Thank You

Thanks to Kim & Bill at Kabelin's Ace Hardware South Bend .They donated over 100 bags of potting soil for the Unity Gardens . Also thanks to Jenny & Jason at J.F.New in Walkerton they donated more than 300 seed staring trays & some seed starting mix . All this will be used at our seed startings , and for raised bed gardens . Looks like the gardens are off to a great start !!

Seed Starting

Seed Starting at Potawatomi Greenhouse Friday March 19th 2pm to 4pm

Also we are doing another seed starting at Washington High School , Friday March 19th 3pm to 6pm Please come help !! Sara will be out of town , and I promised we would plant alot !!

So attend one or both seed startings . With over 25 gardens this year we need all the starts we can get .

Thanks

Mitch

Zucchini recipe and garden pictures

Hello Gardening friends and Partners!
Last week the Unity Gardens had a booth at the South Bend Urban Farmer's Market. The display highlighted two gardens per poster board. Attached are photos of LaSalle Square/ Robertson's- 3722, Broadway/ Our Lady of the Road- 3723, and Greenhouse/ Homeless Center- 3724.
Each of these gardens has a unique story and history which I plan to share in the coming weeks. The other 6 gardens are pictured on the next e-mail.
The gardens have been fruitful, but there is still tremendous need in our community. Every time I visit a garden, I meet people who share their stories with me. I continue to be inspired by the resilience and tenacity of people in our community. They remind me why;
We Are Growing More than Vegetables Here.
Here are the photos of the next 6 gardens. Portage/ South Paw- 3725, Salvation Army- Monroe Park- 3726, Butternut Squash/ Garden of Saint Therese 3727. At the market I also ran into the founders of the Sherman Street Community Garden 3780 and 3783, so I've included photos of this awesome endeavor. Again, stories to come!

As zucchini comes in well, I thought I would share a recipe originally offered from Betty Kummeth of Goshen. and forwarded from Church Community Services and Soup of Success in Elkhart, I was so impressed with the good work they do in Elkhart, but also with the dire need. Their food pantry is swamped with people
Fake Pineapple

This works using those large zucchini that do not do well in other recipes:

4 quarts ground zucchini- no peels or seeds
1 1/2 cups Real lemon juice
1 46-ounce can unsweetened pineapple juice
3 cups sugar

Grate or grind zucchini after removing seeds and peels.
Mix with other ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir frequently.
Pour mixture into clean, sterilized jars.
Process 30 minutes in hot water bath.
Remove jars and cool.

Use as a substitute for crushed pineapple in other recipes.

Sara Stewart U RN MSNc
www.theunitygardens.blogsp

ot.com

Unity Gardens Inc & Farmers' Market Sat 8 to 12

It has been a productive and eventful July for the Unity Gardens. Or should I say, the Unity Gardens Inc! Yes, we are now incorporated as a not for profit charity and are applying for tax exemption within the month. Thanks to Julia and Stephanie at Barnes and Thornburg for their time, support and efficiency. Imagine my surprise when they handed me the official incorporation papers! I almost cried! They have also agreed to serve on Unity Garden Committees to help this organization continue "grow". Additionally, Mike Keen, Krista Bailey, and Marcia McCoy have agreed to serve as directors for the Unity Gardens Inc. Their expertise and labor has been invaluable to the initiative thus far.

Walmart on Ireland Road in South Bend also donated over 100 plants to the Unity Gardens. So many people in our community are enjoying green tomatoes and peppers due in part to their generosity.

Happy National Farmers' Market Week. Please try to stop by the Urban Farmer's Market on Bendix just south of LincolnWay West in South Bend. Along with fresh produce to purchase from local vendors, the Unity Gardens Inc. has a photo collage to enjoy highlighting many of the Unity Gardens. Just a few blocks away from the market, you can also visit the LaSalle Square Unity Garden (west), The Garden of Saint Therese (East on Prast) or even the Butternut Squash Unity Garden (South). The Market runs from 8am to 12 pm every Saturday.

Within the last 2 weeks we have seen many people enjoying the Unity Gardens. At LaSalle Square I have run in to 3 families, 2 farmers, and a horse! Many teens have stopped by to see "whatzup" over there. There has never been over ripe produce to harvest! The community continues to use the garden and the supplies there respectfully.

Thanks to all of you who have helped! We are looking forward to many exciting opportunities for all!

Sara Stewart U. RN MSNc
President
Unity Gardens Inc.
www.theunitygardens.blogspot.com
www.sbcg.org
574-315-4361

New Signs at LaSalle Square

Check out the new signs . Many items ready to pick now !! The Garden is looking great !!

Next Weeks Event

Hey everyone !!! Next Wed July 15th from noon to 3 pm there will be a volunteer event at the LaSalle Square Unity Garden . The more the merrier So PLEASE come out to help water , weed , and mulch . The garden is looking great so lets continue the hard work !! The fruits of our labor are paying off . Soon there will be a bountiful harvest thanks to the efforts of all . Already there radishes , Dill , Basil , and tomatoes , ready to eat . So come harvest with us .

Butternut Squash Garden