Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Lasagna and the Library

I was reading through a local paper the other day, and noticed that one of the headlines was about a lasagna garden workshop being hosted by the local library. I nearly fell off my chair in excitement.

About a month or so ago, in poking around, I found some information about lasagna gardening, and thought it sounded very interesting. I didn't do anything to pursue it, as other things ate up my time, but the idea of a no-till garden is certainly appealing to a novice gardener like myself.

While lasagna gardening sounds like a great idea, and a wonderful way to garden, growing fresh produce for oneself and one's family, it isn't really the point of this post.

I was reading through the article, and the first time mentioned was on a weekday, during work hours. I was upset, but not for long! The next sentence told me about a second workshop being offered at a later day and time. A time I have a shot at making!

Ooo... you get to go listen to people talk about a gardening method... riveting... Well, if I take a container that is at least 12 inches deep, I get to make my own mini-lasagna herb garden. They're provided everything but said container. Holey swiss cheese! Information, and hands on practice, plus a working, take-home example? That's awesome.

And there was more, although, I confess, I skimmed the rest of the article. I did see that this was just the first in a whole summer series of gardening and land-oriented workshops being offered at the library.

I spoke briefly about the wealth of resources housed by libraries here. I may have neglected to mention that most libraries also have a video and DVD collection that you can borrow.

I know that I didn't talk at all about library programming, and libraries do some awesome programs! From looking around a bit at local libraries, most of the programs are free, or if there is a cost, it is generally a "bring your own XX to use for making YYY" with a lot of materials provided by the library. There is area and interest specific programming, and age-specific programming. These go beyond a Children's Reading Hour (which I do think is a great idea), and include things like calendar-themed crafts or lasagna-themed gardens.

So, when you're thinking of what to do with all of your free time (ha!), don't forget about the library.

Have you participated in your local libraries programs?

2 comments:

loreleimarsh said...

Libraries are great resources, especially in hard economic times. Way to spotlight an often forgotten resource!

cam.robbins said...

I found my writing group through the library!

Last year, our group was meeting the same time that a production of Lincoln's life was taking place in the next room. We were warned to brace for a gun shot at 7:18.

Besides the assassination, we've also been next door to Irish bands and dog training classes...