An Update from Crestmont and Butler Garden Intern Amanda Dubinski
As an intern at both Butler and Crestmont gardens, I am privileged to be a part of different stages of garden development and I reflect often on the time and commitment it takes to build a vibrant and fruitful space. The soil at the Crestmont garden becomes more and more fertile over the years as hands mix in organic matter and plant cover-crops. As I gather manure and leaves to add to the newly formed garden beds at Butler I begin to imagine that one day it will be as abundant as the Crestmont garden.
Since I first began to learn about organic gardening the idea of soil as the foundation of growth of plants continues to fascinate me. It seems the more labor we as gardeners contribute to the soil, the more prolific the harvest will be. The process of contributing to the soil involves death and rebirth, much like the cycle of humanity. After sowing field peas or oats as cover crops I watch them grow to their fullness, then return them back into the soil so that new life will eventually grow. Likewise, I place kitchen scraps, leaves, and other organic matter into a pile with the knowledge that after a few turnings, heat, moisture, and air will transform into compost than can be used in the garden beds to contribute to soil health and aid in the growth of new plant life.
I am excited for the ways that both gardens will grow and develop even more over time, and am glad to be a part of the process this growing season. Stay tuned for new developments in the Butler garden this summer – hoophouse construction – and in seasons to come.
