, plus the Common Ground demonstration garden. Last year, I was simply amazed at the creativity and variety of of the suburban gardens. It was a lot of fun to talk to the gardeners about their experiences and vision, and to gather ideas. Many homes also kept chickens, and some had beehives.
All used organic practices and composting, additionally, some had systems to recycle greywater for the garden. I was thrilled that all of this was going on in my area, I had no idea! I also really enjoyed showing our garden (our home was part of the tour) to visitors and telling them how our ideas evolved, and the special challenges we tried to design around (we have two large dogs).
The tour is $35 per person, but the proceeds go to Common Ground (a non-profit). If you haven’t been to their garden store in Palo Alto, here’s your chance! The store has a wide variety of products to support organic gardening, plus classes, books and their own newsletter. I particularly love the plant starts I find there- many unique heirloom varieties (seeds too).Participants will meet there first to pick up maps and a tour book. You can register in advance online, or on the day of the tour at the store.
More information can be found at:
The Common Ground website
and at my blog site where I tell our story (pictures too) of our garden transformation and our experience on the tour last year:
Urban Artichoke
And if you live in Mountain View and have (or are planning) an edible garden, please contact me through my blog. I’m looking for gardens in Mountain View for next year’s tour.
Urban Artichoke
Urban Artichoke’s edible front yard.
Urban Artichoke’s edible backyard.
LOVE THIS. Of course, I also have an edible front lawn. Love it! Woot!
Shawna
Shawna ~ Of course you do! Thanks for stopping by – you’re the best!
Chris
This is awesome! I found your site by searching suburban farming.
Can’t wait to cruise around your site a bit more.
Chickiepea ~ So glad that you found us! I’m adding things all the time over here so I hope you’ll stop by again!
Hi Chris,
thanks again for giving our edible landscape tour event visibility on your website. The tour was a big success and we had over 250 people. We got very enthusiastic feedback from the tour goers, and now we are ready to plan for next year!
Yours for a greener and leafier future,
Urban Artichoke
You’re very welcome, Patricia! This is one landscaping tour that I wish everyone knew about. It opens up so many new possibilities!
~ Chris
This is a great blog! I am about to embark on the wonderful world of blogging myself and I like what you have done with yours. Thanks for all your knowledge! I live in a suburban neighborhood near Toledo OH. And started a edible landscape a few years ago. I love it..it just makes sense in today’s world! I am amazed by how many fruits and veggies fit into such a small area! Can’t wait to share!