Hearts N' Hands:
pulling weeds and munching figs
It wouldn’t seem that something such as weeding a back yard would take on any great metaphysical importance. But. As someone who enjoys getting up to her elbows in soil and compost—and whose recent surgery has temporarily ruled out dancing with earthworms—I’m astonished at what a small group of Ashby Village members were able to accomplish in just a few hours. It was little short of wondrous.
Pat Carvalho organized the volunteer force, Sam Foushee set up a drip irrigation system and assigned tasks, and they, along with Audre Newman, Bob Leavitt and Hilary Bendich, joyfully waded into the weeds. After lunch, over which we shared lived experiences and got to know each other better, all five went back outside and—while I watched from the porch—hauled huge, heavy rocks from one place to another to ensure that I would safely be able to care for my beautiful garden.
I know that my newly weed-free veggie plants and fruit trees and succulents thank you, and I am beyond grateful. Ashby Village staff and volunteers, you rock!
Hugs to all of you, Beverly Slapin
photos from the day
volunteer Sam Foushee (who is a master gardener)
leading the project
member volunteers Audre Newman and Hilary Bendich
delicious figs straight from the tree~
member volunteer Hilary taking a break,
ready for lunch
lunch
Audre Newman, Bob Leavitt, Sam Foushee, Hilary Bendich, Beverly Slapin
finishing the job
more than one way to fill green bins
before and after
the day's crew
gift from Beverly
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!