Every LEAF Day is a Happy Day
From Elaine, President of LEAF
July was such a productive month. The team worked really hard the past couple of months on multiple infrastructure projects and they finished FIVE of them in July. WOW! Before I write about the projects, I want to acknowledge the Unsung Gardening Heroes of LEAF who put in an unbelievable amount of time and energy to keep the garden moving forward, building and rebuilding for what it is today and will be for tomorrow. Tom, Eva, Syndee, Jerry, Alan, Mike, and Michele, I am so lucky to be able to work alongside you. THANK YOU!
Urban Garden Gazebo will be our respite from hot sunny days.
Urban Garden Gazebo was built from a kit which had an unbelievable number of parts but somehow homes were found for all of them! The gazebo will be the center point of the cultivation area and will be used for having picnics, community engagement and educational programs.
Pretzel and Quad, our lath houses, were both in very sad shape after being moved from Stone Garden and then whipped around by the winter winds; however, with several hammers and lots of screws, they were coerced back into rectangles. Edible plants will be grown inside year round so we can donate veggies during the cooler months also.
"Pretzel" lath house with growing tables and enclosed cages
"Quad" lath house with growing tables and a composting area
Green Tool Shed was an important project. Previously, the gardening tools and supplies were mixed in with the infrastructure supplies. The trip hazard was high because we could not see the floor due to all the mess. Â Trying to get a shovel was literally the most dangerous task in the garden! Great work by Phil who built hangers for the tools and shelves for the supplies.
Yes, there is a floor in the tool shed!
The Irrigation Project was very important because it provided water to the Urban Garden. Phase 1 of the Irrigation Project is now complete with 15 spigots providing water to the lath houses, hedge row and cultivation area of the Urban Garden. Implementation of this irrigation system was made possible by the generosity of Thomas Family Foundation and great work by Anne, Dan and Carter of Chrysalis Garden. THANK YOU ; )
Water pouring out of our new irrigation system
The next phase of the irrigation system project will be to irrigate the Urban Garden planters. That phase will begin after the Urban Garden cultivation area is designed, the planters are built and filled with soil.
School Supply Donations Needed
for local Students this school year
BACS is our third Food Bank
LEAF is partnering with BACS by donating produce and highlighting items they need such as: Tents and sleeping bags, mobile power bank and portable chargers, new or used clothing and shoes, especially size 15 shoes, food, fresh perfect and imperfect fruit, and pet food. Please drop off these items at BACS Wednesday thru Sunday from 2:00 to 4:30 pm at 40963 Grimmer Blvd. Ask for Jin or Fili.
July 28th Winter Fruit Tree Pruning with Phil and very interactive students
Alan propagates almost all the edible plants and flowers grown in the LEAF Bee Sanctuary either from seed or by cuttings. He will show you his techniques including how to propagate a pineapple. Held at LEAF Stone Garden.
Sunday, Aug 25, 10 to Noon:Â Winter Veggies Gardening with Guy
Guy has a depth of experience in growing veggies all year round and has lots of insights of what works and what doesn't. In this presentation he will focus on winter vegetables and cover crops. Held at LEAF Stone Garden.
Syndee will give a short demo about honey harvesting. Then, each participant will process the honey from a honeycomb and take home one jar of the honey they processed. All tools and equipment are provided. Held at LEAF Stone Garden.
Registration is required. Details are available at Workshops.
All weekend workshops are held at LEAF Stone Garden located behind the Mission Valley Vet Clinic at 55 Mowry Ave near Mission Blvd, Fremont.
An online platform for you to engage with others from your home on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8 pm. Join Master Gardeners and a Horticulturist for an online gathering. We'd love to have you regardless of your gardening experience.
Next online gatherings are Wednesdays Aug 7th and Sept 4th
To register, visit fremontleaf.org/talkindirt.
at Fremont Main Library
Our new series at the Fremont Main Library is called Talkin' Dirt LIVE.
Saturday, August 3rd: Composting, Composting with Alan
What's all the hype about composting? Why is it important to compost your garden? Learn about compost basics.
Saturday, September 7th: Importance of Cover Crops with Guy
What's all the hype about cover crops? What is a cover crop? When should I plant cover crops? Learn about cover crop basics.
Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room A, the first conference room on the right after you enter the library, at 2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont.
We have fresh wildflower raw honey and composting worms for sale. Honey and worm sales fund their dormitories and medical care.
Summer Special:Â $20 for a pint jar, $10 for 1/2Â pint, $8 for 1/4 pint
Composting Worms are $20 for a small plastic container.
Purchase at our LEAF Shop.
At LEAF, we work year-round to feed our community by planting, nurturing, and harvesting fresh produce that we donate to our local food banks such as Tri-City Volunteers, Centro De Servicios and BACS.
YTD Produce Donations: 2937Â lbs.
Our 2024 Goal is 4500 lbs. We are 65% of the way there!
Thanks for your donations of 1351 lbs of fruit this year!
We accept donations of fresh, perfect and imperfect fruit!Â
Every Monday and Thursday from 9 am to 11 am, you can bring donations of fruit from your trees to LEAF Stone Garden.
Our new gleaning partner is BACS. Donations of fresh perfect and imperfect fruit can be taken to BACS directly Wednesday through Sunday from 2:00 to 4:30 pm.
Located at 40963 Grimmer Blvd near Irvington Ave, Fremont
More info at fremontleaf.org/glean
Have questions? We've got answers at info@fremontleaf.org
LEAF volunteers are needed on the 2nd Saturday of every month from
9 am to Noon to help us tackle projects that benefit from a group effort.
These volunteer hours count towards the high school community service hours requirement. Be a part of a community helping a community.
We also have projects that will qualify for Scout Eagle and Gold Projects.
 Our next volunteer days are: Saturday Aug 10th and Sept 14th
More info at fremontleaf.org/volunteer
Please hit the donate button if you feel aligned with our mission so we can continue to develop spaces to educate our community, build healthy soil, and provide food for those most in need.
Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated.
We also accept checks. Payable to LEAF at PO Box 2816, Fremont CA 94536.
©2023 Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF)
Comments