As we like to say, “Let’s Get Growing Together.” 
I am happy to announce that our initial spring gardening eight-week course starts 10 a.m. to noon, Sat., April 6 until May 25 at B Organic Farm. The classes cover everything from planting seeds, transplanting them, soil prep, spacing for crops, tending, picking food and much more.
Because of the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we are offering up to 20 scholarships (in exchange for volunteer service). To apply for a scholarship or secure your spot, go to Prescottfoodforest.com.
If you have garden experience and want to volunteer, we are launching our G.O.D. Squad volunteer corps that will go to people’s homes and help them with their garden. Many residents have grape vines, garden beds and want to grow, but may not be able to do so themselves. This is our way of helping those who love to garden be able to continue to do so.
Garden Education Director Stephane Leon is excited for this coming garden season. “Last year, we taught and trained adults and kids throughout the year. We gave away almost 10,000 pounds of the food we grew to the Yavapai Food Bank, Solid Rock Food Pantry and many others that needed healthy and locally grown fruits and vegetables. We also share the bounty with students and volunteers. That’s a real win-win!”
To help support our mission, the Make 100 Healthy Foundation is hosting the First Annual “Rock the Garden Open” charity golf event on Tues., April 30, with a 9 a.m. start at the private Club at Prescott Lakes. This a great opportunity to play this beautiful course and support a worthy cause. For tickets, sponsorships or donations please visit prescottfoodforest.com.
The theme, “Rock the Garden Open,” is a musical one, featuring live music playing throughout the course. Legendary local musicians including Don Cheek, Drew Hall, Rick Jordan and others will provide perform during the event. The awards lunch is included and follows the 9 a.m. shotgun start. The event is a four-person scramble, best ball format. There will be prizes for the lowest score and fun competitions, including a “Swing for Seeds” target golf challenge, sponsored by Olsen’s for Healthy Pets, a “Putting for Plants” competition, sponsored by Watters Garden Center, and of course, the hole in one games, sponsored by Lamb Chevrolet.
Tickets are on sale for foursomes. Individuals are welcome and we will pair you with other golfers to form a foursome. We will have music, games and giveaways and a keg of beer at hole 7, sponsored by Solstice Ridge 11, the new Prescott Lakes community and Prescott Luxury Realty and Investments. We are grateful for all the support, including from Quad Cities Business News.
All net proceeds benefit the Prescott Food Forest, Gardeners Of Destiny gardening education program, scholarships for aspiring gardeners and support the purchase of supplies and maintenance of our program at B Organic Farm.
This year, we are working with local schools to learn about growing food. We expect the 8th grade class from Trinity Christian School to come and help tend to the garden as well as other schools that are interested in being part of our growing and giving garden.
Each year, we reward a worthy person with the “Arline’s Angel Award,” named after my late mom, who was a gardener and a visionary. We will present this year’s winner at the awards lunch at the event.
We teach all aspects of growing food, including the full ecosystem from planting seeds, nurturing growth, picking and harvesting, eating, cooking and preserving the fruits (and veggies) of our labor.
Please feel free to email me directly at john.teammurphy@gmail.com, call 928-899-1341 or visit PrescottFoodForest.com for information on classes, golf tickets and sponsorships and our volunteer program. I am grateful for your involvement and support.
As we like to say, “Let’s Get Growing Together.” QCBN
By John Murphy
John Murphy is the founder of the Make 100 Healthy Foundation and creator of the Prescott Food Forest and Gardeners Of Destiny training programs. John is also the former chair of the Prescott Commission for Well Being and is a local real estate agent.
Courtesy Photo: The G.O.D. Squad volunteer corps will go to people’s homes and help them with their garden.
Leave a Reply