Tuesday, June 30, 2009
96 degrees in the shade...
There was a heat wave in St. Louis but that didn't stop the team from moving forward working in the Sadiq Organic Farm & Garden. The team filled the remaining beds with compost and mixed with vermiculite. The beds are now ready for planting. Weed stop material was laid in between the beds as the foundation for the mulch, which will comprise the walkways. At the end of the day, the youngsters began planting seeds. A good 'hot' day of work. Great effort team! Looking forward to 'the fruits of our labor'. See the new pics in the slideshow.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Rain, Rain...
Rain can be like a confused friend. At times when you need it...it doesn't come, then when you don't need it...it comes. During the project, rain has been both friend and foe. Because of rain, our time lines have been unpredictable. The last couple of days, we have had some fierce rain. Hopefully, our rain barrels are full. Thanks 'friend'.
Getting up to speed...
June 5, 2009 - Following Juma a 'big' workday was planned. Under the direction of Kareema Shahid (GreenEarth Living & Habitat), a group of 14 ventured to SOF to prep the ground for planting. The lawn was cut, the fence work continued, beds were put together and laid in position. An all-out effort to get SOF ready for seeding. By the end of the day, SOF began to look like a garden. You could see the 'fruits' of our labor beginning to sprout. Our neighbors once again came out to offer support.
Our garden will probably be one of the most viewed in St. Louis. It sits alongside highway 70 where over 100,000 travelers and commuters ride daily. While we were working on SOF later in the day, rush hour began to pack the highway. Cars were moving at a snail's pace. As drivers passed our corner and saw a bunch of folks digging and building, we anticipated what they were thinking. One gentlemen, who was on the highway, turned around to stop by. He said, he saw us while he was on the highway and thought, 'they must be building a garden'. He offered to donate some seeds to the project. Sis. Kareema collected his name as she has begun compiling a visitor's book.
Thanks and Blessings to all those who lent a hand!
June 7, 2009 - Once the beds were down and pushed flush to the ground, the next step was to begin adding the dirt. Sis. Kareema directed the group in filling the beds with compost (the city delivered 2 truck loads of compost...for free!). We first laid newspaper as the base in the beds. The newspaper needed to be layered about an inch thick. Once the newspaper was laid, we began to add a layer of compost to the bed. We divided the work so that as one group prepared the bed with newspaper the other group filled the bed with compost. The team worked well together in getting this done. After the beds were layered with compost, the next step was to thoroughly water them. Our neighbor, Mr. Townsend offered to run a water hose from his house to the garden to complete this task. But all morning we were racing against some heavy rain clouds. Once we layered the last bed, rain from heaven came to water our garden. Well done!
June 12, 2009 - Garden Help ASAP! A huge delivery of peat moss, potting mix, vermiculite, etc. was being delivered to the site. The delivery company called and said they would be early...not good. Our HF coordinator, Basiyr Rodney jumped into action putting out an all-call for assistance. He managed to gather enough support to have the truck unloaded. Now we have the rest of the 'stuff' to complete the beds for seeding.
Per Kareema Shahid - "We added vermiculite and peat moss to all the beds. We even added more compost to the "Potato Patch" bed by the neighbors fence. I actually planted a few organic potato sprouts and some organic onions in one half the bed. The other side of the bed needs more of everything. We also added more compost and gridded off one of the other beds...so you can see how they will all look. Sis. Fatirah set up the rain barrel so it can catch any rain we get over the next few days. It is now imperative that we have ready access to water. The "Potato Patch" will need water everyday."
June 14, 2009 - GreenEarth Living & Habitat sent the team a long list of "ASAP" work to be done. We are close but still have a few more long days of work to reach completion. Gearing up for the 'home-stretch'.
Our garden will probably be one of the most viewed in St. Louis. It sits alongside highway 70 where over 100,000 travelers and commuters ride daily. While we were working on SOF later in the day, rush hour began to pack the highway. Cars were moving at a snail's pace. As drivers passed our corner and saw a bunch of folks digging and building, we anticipated what they were thinking. One gentlemen, who was on the highway, turned around to stop by. He said, he saw us while he was on the highway and thought, 'they must be building a garden'. He offered to donate some seeds to the project. Sis. Kareema collected his name as she has begun compiling a visitor's book.
Thanks and Blessings to all those who lent a hand!
June 7, 2009 - Once the beds were down and pushed flush to the ground, the next step was to begin adding the dirt. Sis. Kareema directed the group in filling the beds with compost (the city delivered 2 truck loads of compost...for free!). We first laid newspaper as the base in the beds. The newspaper needed to be layered about an inch thick. Once the newspaper was laid, we began to add a layer of compost to the bed. We divided the work so that as one group prepared the bed with newspaper the other group filled the bed with compost. The team worked well together in getting this done. After the beds were layered with compost, the next step was to thoroughly water them. Our neighbor, Mr. Townsend offered to run a water hose from his house to the garden to complete this task. But all morning we were racing against some heavy rain clouds. Once we layered the last bed, rain from heaven came to water our garden. Well done!
June 12, 2009 - Garden Help ASAP! A huge delivery of peat moss, potting mix, vermiculite, etc. was being delivered to the site. The delivery company called and said they would be early...not good. Our HF coordinator, Basiyr Rodney jumped into action putting out an all-call for assistance. He managed to gather enough support to have the truck unloaded. Now we have the rest of the 'stuff' to complete the beds for seeding.
Per Kareema Shahid - "We added vermiculite and peat moss to all the beds. We even added more compost to the "Potato Patch" bed by the neighbors fence. I actually planted a few organic potato sprouts and some organic onions in one half the bed. The other side of the bed needs more of everything. We also added more compost and gridded off one of the other beds...so you can see how they will all look. Sis. Fatirah set up the rain barrel so it can catch any rain we get over the next few days. It is now imperative that we have ready access to water. The "Potato Patch" will need water everyday."
June 14, 2009 - GreenEarth Living & Habitat sent the team a long list of "ASAP" work to be done. We are close but still have a few more long days of work to reach completion. Gearing up for the 'home-stretch'.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Getting Up to Speed...
May 22, 2009 - Post holes dug for fence. Our resident, 'landscaper', Br. Hadi, brought his new lawnmower to give the farm a nice 'low' cut. He also brought a gas-powered post hole digger. Although, it made digging much easier...it still took alot of hard work. Thanks to the young Khuddam (Qadir, Malik and Mubarak) for working together to get the holes dug.
May 25, 2009 - Purchase list submitted from GreenEarth Living & Habitat for plant beds, seeds, etc. The team is excited and primed to work. With money in hand, next stop...Home Depot.
May 30, 2009 - Permits acquired t0 erect fence for Sadiq Organic Farm (SOF).
May 30, 2009 - Wood, fencing and other materials purchased for "work-day". Abu Bakr and Basiyr Rodney go to Home Depot to purchase items for the fence and plant beds. We have a big workday planned for tomorrow.
May 31, 2009 - HF team comes together to begin installing fence. A BBQ was planned but was substituted with donuts...go figure. I arrived late to see Abu, Basiyr and Shakar sweating over the fence posts. They were down to business. The posts were placed and cemented for the fence. A couple of beds were made as well. We have to wait a day for the cement to dry before putting up the fence. A neighbor and his family, Mr. Townsend, came over to offer support. He had previously offered to lend any support needed for the project and will over look the security of the project. What a great neighbor! A beautiful gesture...Mr. Townsend is familiar with Basiyr and they embrace like old chums. Basiyr admires Mr. Townsend's new sandals. Mr. Townsend ask Basiyr does he wear sandals. Of course being from Jamaica, Basiyr answers 'yea mon'. Mr. Townsend says...'I'll be back'. He returns with a pair of sandals and offers them to Basiyr. What a beautiful gesture! God is Great! This is going to be a blessed garden. The team worked for a few hours before breaking for prayer.
May 25, 2009 - Purchase list submitted from GreenEarth Living & Habitat for plant beds, seeds, etc. The team is excited and primed to work. With money in hand, next stop...Home Depot.
May 30, 2009 - Permits acquired t0 erect fence for Sadiq Organic Farm (SOF).
May 30, 2009 - Wood, fencing and other materials purchased for "work-day". Abu Bakr and Basiyr Rodney go to Home Depot to purchase items for the fence and plant beds. We have a big workday planned for tomorrow.
May 31, 2009 - HF team comes together to begin installing fence. A BBQ was planned but was substituted with donuts...go figure. I arrived late to see Abu, Basiyr and Shakar sweating over the fence posts. They were down to business. The posts were placed and cemented for the fence. A couple of beds were made as well. We have to wait a day for the cement to dry before putting up the fence. A neighbor and his family, Mr. Townsend, came over to offer support. He had previously offered to lend any support needed for the project and will over look the security of the project. What a great neighbor! A beautiful gesture...Mr. Townsend is familiar with Basiyr and they embrace like old chums. Basiyr admires Mr. Townsend's new sandals. Mr. Townsend ask Basiyr does he wear sandals. Of course being from Jamaica, Basiyr answers 'yea mon'. Mr. Townsend says...'I'll be back'. He returns with a pair of sandals and offers them to Basiyr. What a beautiful gesture! God is Great! This is going to be a blessed garden. The team worked for a few hours before breaking for prayer.
How it all started...
The St. Louis Ahmadiyya Muslim Community owned a vacant plot of land that was purchased over 30 years ago. The land was to be used to build a Mosque for the St. Louis AMI community. Many of our past elders donated to the acquisition of this land. Although, St. Louis built a Mosque just up the street, the land on the corner of Alcott & Bircher in the Walnut Park community always remained special.
The sacrifice of those past members who donated their hard-earned dimes, nickels and pennies would be put to good use. In April 2009, the St. Louis Jamaat embarked on an effort to build a community garden on the land. With the help of GreenEarth Living & Habitat, a healthy living and green company owned by member Kareema Shahid, the Sadiq Organic Farm would begin planting its seeds.
As the project began to request support and donations, Humanity First (HF), USA, joined in to collaborate in the effort. With the effort of the local HF coordinator, Dr. Basiyr Rodney, HF USA agreed to build a community garden in collaboration with GreenEarth Living & Habitat. Thus, the project was granted the needed resources and began full steam ahead.
The sacrifice of those past members who donated their hard-earned dimes, nickels and pennies would be put to good use. In April 2009, the St. Louis Jamaat embarked on an effort to build a community garden on the land. With the help of GreenEarth Living & Habitat, a healthy living and green company owned by member Kareema Shahid, the Sadiq Organic Farm would begin planting its seeds.
As the project began to request support and donations, Humanity First (HF), USA, joined in to collaborate in the effort. With the effort of the local HF coordinator, Dr. Basiyr Rodney, HF USA agreed to build a community garden in collaboration with GreenEarth Living & Habitat. Thus, the project was granted the needed resources and began full steam ahead.
Sadiq Organic Farm takes root in St. Louis.
Amongst the abandoned houses, broken pavement and busy streets, new life is emerging in the Walnut Park community. Humanity First, has embarked on a project to bring good fruits and vegetables to the Walnut Park community.
Organic foods are at a premium and so is good health. Two things that low-income neighborhoods have not been afforded. In the Sadiq Organic Farm, sponsored by Humanity First, fresh organic fruits and vegetables will be made available to the community at a minimal cost. Neighborhood families will be able to enjoy the benefits of a neighborhood organic garden “right down the street”, which will encourage a healthier lifestyle.
Sadiq Organic will provide physical benefits to the community, while adding a touch of beauty and tranquility. It will also be an educational resource to healthy eating and living.
As we till the earth, plant seeds for new life in the Sadiq Garden, so will the Walnut Park community benefit from the new harvest of fruits and vegetables from her new organic oasis.
Organic foods are at a premium and so is good health. Two things that low-income neighborhoods have not been afforded. In the Sadiq Organic Farm, sponsored by Humanity First, fresh organic fruits and vegetables will be made available to the community at a minimal cost. Neighborhood families will be able to enjoy the benefits of a neighborhood organic garden “right down the street”, which will encourage a healthier lifestyle.
Sadiq Organic will provide physical benefits to the community, while adding a touch of beauty and tranquility. It will also be an educational resource to healthy eating and living.
As we till the earth, plant seeds for new life in the Sadiq Garden, so will the Walnut Park community benefit from the new harvest of fruits and vegetables from her new organic oasis.
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