HART excited about fences

The first meeting of the year for the Hanna Agriculture Resource Team (HART) was at 5 p.m. on March 22 at the Home Town Market.

"It was a very productive meeting and we are excited not only for spring but for getting all moved into the new garden," Vice President Ellen Freeman said.

According to Freeman, HART is excited the fence around the garden beds at the Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School is slated to be going up soon.

"We are so excited to see this major step moving forward," Freeman said. "We will move ahead in getting the beds properly positioned and filled. Work days will be called and we would love to have all the help we can get."

The community garden HART moved to the HEM location last year when their past location became the headquarters for construction companies doing infrastructure work on the town's roads.

The HART group has decided to move it meeting site from the Hanna Town Market to  

Rosie's Posies. The owner Rose Dobbs has volunteered her shop as a meeting place.

"We will meet there on the fourth Tuesday of the month and can stay as long as we need to to finish our meeting," Freeman said. "Children are welcome to come with parents."

The group is looking at candidates for its annual scholarship to a student that has shown an aptitude for gardening. The group offers a $150 scholarship to one HEM graduate.

"This year we have a donor that is willing to match donations up to $150 to increase our ability to help our recipient move on into life after high school," Freeman said. "Even five dollars would go a long way to help with scholarship.

HART has selected May 21st for their first barbecue of the season. The group tries to have one each month if the weather permits.

"We had a lot of good friendships happen last year and are excited for the new season," Freeman said.

Freeman said HART is looking at ways to keep the new garden safe and clutter free. The HART group is considering to keep small hand tool in a bucket of sand, but keep no big tools at the garden. HART's gardens will have no glass or palettes at the new sight. The group is looking at designs for cold frames.

HART is partnering with Roses Posies to a host a farmers market this summer. People, not only HART members, are welcome to bring down garden produce, hand made crafts and baked goods. Dobbs also plans to have garden plants and flowers ready for purchase for either home or community garden space. 

HART kept the rental for a grow space (bed) is at $25. HART members agreed if a person

is having troubles keeping up with watering due to health, vacation, work schedule; other gardeners can help each other out.

"We would like to invite any one who is interested in our garden or the group to come to the meetings," Freeman said. "They are not mandatory if a person decides to join HART. As much as we want to see and visit with every one, we also understand life is busy and meetings hard to get to. We want gardening to be relaxing and fun."

HART advised its time to start those plants which have a long growing season. Peppers, tomatoes, corn, Brussels sprouts usually take over 90 days to mature.

HART said some public libraries are sponsoring a seed library. It was suggested to contact the local branch manager to see which libraries are participating.

At the end of the meeting elections were held and Perry Goodrich was chosen as president, Freeman as vice-president, David Freeman as treasurer, Dobbs as PR, Perri Goodrich Junior as PR. The group is still needs a secretary. 

The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. on April 25 at Rosie's Posies in the Hanna Shopping Center.