Garden Buzz

News and Updates

Compost Now Available
Fresh compost is now available for all Leisure World gardeners. This is the perfect time to enrich your soil and prepare your plots for the upcoming Harvest Festival. Be sure to take advantage of this resource while supplies last. it’s a great way to boost your fall planting success.

Rodent Activity Update
Bait traps have recently been installed throughout the garden area to help address rodent activity. We appreciate your patience as these measures take effect. Please remember to report any ongoing issues to the Recreation Office so we can continue to monitor and improve conditions for everyone.

LW Harvest Festival - Spooktacular Garden Plot Contest

Leisure World's Community Garden Harvest Festival is happening October 24th, and we're excited to announce our first-ever Spooktacular Garden Plot Contest! Members of the Community Garden are invited to transform their plots into a spooky, creepy, or downright haunting Halloween masterpiece! Decorate your plot with your most creative Halloween-themed decorations and show off your spooky spirit. Whether you create a haunted garden, a pumpkin paradise, a creepy graveyard, or something completely unique we want to see it! All plots MUST be decorated by October 21st to be included in the contest. Judging will take place during the Harvest Festival on October 24th, and the winner will be presented a very spooky prize! So grab your pumpkins, ghosts, cobwebs, and creativity and get ready to Spookify your plot!

New Tags in the Community Garden

The previously used wooden markers will no longer be used for plot identification. We are replacing them with new, waterproof tags that are bright, durable, and much easier to see. The large lettering and vibrant colors on the tags will make each plot number more visible and easier to identify throughout the garden.

Tip Of The Month

As summer winds down, give your garden a fresh start! Remove finished plants, refresh your soil with compost, and get ready to plant cool-season favorites like lettuce, spinach, carrots, and peas. A little preparation now can lead to a beautiful and productive fall garden!

Fall Safety Tips

Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful changes to the garden, making it a great time to be outside. However, shorter days, changing weather, and wet or slippery surfaces can create new safety concerns.

With a little extra preparation, you can enjoy your time in the garden while staying safe and comfortable.

Check the weather forecast before you go out. Fall weather can change quickly, so be prepared for rain, wind, or cooler temperatures.
Dress in layers. Wear clothing that you can easily add or remove as temperatures change.
Wear proper shoes. Choose comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction, especially after rain.
Watch for wet or slippery surfaces. Fallen leaves, wet grass, and muddy paths can increase the risk of slipping.
Keep pathways clear. Remove fallen leaves, branches, tools, and other items that could become tripping hazards.
Be aware of shorter daylight hours. Try to garden during daylight and avoid working outside when it is getting dark.
Stay hydrated. Cooler weather can make you less aware of thirst, but your body still needs plenty of water.
Protect yourself from the sun. Even on cool or cloudy days, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes.
Take breaks. Gardening can still be physically demanding in cooler weather. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Use caution with ladders and reaching. Wet or uneven ground can make climbing or reaching more dangerous.
Keep gardening tools stored safely. Put tools away when you are finished to prevent trips and injuries.
Know when to head inside. If strong winds, heavy rain, or other unsafe conditions develop, take a break and return when conditions improve.

Why Morning is the Best Time to Water

Watering your garden in the early morning is one of the best habits you can adopt. During these cooler hours, water has time to soak into the soil before the sun causes it to evaporate, giving your plants a full day of hydration. Morning watering also keeps the foliage dry, which helps prevent the growth of mildew and fungal diseases. Watering in the evening may seem convenient, but lingering moisture on leaves overnight can promote mold and root rot. So set your alarm a bit earlier—your plants will thank you!

Going Out of Town?

Planned or unplanned emergency that is keeping you from taking care of your garden?

Think about asking a LW friend or neighbor to be your Garden Angel?

As described in the Community Gardens rules, a Garden Angel can tend to your garden for you.

From our rules and regulations, section 2.11.

Lessee is responsible for the planning, planting, and management of their own garden, including providing seeds, plants, soil amendments, perimeter ‘bunny’ fencing, and any tools. In case of a temporary absence, Lessee shall notify the RD in writing and a “garden angel” can be assigned to care for your garden with the approval of the RD. Only ARs (Authorized Residents) may be appointed as a “garden angel.”

Beware of Stinging Nettles!

If you touch one you’ll understand how it got its name.

To prevent the spread of stinging needles into common areas or others garden plots, please keep your garden area clear.

Thank you!

Please leave a comment or suggestion!

Comment:

I think it should be ok for people to have seats/chairs set up in vacant plots. It gives people places to sit after they’ve been working in their garden, or just provides a place to sit and relax in the garden, since this is part of the enjoyment of gardening; hanging out with the plants. It may not look attractive to some people, but it does serve a function.

Answer:

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! We love ideas that help make the gardens a more welcoming and relaxing space. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that vacant plots can become active at any time — and we want to avoid any confusion if someone rents a plot that has a chair or bench set up. We are working on developing seating areas that everyone can enjoy without worrying about plot availability.

We really appreciate all suggestions and look forward to finding solutions that help the whole garden community thrive!

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy strolling through the plots, we welcome your feedback!

Drop us a comment or ask a question below — your voice helps our garden grow!