On Saturday April 27th from 10am – 2pm, Daily Acts joined forces with the Windsor community and students from Sonoma State for a workday at Foothills of Windsor Demonstration Garden, located within the Foothills Home Owners Association. The day began with an opening circle to get a sense of what brought the volunteers to the site; individuals discussed their interests, and what they wanted to learn more about by the end of the day. After hearing a brief history of the site and it’s initial lawn transformation, volunteers helped to weed, repair irrigation, infill plant and spread a new layer of pathway mulch.
HOA residents and Windsor City staff were also in attendance for this workday, which made for a great conservation on the needs and desires of the site. For example, volunteers worked to lay new paths to encourage garden engagement, and placed the entrances where community members believe there to be the most foot traffic. Infill planted occurred in areas where there was existing irrigation, and other species did not survive; most of the infill selection includes Rosemary and Penstemmon, as well as one Pomegranate. Few plants needed to be moved as they were growing in the paths, so volunteers who worked to remove them were encouraged to take them home. City partner, Paul Piazza, helped to show volunteers how to re-plant and propagate their new plants.
To end the workday volunteers gathered to discuss what they learned, what they liked or didn’t like, and how they could apply their new skills in their own community. Much of the discussion revolved around the topic of water conservation, and the many ways that is can be achieved and supported at a site. Sonoma State students found much excitement and shared ideas for what could be applied at their campus garden, and swirled around the idea for a larger project for the entire campus to get behind.
