Gardener Story: Laura Ciccone
This is our second year being a part of the ARCD Build It Up program. Last year we had a lot fun and learned so much! Last year we started an elderberry patch. When I went to prep them for this years addition I immediately could tell that we had been hit by elderberry borers. Because of last years programming I could identify and react to trim out the affected branches. We are in the process of adding another row of elderberry cuttings to expand our elderberry patch.
These are our existing lower garden plots. Last year we planted the bulk of our tomatoes, squash, carrots and one off plants down there. This year we’re planning on rotating and putting in potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and other crops.
This is our existing garlic, and asparagus patches. The garlic has already grown 6 inches. This is the third year for our asparagus, we keep adding to it every year and it looks promising. To the left of the garlic patch, we’ve planted our grafted apple trees from the ARCD fruit tree grafting class with A Different Chick Farm and Orchard. I noticed today at least three of the four have leaves on them and I’m hopeful.
This is our garden plot at the front of our house. Last year I planted beans, peppers, eggplant, and okra. To the right are my herb rings with sage, rosemary, mint, and oregano in them. This year we’ve already expanded the garden and may expand to the right of the herb rings. I’m going to try tomatoes up here this year in hopes that the deer don’t get to them past our dogs.
I am so thankful for being a part of the ARCD and their Build It Up programming. I have learned how to identify different pests which I never could before, I’ve learned about soil preparation and garden planning. I am teaching my kids, 2 and 5, that gardening is an important part in helping provide for your family. I truly believe they are growing up to be better for it, and are developing an early love for gardening, that I’m so lucky to be able to foster. Thank you so much for this opportunity ARCD!