Re: Toyota Garden Notes

[Magali Regis]

It was nice to meet all of you who attended the meeting at the Toyota Garden
yesterday. Sorry I had to leave early.
Thanks to NYRP for a lovely job with the garden. It's a treat to have this
new little park on our block. Yes, it would be great to have a walk-through
to learn more about the concept for the garden (maybe with the landscape
designer), why those specific plants were chosen, install small name plaques
on the ground for the most unusual plants(Gail, I'm happy to send you the
wording we have at the Creative Little Garden on 6thSt - could be something
similar): a friendly sign inviting the general public to come in. Passer-bys
are still perplexed. This morning when I left for work I was glad to see the
garden opened (Thanks Ayo for volunteering). I observed as I was unlocking
my bicycle right in front of the garden, a few people looking in but not
venturing in...i told them to feel free to go in as it was for the people of
the neighborhood to enjoy.
Yes, I also agree that we need a tool shed (furnished with basic garden
tools) and most importantly, access to WATER (and a couple of hoses that
screw one into the other - as a single hose would be too heavy to handle).
Plants are living being and it makes me sad to see so many of them starting
to look so wilted and 'sad'. It would be a pity if they were to die after
all that energy went into planting them. An herb garden would be nice
although I don't think we have space for that at the moment (or do we?). It
would also be great to meet the NYRP staff scheduled to work in the garden
to discuss how we (neighborhood folks) can collaborate with them regarding
the maintenance and upkeep, and establish a watering schedule. It rained a
lot last week but this week we've had no rain and the plants are still too
young to go without water. Is it very bureaucratic to get the hydrant permit
and key?
Looking forward to meeting more of you in the garden.
best,
Magali / i live next door at 601.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gail Arnold [mailto:gar...@nyrp.org]
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 3:38 PM
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lore...@earthlink.net; EJames...@aol.com; ginab...@mac.com;
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Cc: Angela Michie
Subject: Toyota Garden Notes

Toyota Garden- May 29- 6:30 PM
-Introductions
-Overview of NYRP
-Ideas for gardeners and community members to get involved-to use
the space actively, as a village green- rather than a closed garden space-
NYRP should function as a resource- let us know what support you need from
us- (movie equipment, gardening workshops, planting assistance, educational
support)
-Angela and I will look into hydrant permits
-Members expressed interest in having local students and children
get involved in planting and garden education
-Members expressed that the garden space lacked tables, chairs and
open space for community gatherings
-We discussed open hours- planned for 8 AM- 7 PM
-Angela will get a bin for tools to be stored in the garden
-Angela will look into compost bins for the garden
-You all can send e-mails via the Google Group (I will mail an
invite out shortly)
-Members expressed concern about plants dying-if this occurs let
Angela know so we can replace them-if you have recommendations of particular
plants also let us know.
-The garden game set will be keep in the garden-feel free to check
out that resource (prepared by our Education staff)
-Members talked about wanting a garden walk through to learn the
plants in garden, etc.
-Gail will contact Chris D about the garden gate (the bar is
difficult to maneuver)
-Gail will check with Chris D about the rat burrows noticed
Next meeting: Thursday, June 26, 2008 6:30 PM in the garden
Your interest in the garden is fantastic! Thank you all for coming
and please be in touch with Angela or I if you have concerns, questions or
recommendations (ami...@nyrp.org <mailto:ami...@nyrp.org> or
gar...@nyrp.org <mailto:gar...@nyrp.org> or 212 333 2552).
We really would like this space to be yours, please let us know your
particular planting interests, workshop preferences or need for event
support. The landscaped design of the space (made for the opening event) may
feel less flexible than it is- please let us know if you would like space to
plant, etc.
I've attached those forms here in case you misplaced yours. There is
also a Toyota Garden Member Contact List which you can keep in the shed, in
case you want to coordinate meetings. If you number isn't listed send me
your telephone number and name so I can add you.
Thank you,
Gail A.
Gail Arnold
Community Outreach Assistant- AmeriCorps
New York Restoration Project
254 West 31st Street, 10th Floor
New York, New York 10001
gar...@nyrp.org
646 881 8300 cell
212 333 2552 main
212 333 3886 fax
For more information about NYRP, visit www.nyrp.org