Gardening

Helen’s Court Co-op Gardening Committee is informal and has no set policies. We are always open to taking on new committed members. Helen’s Court gardeners have a wealth of experience and knowledge and are willing to educate anyone wishing to learn and help out.

COMMITTEE GOAL
The Gardening Committee’s goal is to create and maintain gardens for the community to enjoy. We are committed to organic gardening and environmentally sound practices.

THE FOUR SEASONS
The Gardening Committee meets seasonally:

Spring is the first season of activity. In the spring, planning, tree pruning, lawn aeration, preparing the beds and planting all take place. The committee rakes dead leaves out of the gardens and prunes where needed.
We appreciate the help of all members in cleanup of fallen leaves on walkways and lawns. Leaves are put in clear plastic bags in the alleyway for composting by the city. Help removing the full bags from the courtyard to the alleyway for pick up is also greatly appreciated.

Summer time means weeding, watering, fertilizing (we make our own organic fertilizer), light pruning and major deadheading of spent flowers. We require more members for watering – especially if it’s a hot summer. The grass is cut high and some re-seeding may be required. Please leave the flowers on the plants for everyone to enjoy.

Autumn is cleaning time for everyone on the Gardening Committee: annuals are discarded, perennials cut back, divided and transplanted. We also endeavor to propagate plants and find the best location for each species. Fallen leaves are raked and some plants are removed and protected in sheltered areas.

Winter is a time for reflecting on our successes and planning changes. Each area of the Co-op gardens is designed with all others in mind. Within each area, variety exists.