COMMUNITY GARDENING

"It's a farm in the middle of the block". Five Loaves and Two Fish Community Farm is celebrating ten years of producing organic vegetables and fruit with the West Philadelphia community. We started with a few hundred dollars and a few talented people who made something beautiful 'outta nothing'. Each season brings its rewards as well as its challenges, and I'm sure this season will have its share of both.

Watching fruit grow is fascinating. Anything edible that grows from a flower is considered a fruit. Waiting for the flowers to grow takes weeks, but when they finally appear, you know it won't be long before the fruit starts to grow! Tomatoes the size of peas and watermelon the size of acorns, mature 'right before your eyes'.

I love when passersby give us the 'thumbs up', because it's encouragement to all the gardeners, volunteers and students that work tirelessly to ensure a good growing season. The weather from mid July to mid August can be scorching, but my students come out faithfully and plant, weed, and water. Kudos to all of them , because they are vital to a successful harvest.

What I look forward to most is digging and handling the soil. Its texture and cooling touch make it therapeutic. Soil is living, and has the ability to transfer energy to other living things. It can change your mood.

So, next time you feel 'overwhelmed', find some soil and start digging, planting, or weeding and watch the results!