September 8th marks six years since we launched our first Overalls Farm. You may have missed it in the beginning because we didn’t post publicly about it for years. Growing up-an-alley in Jacksonville’s Springfield neighborhood- tucked in a residential backyard (mine, as it were)- it was intentionally kept on the down-low, except as far as the neighborhood was concerned. But then, in June 2023, I shared the origin story on the stage of Florida Theater ending with the dream to replicate our neighborhood farm model. Now, with Overalls Farms One and Two thriving, we’re growing Farm Three to fruition, and we need a little help making it happen. When we started, to ensure we were growing in service of our...
(Apologies in advance for the length of this note. It is a resource of who's who info in light of my departure, so save it for another day if you don't have a few moments right now).Update: As of 2015, I've rooted in Jacksonville, FL where I am now growing and connecting with an awesome bunch of people and efforts related to good food. To stay up to date on my work and dreams, check me out on face...
In late March, I reported on the Nemours Clinic Community Garden in Jacksonville. Less than a month later, I presented to Working Well, a "community-wide initiative...dedicated to creating a healthy workforce in Leon County." Though the presentation was lively, and folks were joking and laughing, the real excitement began a few days before the presentation. Glenda Atkinson with FBMC Benefits...
It's been a busy spring already, and we're just running into March. Below you'll find a sampling of work that my team and I have been up to. First off, take a look at the slide show of Tina and Claudia's raised-beds constructed of concrete block, thee blocks high. Their wish was for their beds to last "forever." Though you may not be able to see it, these beds are equipped with micro-irrigation...
The past two days I was working out at the Ferrel's garden on the east side of town with my buddy, Lindsay. With a busy schedule and a sore back, Kathy Ferrel's garden had grown-over. Here's the story through pictures.
"Lotsa" weeds.
Weeds All Gone!
Garden Planted
Closer up, the before/after is more exciting.
Voila!
As you can tell from the images, Kathy's garden was in-ground. My friend, Lindsay and...