H.O.E.—Hands-on Organic Education

Last week, the Local Food Project crew led a fun team building workshop from our new menu of garden activities for groups staying at Airlie. In addition to tours, the LFP now offers interactive gardening projects we fondly call “H.O.E”—Hands-on Organic Education. Guests not only learn about the project and its role at Airlie and in the community, they also have the chance to experience the garden up close, try out our favorite handtools, and collaborate with their co-workers.

Our first H.O.E. activity was a great success with the two teams—who named themselves “The Double Diggers” (after our Parking Space plot) and “The Earthworms”—quickly getting into the rhythm of using broadforks to loosen the soil. They worked together to weed, spread compost, and rake the beds smooth, then planted Mei Qing pac choi in 12-inch triangles. For the finishing touch, they protected their neatly planted beds with fabric row cover draped over wire hoops. The new gardeners were rewarded with the knowledge that the crops they planted would eventually take their place on the Airlie Center buffet, feeding future guests like themselves. And after an afternoon of hard work, they relaxed in the garden with locally-sourced treats. We’re looking forward to our next opportunity to break out the H.O.E.!