Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center

I love to garden, although I am unable to get anything to grow in my Carlsbad garden. I just talked to my gardener and asked him to roto till the small space I want to use for vegetables, then I will add humus and soil ammendments and water the hell out of it for a week or two, then try to plant some summer vegetables. I'm a little late getting started, but Ron, who has learned a great deal about gardening over the past 18 months, will take over the gardening duties when he gets home.

In the meantime I have discovered another great garden in the San Diego area. It is Olivewood Gardens, located in National city. There are so many farm to table restaurants in our area now, and so many people that want to think locally when it comes to food. Here's a little history on Olivewood Gardens.

In July, 2006, Christy Walton donated her former home and garden in National City to the International Community Foundation with the goal of growing and promoting healthy communities. After finally securing the zoning approval, the ICF relocated its offices to the property, then began restoring the 1925 Craftsman Home which is now its headquarters. The center was renamed to include Learning Center, and its mission statement now includes connecting and motivating students and families from diverse backgrounds through organic gardening, nutrition education and environmental stewardship.

In keeping with this mission, Olivewood Gardens offers classes and tours that are free to the public. For example, this summer they will offer, on four Saturdays, Gardening 101, How to Grow Your Own Food. Much of their is education is geared for children and families, but people of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Olivewood Gardens also partners with Whole Foods for many interesting activities. Recently the Hillcrest Whole Foods offered "A Trip to the Growers." For $28, participants met at WF Hillcrest, visited Suzies Farm, Sungrown Organics, and Olivewood Gardens. The day included lunch and snacks. What a deal.

If organic gardening interests you, or if you are interested in seeing where much of our local fruit and produce is grown, go to the Olivewood Garden website and check out some of their programs. (www.olivewoodgardens.org) With locally grown food all the rage, this is a great place to see a farm in action.