Last Exchange of 2010

Thanks to Alicia of the Jordan Ave Community for hosting last week's exchange.
It was a small and fun gathering with a lot of variety if not quantity : Tomatoes, brocolli, greens, seranos, dahlia tubers, pumpkin, avocado, basil, lettuce, kale, rosemary, rose potpourri, camelias, peppers, eggplant and some yummy peppermint rice krispy treats !

We will be taking a break from Exchanges for a few months.

Hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season
and
See you in the Spring !

Rescheduled Produce Exchange

We're on for Sunday..... Rescheduled Produce Exchange .... 

Hope to see you there!
Pam's house - 2404 Mohican Lane 641-0052

 

 

No Exchange Nov 21st Due to Rain Prediction

The Produce Exchange will be called due to rain. NO Exchange tomorrow...plan on next Sunday (11/28) if you're in town, same place, same time. 

Pam's house - 2404 Mohican Lane 641-0052

 Happy Thanksgiving one and all !

Harvests are changing to tree fruit and nuts

A big "Thank You" to Suzan for volunteering her home for our last exchange. She had her Vegan Cookbook, decorated wooden spoons and tasty apple cider for us to enjoy. And look at the photo of the Chrysalis (future butterfly) we saw attached to her wall.      
The 23rd Exchange had the following:  hydrengeas, macadamia nuts, lettuce, kale, figs, persimmons, beans, tomatoes, avocados, grapefruit, diced pumpkin, rosehips, greens and green drink (recipe to follow), pineapple guava, pink lady and granny smith apples, pumpkins, dog treats, eggplant, mint, roses, camelias, and chard. 

Granny Smith & Pink Lady

And I almost forgot the freshly squeezed orange juice alternately being given away and sold by my son, aka  "Cowboy Slim". 

What a great community of gardeners and gatherers !  Thank you one and all for your participation.

Anyone interested in hosting an exchange in 2011 ? Please let me
know and we'll get you on the calendar.

Chrysalis hanging on the wall - 

Look at that Gold Line and 3 Golden dots . Will the Butterfly have that also?

Produce Exchange Sunday 9/26 at Beverly's House

A big "Thank You" to Lori for volunteering her home for our last wonderful exchange. WOW, what a bounty of  beautiful fruits and veggies, plants and bread (Thank you to Antonio of Nopalito Nursery  for sending your cousin, the amazing Culinary Student from San Francisco)! http://www.nopalitonursery.com/

The 19th Exchange saw more than 36 people sharing the following:
Mint, oregano, avocados, juice oranges, chard, kale, carrots, tomatoes, apples, greens, eggplant, squash, lemons, mandarins, beets, plants, meyer lemons, figs (my personal favorite), chiles, rosemary, sage, parsely, basil, tomatillos, garlic plant, cantalope , watermelon, nectarines, lavender, chives, carrots, lavender bundles, orange peppers, San Marzano tomatoes, tarragon, marjoram, the ever-popular Dog Treats, zucchini, grapefruit, bell peppers, society garlic plants, succulent starts and artisan bread.

Thank you one and all - whether you were volunteering, on the giving or receiving end or both !
What a great community of gardeners and gatherers ! 

Upcoming Events:
Sept 25 - Baron Bros. Giant Parking Lot Sale 7:30 - 5pm
Everything on Sale .....Up to 80% OFF!
7568 Santa Rosa Rd. Camarillo, CA 805-484-0085

Sat Sept 25 - Lawnless Landscaping Class given by Nopalitos Nursery 9:30 –11 Free

Sat Oct 9 - Design Like a Pro:Tips and Techniques for Beautiful, Functional, Sustainable Gardens
given by Nopalito's Nursery 9:30-12:30 $35

Sun Oct 10 - Guerrilla Succulent Garden Planting with Kirsten of our very own Ventura Produce Cooperative
8am - 9 am  Thompson & Catalina
www.350.org/guerrilla-succulent-garden


Oct 16 - Fall Composting Workshop 10am - Noon at Green Thumb
Green Thumb Nursery
1899 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura
For further information call (805) 652-4584
805/652-4525 • www.cityofventura.net

Produce Exchange -Sunday Sept 12 – Lori’s house - 10065 Darling Road

A Big "Thank You" to Tina for volunteering their Robeks Fruit Smoothies location as the setting for our last exchange. The complementary samples of wheat grass and fruit smoothies were yummy too!

There were over 35 people that contributed the following: Dog treats, tomatoes, more tomatoes, lemons, oranges, cherry tomatoes, Holly Hobby seeds, tangerines, herbs, orange zest, basil, parsley, cactus, hot peppers, avocados, figs, cucumbers, purple onions, yellow squash, zucchini, kale, eggplant, lettuce, black grapes, peaches, carrots, chives, Anaheim chiles, lemons, bananas, grapefruit, mint, flowers, plant cuttings, blackberry plant, and succulents.

Thank you one and all - whether you were on the giving or receiving end or both ! What a great community of gardeners and gatherers !

We got some press in the new magazine Natural Awakenings available around town in doctors offices, yoga studios and at the YMCA. http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1p1o0/NaturalAwakeningsVen/resources/index.htm

You’re invited to the Sustainable Landscape Workshop on Saturday, September 11^th at the University of California Cooperative Extension offices in Ventura .  This workshop is free but registration is required. If you wish to attend, email Leah Haynes, ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu , the Master Gardener Program Coordinator.

Green Thumb and the City of Ventura are partnering for the Fall Composting Workshop on Oct 16, 2010, 10 am - Noon at  Green Thumb Nursery, 1899 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura
For further information call (805) 652-4584  

805/652-4525 • www.cityofventura.net

And last, but not least ........... Does anyone have any extra Mailing labels or Adhesive Name tags ?

Hope to see some of your smiling faces this Sunday at noon. Don't forget to bring your own bag or basket.

Last exchange and Next

I couldn't be happier that the last exchange hosted by Everett & Dinisia went so well without me. I feel like my baby is starting to walk, no make that run, on it's own. Thank you again Everett & Dinisia for volunteering your home as the setting for the exchange.

There were over 25 people that contributed the following: oranges, lemons, giant sunflowers, japanese cucumber, concord grapes, green grapes, hot peppers, tomatoes, yellow and red tomatoes, serrano peppers, lettuce, basil, avocados, zucchini, cilantro, cbaca squash, chives, rhubarb, texas tarragon, mint, red onions, sage, parsley, chard, apricots, coffee grounds (for soil amendment) and trellis wire.

Thank you one and all - whether you were on the giving or receiving end or both ! What a great community of gardeners and lovers of local fresh produce.

Our next exchange is this Sunday August 22 – noon at Robeks Fruit Smoothies at 4726 Telephone Road at noon - Thanks Tina (805) 676-1330 for hosting !

Biggest Exchange Yet !

It warms my heart to see such a great gathering of people, fresh local produce and four legged creatures (aka dogs) all in my front yard. Thanks for sharing your bounty, stories, seedlings and knowledge.

Here's a list of what was shared on Sunday: Lemons, oranges, seed bulbs, seedlings, avocados, nectarines, black jade, zucchini, carrots, swiss chard, eposote, oregano, thai basil, dahlias, lavender, cucumbers, tomatoes, serrano chili, kale, bok choy, lettuce, strawberry plants, grapefruit, peaches, pathos plants, carry sacks, rhubarb, beet, jalapeno plants, limes, tool organizer and doggie treats.

Please take note of the date change on next exchange :
August 8th at Everett & Dinisia's House at 10471 Graham Court

Bring a friend, neighbor & your kids to the Produce Exchange
                        tomorrow Sunday 7/25

It's a FREE community event from 12-1 at
Maureen's House - 9572 El Cajon Street

We exchange all the extra Fruits, Veggies, Herbs and Flowers grown in our yards. Some people even bring homemade Doggie Treats!

Bring a small glass jar and learn how to make Preserved Lemons. I'll be demonstrating a simple method to make them and sharing some delicious recipes.

And don't forget a bag - to bring home your goodies !

Hope to see you tomorrow,
Maureen

Our 15th Produce Exchange at Jim & Marion's House

Our 15th Produce Exchange introduced midtown Ventura to the idea of sharing local fruit, veggies, herbs and flowers. Thank you Jim and Marion for hosting the gathering and sharing your love of gardening. They have raised beds in the front lawn as well as backyard. Marion served up green smoothies made from garden goodies and sliced watermelon. My son enjoyed eating the super ripe blackberries right off the vine and argued with me (as only a 6 year old can) that potatoes grow in the ground. Did I say otherwise ?

July 11th - Ventura Produce Exchange

I haven't even had a chance to thank all that attended our last exchange and now it's time for another.  Last exchange was set in a beautiful example of a square foot garden. Thanks Kate for hosting over 20
participants and tempting us with your yummylicious spiced brownies.
La Petit Reve(http://www.petiterevechocolates.com/

We had a great variety of edibles : lemons, avocados, Japanese cucumber, sunflowers, kale, chard, bok choy, rosemary, green onions, a bushel of french lavender, turbo-sized zucchini, squash, cilantro, tarragon, geranium, lobelia starts, tangelos, daisies, fern, beets, lettuce, onions, rhubarb, artichokes, apricot preserves, peaches, oranges, Murcott tangerines, marjoram, rosemary, sage, oregano, basil, chervil, tarragon and chives, zucchini bread and orange-mint agua fresca.  

Our next exchange is Sunday July 11th at noon at
    Jim and Marion's House,

    340 N. Dos Caminos Ave, Ventura, 93003

one block below Foothill Rd, near intersection with McKinley Ave

Please join us and bring your fruit, veggies, flowers, herbs, plants or other goodies to share. Rumor has it that there may be Green smoothie samples from the garden.

For more information,  call Jim 805-207-4234 or Marion 805-794-4605 or Maureen 805-340-8756

Thanks to Jim and Marion for hosting. 
Please bring your own bag or basket. Hope to see you there!

Ventura Produce Exchange Meets this Sunday 6/27 at 12 noon

Another Sunday is quickly approaching and the Ventura Produce Exchange will be meeting to share the fruits, veggies, flowers and extras from your gardens.

Come join the fun and meet some great gardeners and lovers of fresh local produce.

Another new location: ( Near the YMCA )

This Sunday - June 27th - at 79 Palomares
at  12 noon !

Thanks Kate for hosting !

Important info on this tiny insect... Asian citrus psyllid

Residents of Ventura County are asked to be on the lookout for a tiny insect that could wipe out California ’s citrus industry — and with it, every lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit and mandarin tree in every urban and suburban yard.

This tiny insect, known as the Asian citrus psyllid, carries a deadly bacterial disease that is harmless to humans but inevitably fatal to all varieties of citrus. There is no treatment or cure. The disease has already destroyed millions of trees in citrus-producing regions around the world, including Florida .

The pest has been found in San Diego , Imperial, Orange and Los Angeles counties, and is expected to reach Ventura County this year. The disease is not far behind — infected trees have been found in western Mexico , and the disease is moving steadily closer to California .

The only way to stop this plague is to quickly find and kill the insect pest whenever it reaches a new area. If you have citrus trees in your yard, inspect them often. The insect feeds on the new leaves and stems of all citrus varieties. Twisted, stunted new growth is a sign your tree may be infested by the psyllid (SIL-lid), which looks like a small, brown grain of rice. You may also notice the tiny nymphs feeding on tender young growth. Look for sticky white secretions, like honeydew, or sooty mold clinging to the leaves.

If you think you have spotted this invasive pest in your trees, report the sighting immediately by calling 1-800-491-1899.

For more information about the pest and the disease it carries, call the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force at 805-535-8641, or visit www.farmbureauvc.com/pest.html.  

Ventura County Master Gardener Program

University of California Cooperative Extension

669 County Square Drive, Suite 100

Ventura, CA 93003

Master Gardener Contact Information:

       Email mgventura@ucdavis.edu  

       Phone: (805) 645-1455

       Fax: (805) 645-1474

       Website: http://groups.ucanr.org/VCMG 

Master Gardener Helpline Hours: 

       Tuesday and Thursday - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m

Abundant Exchange

Thanks to Lucinda and Dave for hosting the exchange !

Just awesome the abundance that was presented at last Sunday's exchange. So many varieties of so many wonderful fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts and plant starts.

Thank you one and all for growing, collecting, harvesting and sharing LOCAL. It does me proud to see our community come together like this.

We had lemons, avocados, rosemary, oregano, thyme, rue, meyer lemons, oranges, artichokes - big and small, chayote plant, garlic, chervil and basil seedlings, cilantro seeds, sweet peas, heirloom tomato plants, beets, onions, rhubarb, ginger flowers, dog treats, cilantro, chard, kale, celery, loquats, lavender, roses, macadamia nuts, lettuce, mint, grapefruit, parsley, sage.

Next exchange - the week after Father's Day - June 27th - at 79 Palomares  at noon- another new venue !

( Near the YMCA ) Thanks Kate for hosting !

Come Exchange Produce Sunday, May 16th

It's been a month already. How does your garden grow ?

Come and bring any extras for exchange 

Sunday May 16 at a new venue

572 S. Evergreen Drive

12 noon

Any fruit, veggies, herbs, plantings, flowers are welcome!

Or just bring yourself and meet some like-minded people.

 

 

Our 12th Exchange - New Venue - Bigger than Ever

A perfect day in Ventura for exchanging local produce. 

A new venue and many new faces. That was last Sunday and it marked our 12th exchange and the biggest turnout ever.

Wow what an exchange ! Many thanks to Laurel for volunteering her front yard for the exchange and introducing the neighborhood to the Ventura Produce Cooperative. Any one else interested in hosting an exchange, just let me know.

Here’s the variety of what was harvested : Artichokes, sweet peas, roses, red and white chard, bay leaves (from the Bay Laurel tree), plant starts, seed packets, oranges, rosemary, lemons, succulents, lettuce, spinach, radishes, Meyer lemons, cucumber, trumpet seeds, thyme, rhubarb, rosemary plant, comfrey, lavender, oregano, bell peppers, Haas avocados, passion fruit, macadamia nuts, catnip, bacon avocados, and Bearss limes.

May's exchange will be at 572 S. Evergreen Drive - May 16th !

The Beet that Ate Ventura .... At Another Great Exchange on Sunday

Thank you all for another great Produce Exchange, our 11th so far, but who's counting?

The harvest this week included various plant starts and succulents, ginger roots, artichokes, avocados, arugula, lemons, oranges, rosemary, lavender, sage, lemon thyme, sweet peas, calla lillies, green onions, swiss chard, limes, meyer lemons and Three-Citrus Marmalade. The marmalade was made from last month's extra fruit and the recipe follows.

Then there was the ginormous beet...... a picture is worth a thousand words. It was divided up and shared.

Next Month's Exchange - April 18th- A Change of Venue - More info to follow

An omission from last month...Oops

A big shout out and Thank You to Betsy & Gunter of Betsy's Tempeh. They explained the process of making tempeh and provided grilled samples of their delicious Tempeh marinated with tamari and brushed with Hot Pepper Sesame Oil . If you're interested in making it yourself  or for a group, please refer to   www.maketempeh.org

TomatoMania is coming to Filmore (April 9-10) and Ojai (April 23-25) ! It's just the place to get your favorite heirloom variety of tomato for your summer garden.  www.Tomatomania.com

More classes - The Mastering Your Home Garden Seasonal Workshop Series event (Summer in the Garden) is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2010
   Leah Haynes, Master Gardener Program Coodinator mgventura@ucdavis.edu
   805 645-1455 http://groups.ucanr.org/VCMG

 
Want to try Composting? There are still some 50% off coupons for Composting Bins at Green Thumb, both the Garden Gourmet and Wriggly Wranch stackable worm bin.

When life gives you lemons and oranges.... make Marmalade

Three-Citrus Marmalade

4 navel oranges

1 lemon

½ pink grapefruit

2 ½ C water

1/8 t baking soda

5 ½ C sugar

1 box (1.75 oz) Sure-Jell fruit pectin

·        Using a vegetable peeler, remove the colored zest from the fruit and discard the white pith. Chop the zest coarsely.

·        Chop the fruit, discarding any seeds and reserving the juice.

·        Place the zests, water, and baking soda into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat;  cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

·        Add fruit and juice; simmer another 10 minutes.

·        Measure the sugar and set aside. Do not reduce the sugar, or marmalade may not set properly.

·        Sir the box of fruit pectin into the fruit mixture. Bring to a full, rolling boil.

·        Stir in the sugar quickly, return to full rolling boil, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.

·        Pour the hot marmalade into clean canning jars. Process according to the canning instructions, 10 minutes or refrigerate and use within 2 month. The marmalade also can be frozen, without canning, for up to 1 year.

 

Exchange Sunday March 21st at 12 noon

 

Many thanks to all that participated in our last exchange. The cache of citrus
was exciting.... lemons, oranges, meyer lemons, tangerines and limes along with fresh rosemary, dried thai basil, eggs, chard, avocados, geraniums, green onions, rosemary bread and black jade plants.

For some heirloom tomatoes, visit Tomato Mania April 9-10 in Filmore at Otto & sons Nursery

www.tomatomania.com 

Thanks to one and all for a great first exchange of 2010

What fun to have a sun-filled day and share the fruits of the garden. Sunday was indeed sunny, a nice change from the much needed rain earlier in the week. The group gathered to exchange lemons, pumpkins from Dave McGrath's patch, lots of herbs - Rosemary, thyme, lemon thyme, sage, columnar oregano, parsley, dill, tangerines, oranges, succulants, new starts of tomatoes and broccoli, spicy radish sprouts, arugula, collard greens, avocados, Doggie treats, and meyer lemons. Welcome to our new participants - both young and older ! 

Next Exchange on the THIRD Sunday of the Month - February 21st !

It's a GO for Sunday Exchange 1/24

With all this thunder and lightening and rain oh my, Ventura is really experiencing some weather.
High surf, strong winds and possible tornados ? Hope this finds you happy and dry.

Our first exchange of 2010 will be this Sunday 1/24 at 12 noon

at 9572 El Cajon Street

Hope to see you there !

Happy New Year ... Next Exhange Jan 24th, 2010 !

Hope all of you have a very Happy New Year full of prosperity, good health and happiness. May your gardens be green and loaded with veggies and fruit !  Our Next Exchange will be Sunday, January 24th at 12 noon .                     Hope to see you there !