If you happen to be looking for an organization to support, I would like to suggest looking into Seattle Youth Garden Works. SYGW‘s mission is to provide education and temporary employment to homeless and at-risk youth, ages 14 to 21. (Seattle homeless includes approximately 800 kids.) Their program is based on the production and direct marketing of produce from two gardens one in the University District and the other in The South Park neighborhood.

The kids are taught how to plant, weed, water and harvest produce. When the crops are ready they sell the produce at local farmers markets. This provides a positive connection between the youth and the community. The kids also get a sense of accomplishment by seeing the direct results of their labor.

This is a story by Anna, one of the youth crew members being served:

Hi! I’ve been working for Seattle Youth Garden Works for a year (off and on). At first, I just didn’t get the knack of working. I was always late, absent or didn’t call in. Eventually I quit. It was during the next four and a half months that I was unemployed and homeless again that I realized something. Here I had been saying for a long time that I wanted a place of my own. But I hadn’t been willing to work for it. So, in November I hooked back up with SYGW as a volunteer. Soon with steady attendance I was re-hired again. After that, it was pretty smooth sailing. Margaret and I started talking about my future. I told her that I liked gardening, but I wanted to learn other skills also, like doing office work or organizing. After some time, she offered me an internship.

The promotion to “Youth Business Manager” has made me a lot happier. Now I not only work in the garden, but I’m learning the kind of office skills that will help me get the job I want. It’s amazing how a little hard work got me not only a steady job, but a room I can call my own.

Lifestyle Landscapes, Inc. is the title sponsor for the SYGW Gala this fall. It is on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the South Lake Union Naval Reserve Building. This is an important source of revenue for them. Check out the website http://www.sygw.org. Please consider giving this organization your support.

Drive by 5407 37th Avenue SW in West Seattle and you will find a garden designed for whimsy and fantasy.  Created over twenty years ago by Milton Walker, a Boeing mechanic, its towers, walls, and paths are Seattle‘s version of the Watts Towers (in the Watts neighbor in California).  This unique garden is constructed using rocks Milton transported from Eastern Washington in the trunk of his car, and embellished with gem stones and minerals.  The result is a colorful delight.

Unfortunately, Milton and his wife have died.  Their family continues to maintain the garden and has opened it for public tours.  Visitors are welcome to tour the garden on specific Sunday’s and holidays.  From the first of June through Labor Day the garden is open Sunday’s (except for the first Sunday of each month) from noon until 5PM.  The gardens are also open on Mother’s Day from noon until 5PM.  The Walker family will allow people who would like to visit the garden outside of these scheduled times by appointment.  For appointment requests call the Walker Rock Garden by calling 206.935.3036.

Irrigation: Water stress inhibits the manufacture of key plant growth regulators that control dormancy.  This may increase the chance of winter injury.  Irrigate dry soil beneath trees to a depth of 12 inches during the fall months.  Without rainfall, plants require the addition of approximately 750 gallons of water per 1000 square feet of soil surface beneath the crown during each week of the growing season.

Mulching: Mulching trees with organic materials, such as wood or bark chips, provides many plant health benefits.  Mulch conserves soil moisture, insulates soil to reduce winter injury and improves the physical condition of soil.  Apply mulch to a depth of 2-4 inches around plantings.  Avoid contact with stem.

Soils and Nutrient Management: Plants should be fertilized in fall or spring following the drought when soils are recharged by rainfall.  Avoid fertilization during droughts because it provides little benefit when water is the limiting growth factor.  Additions of commercially available mycorrhizal fungi to soil will benefit drought stricken plants, especially mature trees.  Mycorrhizae inoculants stimulate root development and improve the absorption efficiency of those roots.

Pruning: Clean to remove dead, damaged and dying branches and to reduce pest problems.  This reduces the demands for water and nutrients.  Thinning must be done judiciously because excessive pruning can weaken the plant.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Moisture stressed plants are more susceptible to insect borers, bark beetles and root, stem and foliage diseases.  Cool season mites are a particular concern on hemlock.  Trained technicians periodically inspect plants and apply treatment for pests and health.