First Sullivan Renaissance Project Work Day in Rock Hill A Lot of Fun...and WORK!

Local Kids Help With Litter Pluck

And so it begins...this winter and early spring, plans have been made, applications sent in, and finally just two weeks ago, grants were given...in preparation of that day, work had already begun on Rock Hill's 2012 Sullivan Renaissance Category C project.  This past Saturday, April 28th was the first OFFICIAL volunteer work day on the chosen site for the Farmers Market, as well as clean up and preparation work at some of the other sites in town as maintenance on previous years projects was started, and old flower beds were prepared for much needed face lifts.

Help From Master Gardener Program

There was help aplenty on hand for this first day as our fearless leaders (that would be Melinda) handed out assignments, and sent people off to various locations in town for a wide array of work assignments ranging from trimming the crab apple trees, to plucking garbage along roadways, and in our new project area.  Others were sent off to Pizza The Rock too work with one of Sullivan Renaissance's trainees in the Master Garden Project as the bed in front of this business in town was prepared for a new fresh look for 2012.

Gary...Heavy Equipment Operator

The work day last four hours from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon.  Though not an official count, it look like there were at least 15 volunteers who made an appearance, contributed to all the things which were accomplished.   A special THANK YOU to all the wonderful people who showed up, got dirty and volunteered...it was a hard half days work, but a fun one.  We will be announcing another work day in the very near future.  If you or your group would like to volunteer, please contact Melinda at (845) 807-2034 or Gary at (845) 866-3783.

Notice Boo Boo

We had one wounded warrior on Saturday when a stubborn branch poked our fearless leader (that would be Melinda) in the forehead leaving her with a quite noticeable boo boo...it did not keep her from smiling, and taking everyone's teasing in stride.  We are thinking we should start a "Wounded Gardener Program". giving out certificates to everyone getting scratched, cut or poked during this year's project.

Estimated Volunteer Hours for day: 60

A very special thanks to Dutch's here in Rock Hill who gave all of our volunteer workers a lunch discount after the day of community service was completed.  Several hard workers enjoyed a much needed break and some great food when the work was done.  They have a FABULOUS Open Mic night every Thursday evening, so stop in and say hello...great food, great drinks, and some wonderful people...what more can you ask for?

Seminar on January 4: ‘ELEMENTS OF DESIGN’ Developing a ‘Renaissance Collection’ of Plants

Having attended seminars hosted by Sullivan Renaissance in the past, this is always a worthwhile event where you will learn a lot of the very important basics of garden/landscape design...hope to see you there. Sullivan Renaissance will also have applications available for their Master Gardener Program that evening.

[FERNDALE] – Starting a garden is a fun and exciting activity! Learn how to incorporate the plants you love into the space you have at Sullivan Renaissance’s seminar entitled “Elements of Design” on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the CVI Center in Ferndale.

Presented by gardening expert Mary Lewis, this seminar will help individuals and groups begin garden projects by exploring the elements of garden design. Topics will include site assessment, design and color theory, plant choice and arrangement, Sullivan Renaissance garden design requirements, and much more.

The concept of a “2012 Sullivan Renaissance Collection” will be introduced by horticulturist Peter Patel of the Orange County Arboretum in Montgomery. The collection includes a group of annuals and perennials that can form the basis for new gardens and additions to existing beds. The plants will be displayed at the Annual Renaissance Conference and Expo on March 10.

Mary Lewis is a consultant for Sullivan Renaissance, after serving as a Renaissance judge for nine years. She is founder of Barncroft, a garden design firm; chair of Zone III 2008 Annual Meeting of the Garden Clubs of America; and past president of Orange and Dutchess Garden Club. A Cornell University graduate, she studies botanical art at New York Botanical Garden.

Peter Patel was a flower judge for Sullivan Renaissance this year. He is a Certified Arborist – International Society of Arboriculture, Cert. Nursery/Landscape Professional, and member of the Tri-County Nursery Association; he owns ArborHeights Designs, LLC.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by January 3.

Applications will also be available for the 15-week Master Gardener Program that begins on February 7. Completed applications must be returned no later than January 6, 2012 to: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY 12754.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation. For more information or to register, call 845-295-2445 or visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org.