It is hard to believe that nine days ago there was a grassy area and today there are 17.5 raised beds.  While building the beds is only one step in the garden, it's huge.  Even more important then the beds, is the community spirit we have started to build.  Over 50 people volunteered their time, local business donated their services, and dozens of walker byes gave us words of encouragement.

From a personal stand point, it fills me with emotion.  I plan my route just so I can drive by.  I feel pride and have visions of what the garden will become.  There a sense of satisfaction in making something for the community.  Making my home a better place for you, my neighbors, my wife and son, it is uplifting.


Prototype Bed and Delivery Cinder Blocks

On day one, I was worried. We didn't make as much progress as I hoped.  The work was slow going.  There was a lot of training and talking, important, but not visually measurable achievement.  Plus it was hot and dusty, which slowed everything down.  I was pumped that we had almost thirty people volunteers, and got the first beds built.

Shay and Tim Laying Block on Day 1

Beds after Day 1

Day two was rain shortened.  In someways the rain helped a lot.  The dirt was easier to work with.  It was cooler out.  And since everyone new it was a shorter day, energy wasn't tampered.  We worked hard.  And one could really see the beds razing from the ground.

Building Beds Day 2


Robbie cleaning up our work Day 2

Over the work week break we had some great help.  Some mothers came out a laid blocks.  Sue, Will and I built two more first foundations.  And kids decorated.  The project had gotten into their blood.  We also got our first pile of soil.  It has dried out now, but that first day it felt and smelled wonderful.
 
Day three was fantastic.  Good weather, great volunteers, and free pizza.  We had some new volunteers, people just learning about the project.  And made huge head way.  Overall it was a great day.  I went home tasting the completion, feeling like we wrap things up for by lunch time on day four.


After Day 3

Day four was harder then expected.  We had some great new volunteers again, and many old faces.  It was hot out, and the dirt dried up quickly making it harder to work with.  The last beds to be built are in the sloped area of the garden.  Which means way more digging and prep work.  We didn't start laying blocks until mid day, and just couldn't quite finish.

For a few moments I was disappointed.  But after taking a step back, looking at all the beds and feeling the potential for the community, it's hard not to get the positive feelings back.  We will built the last bed this week.  Some beds will be filled with dirt this week.  Planting will begin.  Medford is growing!

After Day 4