The 2012 season was an amazing success! We harvested over 4000 lbs of vegetables between May and November. All of the produce went to people in need, helping supply them with fresh, nutritious produce. Though the growing season is over, don't think we're just sitting around waiting for the warm weather. The Garden Committee and volunteers have been hard at work this winter.     What's Happening   This winter in the garden we've been working to make improvements before the upcoming planting season to increase production.  Two new trellis systems are being installed to add vertical growing space and a new garden section is being dug in the center area.  The cables for the fruit trees should be finished soon to support the trees and prevent them from falling when covered with fruit.  The irrigation has been laid and the soil is being prepared for planting. Work has also been done in the Adopt-A-Plot Garden to regrade the beds and add a walkway for easier access to certain beds.    Soon we'll be able to start planting seeds and get our plants growing! The seeds will be planted by the Orleans District Court Community Service Program at Miss Scarlett's Blue Ribbon Farm in Barnstable, who is donating greenhouse space to grow our seedlings. On May 13th the seedlings will be transplanted into the garden with help from AmeriCorps Cape Cod. After that it will quickly be time for weeding and harvesting!   Volunteers Needed!   The Family Pantry of Cape Cod Garden is looking for volunteers for the upcoming season! Please contact Patty Watson at 508-432-6519 or pwatson@thefamilypantry.com if interested. See below for specific opportunities.     March 23rd Volunteer Day We're doing our best to have the garden construction projects completed by May but we need your help! Come out March 23rd from 8:30 to noon for a great day working in the garden! Projects will include installing a trellis system, finishing pathways, and digging out the new garden section. We can accommodate volunteers of all ages and this is great opportunity for individuals, groups, and families.   Planting May 13th We'll be planting our seedlings May 13th! We're looking for volunteers to come help our Garden Committee and AmeriCorps Cape Cod plant our seedlings, as we'll have hundreds of plants. The workday would go from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Feel free to come for the whole day or part of the time. We'd appreciate any help as this is a huge task for one day!   Garden Volunteers Garden volunteers help with manual garden tasks including weeding, watering, harvesting, and general garden upkeep. We are looking for groups and individuals to help between June and October. Shifts are available from 8:30 am-12 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.   Adopt-a-Plot Renters The Adopt-a-Plot garden has plots available for rent for the 2013 season. There are only a few left! Each plot is 7' x 14' and costs $10 to rent.  Additionally we ask that renters donate any surplus harvest to the Pantry.  Plots are available March-December and will be assigned on a first come basis.  The Pantry will provide irrigation. Fertilizer and plants may be provided depending on availability.   Garden Committee Members The Garden Committee is looking for additional members to expand its knowledge base. Committee members are in charge of a specific aspect of the garden. Possible responsibilities include planning planting, overseeing volunteers, and tracking harvest and volunteers.  We hold monthly meetings to review garden progress and plan for the upcoming months.  The committee meets year round, with an emphasis on March - November.  It's a great group of dedicated volunteers who share a common passion for gardening and helping others!   Garden Interns Garden interns will be responsible for performing daily and seasonal tasks in the garden including preparing beds, planting, harvesting, weeding, closing, etc.  Interns will be expected to come at least once a week on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday from 8:30 am -12 pm on a regular basis. We are looking for 3 interns to serve over the summer, preferably high school seniors or older.  Start and end dates are flexible.    Stay tuned for more information on our Garden Supervisor     AmeriCorps Serving Here   This season the Garden Supervisor position is being filled by AmeriCorps Cape Cod member Kelsey Boyd.  AmeriCorps is a nation wide volunteer service organization. The AmeriCorps Cape Cod program focuses on natural resource management, community outreach and education, volunteer management, and disaster preparedness. 34 members serve for 11 months, living together in three houses, two in Wellfleet and one in Bourne. Members serve with town, county, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits, across the Cape.   This is Kelsey's second year with the program. Last year she served with the Falmouth DPW Engineering Department and the Mashpee Conservation Department. This year she is serving with the National Seashore BioLab as well as The Family Pantry of Cape Cod. As garden supervisor she is helping the Garden Committee with construction, planting, harvesting, and daily garden care. Additionally, she is working to create a comprehensive resource manual and to recruit volunteers for both the production garden and Adopt-A-Plot beds.  We are thrilled to have such a confident and kind volunteer provide leadership in the garden!       Thank You to All of Our Volunteers and Donors!   The garden would not be a reality without the dedication of our volunteers and generous support from our donors. We'd like to thank them for all of the time and materials they have given.   Garden Committee Our garden committee works to maintain the garden, care for plants, and make sure everything is running smoothly. Our committee members are: Matt Kelley Don Milbier Larry Hake Barbara Wilson Pat Greenwood Al Donoghue Mike Provost Group Volunteers These groups have given numerous days to the pantry, working on construction projects, helping with harvesting, and working to prepare the beds for spring. Thank you to: Orleans District Court Community Service Program CapeAbilities AmeriCorps Cape Cod   Donors Thank you donors for your support through materials and trainings. Agway Bartlett Tree Cape Cod Ready Mix Country Gardens Green Spot Garden Center The Farm Miss Scarlett's Blue Ribbon Farm Profence Stonewood The Tree Company Cape Sand and Recycle Mid Cape Home Center Salt Spray Sheds Home Depot Our Hours of Operation  Tuesday 10-3:30 Thursday 10-noon, 1:30-3:30 & 5-7PM Saturday 10-noon  

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