Monday 18 May 2015

Garden Update - 18 May 2015

Dear NAGA members,

The annual plots have been tilled, and data was taken with respect the tilling depth on the east and west side of the garden. Last autumn the east side annuals were not tilled as part of an experiment.

The water cannot be turned on until the gardens were tilled. The small delay we have had since tilling is that our NAGA plumber has been out of country until today. I expect the water will be on in a few days, if there are not major repairs required. If there are repairs required of the plumbing it is likely the result of the extensive Hydro construction that used a lot of the NAGA space for their efforts over the winter time, and/or the tilling.

Mike Chebbo, the Chairperson, has met several times with Hydro with regards to correcting many issues left behind by Hydro over the winter. Little by little things are getting fixed and put back.

New signs were made (from NAGA funds) and erected a few weeks ago. These are signs that remind gardeners to take home any and all garbage they generate at the garden, for disposal in their home garbage pickup. Too many people abused the old system and forced the hand of the Board.  Also, NO DUMPING signs were erected, this is a reminder to members and the public. Note that the City of Ottawa By-Law is quite harsh, with a fine of up to $25,000 for illegal dumping. If you dump at NAGA, you are dumping illegally on a City Park, and if caught we will prosecute. Don't make yourself 'the example.'

Incredibly, already, some members have left garbage by the former garbage location. They left it right under the signs, even leaning up a piece of wood against one of the new signs. This is the height of ignorance and a lack of respect for NAGA and it's gardeners. If you see a member leaving garbage at NAGA, report it to the Board, and be sure of which plot the gardener tends to so that we can take corrective action.

Craig
Dir. at Large