In August of last year, I was invited to participate as a vendor in the First Annual Garden and Farm tour Hosted by The White Mountain Community Garden. As I watch my own backyard garden grow with all the rain we have been having, I realized how much I enjoyed meeting the many people from our community garden who made the event a success in its first year. Since then, I have improved my own crops with the knowledge I gained from meeting some of the folks on the tour.

One of the great features of this event is the Garden and Farm Tour (in advance, tickets can be purchased at the Show Low Chamber of Commerce, Pinetop-Lakeside Town Hall, or Garden members). Tickets are $15 each or 2/$25 Kids are free! You will be given a map of all the open gardens and farms on the tour. This self-paced tour was a hit last year as it showcased many private gardens that you would not ordinarily see. It’s amazing to experience what others have done with both small and large spaces. Some gardens are completely for aesthetic purposes while others focus on crops. 

The event will be held for one day only, Friday, August 26. Tours will run from 9 AM- to 5 PM. Maps and garden/farm locations will be provided when you check in at the community garden. Tickets can be purchased there for $20 each so don’t fret if you didn’t get your tickets in advance. 

When you finish your tour, you can have lunch compliments of Charlie’s Smoke Wagon, then shop the many vendors. Last year we had many gardening presentations, free soil testing, and seed packets available for a fall crop. Entrance to the Community Garden is free. 

Don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets for their fantastic raffle. Baskets containing items from local businesses are filled to the brim with gardening goodies, art supplies, gift certificates, you name it. As a winner of one of these artisanal baskets, I must admit I will be putting in more tickets than last year. The raffle will be the pinnacle of the day, as we all look at our tickets, hoping we win. 

At the close of last year’s event, I committed to doing it again, this time with the thought that I would tell my readers about the event, and hopefully get some new people out to see what a treasure our community garden is. 

This area was founded by settlers who had to make the best of our short growing season and had many great ideas when it comes to getting the most out of your garden. With the price of food rising at alarming rates, now more than ever growing your own makes perfect sense. In fact, one of the objectives that the community garden promotes is “tapping local wisdom and learning from one another.” Along with the idea that promoting healthy food consciousness and recognizing the need for being self-reliant. All of these concepts need to be embraced as shortages loom. 

All of the work performed at the garden is volunteer, and as a volunteer your payment is food. A win-win! To become an active member is just $40 dollars a year. This gives you the option to have a reserved garden space, the option to serve on one of the many committees needed for their yearly events, and participate in the (HEALP Program) Healthy Eating and Living Participation: Designed for individuals who want to learn more about gardening and provide labor to the community garden. HEALP members share in the work to prepare, plant, water, weed and harvest at the garden. For each hour worked (and logged in) on assigned projects, HEALP members are entitled to receive a share in the produce harvested. 

HEALP members are required to work, and log in, at least two supervised hours per week as a part of their participation requirements.

If you don’t have time to spare, consider being a supporting member, the suggested minimum amount is $100, your funds greatly help this invaluable 501-c-3.

For more information and advanced tickets you can stop by the Chamber of Commerce here in Show Low, or City hall in Pinetop-Lakeside or go online @ https://wmcgarden.org/events/

Come visit me as I will be there with plenty of Outdoor SW magazines and will be doing painting demonstrations throughout the day!

All Pictures courtesy of The White Mountain Community Garden