 Jim DeCamp has been gardening his whole life and drew inspiration from watching his grandparents’ garden. Pam began 32 years ago in 1980,feeling compelled to be self-sustaining and in harmony with the land. Starting up was a trial and error process,learning along the way,especially since they do not use pesticides or fertilizers. It takes time to learn what works and what does not for your plot of land. Each year the DeCamp Gardens experiments with new techniques such as companion gardening. Additionally every year they try out new and unique varieties,such as purple green beans,white cucumbers,purple potatoes,or black tomatoes.
Satisfaction,accomplishment,self-fulfillment are just a few of the phrases the DeCamps use to describe the benefits of gardening,along with exercise of both body and mind. The three-acres of gardens truly are their own personal gym membership. After hand weeding the entire garden who has time to work out,especially after spending much of the winter months planning! Starting all the plants from seed in plugs,not everything goes as planned. Frequently the DeCamps discover what plants got mixed up in the planting process or mismarked. Having hot peppers in the row where the egg plants are supposed to be is surprising. So,DeCamps’ advice to anyone wanting to start a garden? Don’t be afraid to fail,that is how you learn,learn by doing and most of all,be patient. Jim and Pam DeCamp garden in Noble County. They can be reached at p_decamp@hotmail.com or decampgardens@gmail.com Their story has been submitted by Julia Gorrell,Region 2 Coordinator for Si2016 as an Agricultural green innovation.
Co-authors:Gene Marshall,Ben Ball,Marsha Buck,Ken Kreutziger,and Alan Richard.
Reviewed by William Zehring This book is more a full scale how-to manual rather than a bare bones quick start outline. It sets forth a rather detailed explication of the wheelbarrow to hell route we,as a society,are traveling. The solutions thoughtfully offered make sense and lend some hope that if we get our act together,we can embark on a path that may lead to a greater enjoyment of life for a much greater proportion of the populace of this special place in the cosmos. The authors propose a more horizontal or lateral form of living together as opposed to the vertical and hierarchical framework so long in place;a framework that has used domination as its main construction material. In an attempt to more graphically illustrate some of the processes in play,some of the analogies are a trifle forced,but so much is put forth,as to detail and policy,that such minor picking points are not troublesome. And,the authors suggest many other specific readings to provide a deeper understanding of the various issues and perspectives. This book will antagonize those reasonably satisfied with the course we’re on,but for those who feel a real need for a significant re-routing,this work will show the way to a higher goal. This is a good book for an extended review in a discussion group. Copyright 2011 by Gene W. Marshall,iUniverse Publishers,iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:iUniverse,1663 Liberty Drive,Bloomington,IN 47403,www.iuniverse.com,1-800-288-4677.
| Latest News/Announcements:- Ivy Tech Northeast’s new Community Garden
Ivy Tech Northeast successfully launched its new Community Garden with a “First Planting” Ceremony last Wednesday,April 25th. Even though it rained,spirits were high among the school’s “Green Team” and administrative officials. Allen County Department of Safety and Environmental Affairs,Anthony Burrus,and State Senator,Dennis Kruse,were on hand to support the project. Julia Gorrell,Regional Coordinator of …[ continue reading ]
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