Midsummer Garden Report

By Raymond Pultinas

Arriving back to the garden a week after being away I approach as I might a present to be opened.   What happened since last time I noticed that some of the carrots had just fully matured, or that the tomatoes were about to change and some had the blight?  The variety of peppers we planted were about to give us cheery little standing at attention fruit and the beautiful squash flowers gave way to a perfectly formed little pumpkin.  

Sunflowers belong to the bees.

A pumpkin arrives in the carrots.

My desire to be in the garden accumulates while on vacation and I cannot walk by one on my travels without stopping to notice.  I can't help but take solace and strength from the health and beauty of the gardens I see. How can we not draw health and vitality from direct sensuous experiences in a healthy garden?  Whether I am simply working it or taking its nourishment home, the garden is part of my sustenance. I'm certain too that if I had seen a troubled garden while away, I would sense some worry and fear within me.  

Native butterfly garden includes the Three Sisters, corn, beans and squash.

Our garden has grown to at least double the size from last year at this time. Thanks to generous support from Citizen's Committee of New York City, GrowNYC, Bronx Green-Up and Green Thumb, we have fulfilled our goal of growing the garden.  Last year we planted five of six raised beds that were donated to us by Montefiore.  This year, we have added four additional raised beds from lumber that was delivered by Green Thumb for a total of nine beds.  We have also planted flowers, basil and vines in five large containers.

Squash and basil intermingle.

Presently, we anticipate another abundant crop of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, basil and peppers.  We also are eager to see how the vegetables we’ve introduced this year (string beans, corn, carrots, watermelon, broccoli and pumpkin) will produce.   

Five foot high tomato plants

Broccoli flowerets forming.

One of our goals had been to create a plant border along the 20’ fence that separates the garden from the faculty parking lot.  Morning glories and hyacinth beans are presently planted, perhaps grapes will be in the future.

It's still a parking lot.

We have succeeded in preparing DeWitt Clinton High School’s Garden to be an onsite place of learning where students and faculty could witness and practice sustainable urban living.  

DeWitt Clinton High School Garden expands.

The garden demonstrates where food comes from and how it is grown and we have begun to educate students about the value of fresh food and fresh ingredients that contribute to healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle.  

An early summer harvest of carrots.

The Witt Seminar has built an alternative space on the campus of the high school and is now poised to engage the entire school in taking more responsibility for its own health and well being.

Calendula and eggplants.