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remuda1

Donate plants for a good cause?

remuda1
16 years ago

I hope this isn't out of line to post here. This is such a good cause, I was hoping some of you might want to help. Pam (pkponder) and I are both on the team trying to help make this happen.

One of the women in the master gardener organization here in Granbury is also involved with Christian Women's Job Corp. They are having to move the location of the current office of the CWJC and have been granted a two year location rent free. This facility will house the offices and classrooms for the organization. The women will be there all day and since there is no room for a lunch room, we'd like to offer them a nice outdoor setting in which to eat lunch and take their breaks. Here is an excerpt from the website:

**Christian Women's Job Corps/Christian Men's Job Corps ministries are bringing hope to women and men through Bible study, one-on-one mentoring, new life skills, and job readiness preparation**

The building and grounds have been neglected and the master gardeners are interested in helping with the landscaping aspect. It's not a large property at all and we are currently working on a landscape plan. If you have any plants that you could start cuttings of or make divisions of, they would surely be appreciated. Since the landscape plan is not yet settled, perhaps the best way to do this would be to make a list of what you have that you'd like to offer and we'll see what we can use from it.

There are deep shade areas and full sun areas. The privacy fence is old and dilapidated, but since it's a temporary location, it's not economically wise to replace it so perhaps climbing/vining things would work for that. Native and adapteds are probably advisable as well.

I failed to get the local website info but will get it today and post it here so that you can read more about the organization and it's work.

Again, I hope I haven't offended anyone by posting this here.

Kristi

Comments (63)

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Thanks Sylvia, we have a pretty good idea of the things that we will need to use. If schedules can be meshed next week, we hope to be visiting Carrie and Barb. The next week (hopefully) will be some local ladies and PJ in Benbrook. Seeds are also on the way in the mail.

    If it's all right with you, I'd like to see what it looks like after we plunder these poor unsuspecting folks :). May I still call on you after that if needed? We are rounding up containers right now in preparation to hold the plants until the site is ready....I'm getting exxxxciiiited!

    I'll be sure to take some before pics so you all can see the transformation.

    Thanks again!
    Kristi

  • denisew
    16 years ago

    Thanks for that address, Kristi. I'll get the seeds in the mail to you next week.

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    I have containers here too.PJ

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Thanks Denise, I'll be keeping an eye out for them Thanks again PJ. I'll let you know if we need more than we can find out here :).

    Kristi

  • new_in_texas
    16 years ago

    Seeds are packaged up and ready to go, just waiting for hubs to take them to the post office (that may take a few days, lol).

    I kept it simple with cosmos, gaillardia, mexican hats, etc. which I hope is okay. I was aiming for things that were almost 100% fail proof.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Perfect Carrie, thank you! We will have to do some grading work there to rectify the flooding problem anyway so beds will have to go in after that's taken care of :).

    Kristi

  • denisew
    16 years ago

    The seeds went out in the mail today. You should receive them in a couple days.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Yay Denise! I'll be looking for them and thank you :)

    Kristi

  • jolanaweb
    16 years ago

    Kristi, what a wonderful thing y'all are doing. I'll keep checking here to see if you need other things
    jolana

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Jolana, thank you. Our first *plant raid* is this Thursday at Barb's and at Carrie's. I'll have a better idea after that how things are looking. Also going to be hitting, er visiting PJ's house as well, perhaps next week. Thanks for thinking of us in what I know is a trying time for you.

    Kristi

  • carolann_z8
    16 years ago

    Kristi, what a nice thing to do.

    I have some plants to donate.

    Is there any chance you could swing by here next week. PJ is coming to my house this weekend and she said she'll leave her plants here so you'd only have one stop to make.

  • Bev__
    16 years ago

    I have some overcrowded plants I could donate, russian sage, a couple hardy hibiscus, & a few others.
    I bet the local Lowes, HD & Guerins will donate.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Denise, the seeds got here today, thank you so much :). Looking forward to getting them in the dirt!

    Carol, where do you live? I was actually wanting to see how much we had after I picked up PJ's. I don't want to "over" request, but I don't want to put anyone off either that would like to donate. Would it be all right if I give you a shout next week? I don't mind the two trips. I think it's gonna take me a while to recover from tomorrow's trip to Carrie's and Barb's anyway :). Let me know?

    Bev, ditto above. I would love to come see what you have, but I hate to ask for anything that might not go to the project. Can I give you a shout next week as well?

    Thanks so much everyone, for your thoughtfulness and generosity. It is very much appreciated.

    Kristi

  • carolann_z8
    16 years ago

    Kristi, after you leave Carrie's house you probably will be able to landscape the entire town. lol

    She's one generous lady.

    Just let me know what you need and I'll be on standby.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Hey, did ya'll know.................it was really hot outside today!! Thanks to Carrie and Barb for the motherlode! LOL, all I could do when I got home was sprinkle some water on some of them, and stick some others in a bucket of water until tomorrow morning. I'll get an early start and a couple of master gardener interns over here at about 8:30 in the morning to pot them all up properly.

    Did you all know that 8 foot tall cannas can lay in the back of a pickup at 97 degrees for about 3-4 hours and not bat an eye? ROFL!!!!! They were in better shape when I got home than I was!!

    Kristi

  • carrie751
    16 years ago

    It was a hot one, Kristi, and guys - she worked and worked and worked. Thanks, Kristi and helpers for what you are doing.

  • PKponder TX Z7B
    16 years ago

    Wow, I'm late in this, but I can pick up stuff too! I drive through the whole metroplex to get to work. Seriously, I can easily pick some up...but here's the clincher... only Friday through Monday, otherwise I am transportationally challenged. I usually drive 377 north to 820 N/E to 121 north to the Plano/Frisco area and get off work at 4 or 5, but can make a different route if that would help.

    Pam

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Carol, I'm sending you an email via GardenWeb....if you don't get it, could you email me at remuda1@aol.com?

    Pam, thanks for that. I'll definitely let you know.

    Kristi

  • new_in_texas
    16 years ago

    Hubs finally remembered to get stamps so the seeds are on their way.

    I'm pretty sure that I forgot to include a note so when you get an envelope addressed to Kristi Gardenweb (that's your new last name), it would be from me :)

    Carrie in San Angelo

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Thanks Carrie :). Pam (pkponder) and I worked at the project site yesterday. We excavated the dry creek bed and used the soil that came out of that to build up some of the bed areas.

    It's still in the early stages, but it's on it's way :). I'll be looking for the seeds in the mail. Have a great day!

    Kristi

  • denisew
    16 years ago

    Since you're still moving dirt around, why not get some before, during and after pictures so we can all see the wonderful work you are doing?

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Denise, I know that someone one has some before shots. I'll get them to email them to me. I'll work on the during shots :).

    Kristi

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    A BIG thanks to Carrie in San Angelo, your seeds got here today :). I've done a little seed swapping in the past and it's always so fun to see the packets in your mailbox :).

    A BIG thank you to PJ and Bev as well. Your thoughtful donations are much appreciated. We managed to get everything potted up this morning after I got home.

    And even another really great thing happened today. I managed to get the rock for the dry creek bed donated from a company that Bob (husband) and I do a lot of business with, YIPPEE!

    It's been such a great day, thank you all for making it that way :).

    Kristi

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    You're welcome. Big yippee on the donated rock!!! You're doing a great job! PJ

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    I need a favor please? Could all of you that have donated items to CWJC please send me your full names and mailing addresses? Sorry Denise, I didn't keep your envelope :(. Carrie in San Antonio, luckily since yours just came, I still have it. My email address is remuda1@aol.com

    Thanks ya'll, I'm hoping to be able to have the rock delivered sometime next week. There is some shovel work that needs to be done prior to the rock delivery and we're trying to round up some strong, young, and most importantly *willing* help! LOL, it's kind of a hard sell though.

    Kristi

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    I'll donate a strong back and fairly good heat tolerance if Carolann will babysit! PJ

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Dang it PJ, I meant to respond to your post last night! We're doing some work there from 9-12 today! I know it's late notice but I just found out late yesterday. I know that we are going to go pick up some bulk mulch on Monday morning and will be laying down newspaper and feed sacks on top of the soil, then spreading the mulch. You're very welcome to come out then if Carol will babysit for you! You can even come today and just bring the boys if you want. The directions here are super easy. Let me know if you think you'd like to come out, we'd love to have you! I'll email you my telephone number.

    Kristi

  • carrie751
    16 years ago

    Wish I lived closer, this sounds like a fun project, one of those "feel good" things. Good luck to you guys, sounds like it is moving forward.

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    AKKK! Didn't get your message until now Kristie! Sorry : ^ ( PJ

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    That's okay PJ :). We will definitely be there Monday morning as well if you want to come join us. We will be getting bulk mulch and will be having the rock for the creek bed delivered. You can bring the munchkins if you'd like. Don't feel obligated or anything, but I'd love the opportunity to visit with you again :).

    We made some good progress this morning and had some good help there. Monday, we'll need help with laying down feed sacks and newspaper and spreading mulch on top of it after I dump it with the bobcat. Also, I'll be moving the creek bed rock to the creek with the bobcat but we'll have to use our hands to kind of place the rock so it doesn't just look like a pile of rock, LOL.

    Anyhow, that's where we are with everything right now.

    Kristi

  • denisew
    16 years ago

    Kristi - Speaking of moving the mulch and rock with the bobcat . . . you need someone to get a picture of you operating that big piece of machinery! Just one more photo to post when you get a chance! hee-hee! I have never had an opportunity to operate a bobcat or anything like that, so I really admire you for knowing how to do that.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Denise....LOL, I told the board chairwoman that instead of taking pics of me on the bobcat, she should be taking them of me when I have a shovel in my hands.....THOSE are much more RARE, LOL!

    I did get a couple of "during pics" today and will post them once I get the "before" pics.

    A humongous thanks to PJ for coming out and sweating buckets with the rest of us, your help was much appreciated today! Thanks as well to Bev for coming to visit and hand pick rocks to throw in the bobcat bucket! We really did get quite a bit done and had a good turn out of volunteers. All of the rock is in the creek bed now and it looks purty nice :). There was pruning going on as well as tilling in of soil amendments, manipulating of rock around the A/C unit (rock was much to large to use a rake with) which meant bending over and moving rock with our hands. We did get a big load of free mulch, but decided the beds need more work before they are ready for mulch. Anyhow, also wanted to share a picture of our new bobcat operator (in training!).


    That's PJ's son and he was grinning from ear to ear getting to sit in the bobcat :).

    Anyway, suffice it to say that there's a bunch of tired old people in Granbury this afternoon! I think I have time for a shower and a nap! Nighty night!

    Kristi

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    LOL! Roe is smiling now too! Thanks for the adorable pic of my midget!!!
    I wished I could've stayed longer. So far, that garden is looking like it will be very pretty! I don't know how red soil is for growing, but that red is quite striking.
    I really must also say Kristie you handle that bobcat like a pro. So if you ever get bored and want to bring it here.... :^) PJ

  • jolanaweb
    16 years ago

    Oh that does my heart good to see Roe on there smiling like that.
    What good work y'all are doing

  • new_in_texas
    16 years ago

    Thank you Kristi and you're very welcome.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    LOL, Roe wasn't the only one happy that he was in the bobcat. Look.....the bobcat is even *winking*. I hope he had a good time, PJ. Both of your boys are refreshingly great kids. How did that happen, anyway??? LOL!

    We've gotten over an inch of rain out here so it's unlikely we would have been able to get into the yard with the bobcat tomorrow. So thanks again for all of your help.

    It looks like we got enough done that Mr. Bobcat can move on to his next job. Our driveway suffered a little wash out from the recent heavy rains soooo.... I have another pile of rock staring at me here at the house :).

    The mulch for the project site will be moved by wheelbarrow once we get the beds better amended and once we all rest up, LOL! Until the next update....

    Kristi

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    I don't know how my kids turned out like they did either! LOL!
    I cannot believe I forgot to go look at what was planted! I'm assuming it was out front. Carol gave me one of her blonde moments(snicker). I will come and take pics too! I'm glad you that bobcatting done while you could. That would've been impossible with soggy ground.PJ

  • carrie751
    16 years ago

    Great job, you guys, great job!!!!!

  • Bev__
    16 years ago

    I helped for a whole 10 minutes!
    Kristi operates her bobcat like a pro...cutest bobcat operator I ever saw! Her crew still has a lot of work to do, but they have a lot of the hard prep work done.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    "Carol gave me one of her blonde moments"

    Ummmm, I hate to tell you....but your *moment* is still going on! LOL, there are no plantings out front PJ, LOL. Out front is concrete and more concrete. Parking is pretty scarce there so the entire front of the property is devoted to concrete :). All of the plants that have been donated have been potted up here at my place and they're waiting for the beds to be completed. There are three other areas in the backyard of the project site that will be made into beds now that the bobcat is out of the way and I won't have to be running over them in order to work back there :). I wanted to collect the plants well ahead of time so that they could recover from being dug. This way, they can be thriving, instead of pouting, when we plant them out. They are all doing great and some of your ruellia is blooming, LOL!

    Bev, trust me, every rock you picked up yesterday was one less that the rest of us had to pick up, so we ALL appreciated what you did!

    And OH YES! I really do a great job on the bobcat, LOL I thought my finest moment was when I broke the fence post, ROFL!! That poor fence.....it was already on it's last leg and I kicked it in the shin! Snork, good thing I'm not a surgeon, LOL.

    Kristi

  • carolann_z8
    16 years ago

    You guys are sure making some progress. Roe is a happy looking boy. I just love PJ's boys.

    PJ, that could be a blonde or senior moment. lol

    Kristi, if you're still coming out Thursday then let me know cause I have plants for you.

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Carol, you've got mail!

    Kristi

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    The boys love you too Carol!
    Kristie you'll get some nice plants at Carolann's house! PJ

  • Bev__
    16 years ago

    Wish I didn't have so much to get done before I leave Sat. I'd ride over to Carols with you...but then again...I'm just getting into my best sleep about the time you'd be leaving!
    I'm going to my nieces new house in Decator Sat around noon and visit a bit, then we'll go out to the Casino so I can win the $$$$ MILLION $$$$ prize.
    I'll leave my truck at her house & she will drive me to the airport at 6AM and pick me up whenever I fly back. It will be at least 8/9 before I can leave Phx.
    I expect to see that back yard all planted when I get back!!!

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    Remember me when you win all that money! Lemme see...where's my list? LOL!PJ

  • denisew
    16 years ago

    pj - Roe looks so happy sitting on that bobcat! What a good looking boy you have there!

    Glad to hear of all the progress made so far on that garden! Keep the pictures coming!

  • remuda1
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Ahhhhhh :)! I am putting my feet up for a moment now! Visited Carol in Joshua this morning and enjoyed the visit SO much. Carol's gardens are so welcoming and pretty, she has put a ton of work into it.

    Thank you, Carol for all of the wonderful plants. It looks like everything made it home fine. Even the 4 foot tall Indigo Spires, lol! I have a perfect spot in mind for it at the project site. It will be beautiful. After seeing your gardens, my want list has increased considerably....but not for the project, LOL I mean for me :). Your place makes me impatient for some shade at my place. I love the high, high canopy of your trees.

    Anyhow, one of my projects for tomorrow is to organize all of the potted up stuff I have here for the project in order of height :). Then I'm going to take a pic and post it. You guys will not believe your own generosity! I feel like I have a mini-nursery :). I am so looking forward to getting it all in the ground. I have used potting soil with fert in it so everything is looking really nice and I have every pot mulched for that little bit of protection. They all get a good drink every morning and seem to be happy. I know the master gardeners are not going to believe their eyes when I deliver all of these plants :).

    I know I've said it before, but thank you again everyone for your incredible generosity and caring. This garden can't help but be a huge success.

    Kristi

  • jolanaweb
    16 years ago

    This is why I love everyone here, they are just wonderful people and they are generous

  • carolann_z8
    16 years ago

    Thanks Kristi, I really enjoyed your visit. You're doing a wonderful job for such a good cause.

    You need to come by sometime and I'll fix you up with plants for yourself. I love to share my plants because I remember how much I appreciated getting plants given to me when I started gardening.
    We're glad to have you in our club too.

  • pjtexgirl
    16 years ago

    Thanks denisew! I think Roe is cute too.
    Remuda I only wish I had part of Carol's trees. Aren't they just gorgeous???? I love her garden too. PJ