Historical February–March 2006 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Skinker DeBaliviere’s two community gardens are resting under the chill of winter now, but their gardeners are making plans for the next season. Fall bulbs have been planted, canna bulbs are lying dormant in the basement, crazy tangled vines have dried and thinned so they can be cleared away. Next season, the weeds and vines will compete to see which can be more of a challenge for gardeners to remove.
This was another great year for both gardens, and the short winter rest is well deserved. Earlier in the year, both the Block Unit 1035 Community Garden and the McPherson Community Garden participated in a colorful Breakfast Garden Tour, on June 4, 2005. Gateway Greening, one of the main sponsors of these and over 150 other St. Louis community gardens, featured the block unit 1035 Garden and the McPherson Garden on their Urban Garden Tour on June 24, 2005. Three other gardens were on the tour, which concluded with a luncheon and awards ceremony at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Former Skinker-DeBaliviere resident Brian Christopher, now “Father Brian,” said the prayer to begin the awards luncheon. Dr. Peter Raven, Director of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, welcomed and congratulated the garden leaders.
This year, in the category of Outstanding Raised Bed Awards, David Burnes, of the Block Unit 1035 Garden, was a winner for the second time. New neighbors Melissa Enrique and Isabella Von Rohr of the McPherson Garden also won for Outstanding Raised Bed.
In the Established Garden Awards, both gardens received honorable mention.
A new category recognized gardens that show leadership and involvement beyond their boundaries.
The McPherson Garden was honored to be one of five nominees for this special award.
Another banner day for the McPherson Garden took place on June 27th when a national tour stopped by for a visit.
The Garden Centers of America held its Annual Convention in St. Louis for the first time. Members from all over the country gathered here to visit many award-winning garden locations. Congraulations to all the gardeners in the Skinker-DeBaliviere Neighborhood. Your dedication is a blessing to the neighborhood.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2006.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2006_02.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
