The Clark Gardens Blog

A few years back I had my first experience with planting a fall vegetable garden.  To my surprise and delight I enjoyed it more than I had my spring garden.  Here I was in my mid 50's and for the first time EVER eating fresh lettuce and spinach from my garden.  I am here to tell you there is nothing better than a fresh salad, dressed with a really good olive oil and freshly ground salt and pepper.  It was delicious.

So even though the temperature is 102 degrees today, the calendar says fall is on it's way, which translates--it's time to plant our fall vegetable garden.

Janice Ellis, a gardener extraordinaire, will be teaching our Clark Gardens fall vegetable gardening class next Tuesday evening, August 30th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Janice has been a lifelong gardener and educator and has a wealth of information. Class will start in the air conditioned Chapel and end in the garden where participants will get hands on experience.

The class focuses on raised beds that range from 3 feet by 3 feet (very manageable for someone who lives alone or a couple of empty nesters and will provide ample fresh greens) to a larger 4 feet by 8 feet raised bed which provides enough produce for a family.  Janice will instruct and demonstrate how to prepare your soil using composite, vermiculite and core.  Once the class has the beds prepared we will plant various types of lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale and greens.  This is a definite hands on experience.

Hmmm...seeds have arrived...arugula astro, lettuce red salad bowl; lettuce buttercrunch, collard champion and, lastly, brussel sprouts royal marvel...now how's that sound.  Is it October yet?

For reservations call Beverly at 940.682.4856 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Fees are $30.00 per participant/$25.00 per Clark Garden member.