THE LITTLE PLANT THAT COULD

The miracle in plot #38 

One morning Anne Alvarez discovered to her dismay that one of her US hybrid Kewala tomato plants had been knocked over and was lying on its side, roots exposed, little fruits drooping pitifully in the mud.  The poor plant had already been suffering from spotted wilt virus.  Its fruits had grown distorted and its leaves were dying.  But Anne didn't give it another thought.  She dug a hole, plopped the little plant in it, and watered it.  Against all odds, it didn't die.  On the contrary.  Even with all its leaves gone, it went on to produce 8 tomatoes that grew almost bigger than the plant itself!  

How are you like this little Kewala tomato plant?

YEAR OF THE RABBIT

 
And indeed, a white rabbit appeared in the garden shortly after our first meeting of the year, causing much consternation.  I would have taken a picture of it, had I had my camera with me (the picture above is something I doctored up).  Still, what to do when it shows up again?

It's not been the first time.  I'm told that someone once went to the Humane Society and rented a couple of traps.  Unfortunately, the traps disappeared (with rabbit or without?) and the poor fellow had to pay the Humane Society for the loss of the traps.

We've had rain and more rain, interspersed with glorious sunshine...

The first meeting of the year would be dedicated to electing a new board -- not a glamorous task for the Nominating Committee, even under the best of circumstances.  Had it rained, there would have been no problem.  But the day was bright and cheery, and so we met under a cloud, not of rain, but of confusion and discord.  The issue was the meeting place:  In the garden, as usual, or in the pavilion a block away.

Gardeners are passionate people and it was no surprise that passions ran high.

My take on it?  No one is to blame and all of us are responsible for our own actions.
Besides, there are worse things going on in the world.
As Tom Robbins says in his book, "Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates"...

Peoples of zee world, relax!
 

 

 Eventually, we did accomplish electing a new board.

• Bill Hanrahan - President
• Marilyn Mick - Vice President
• Lisa Miller - Secretary
• Janet Loo - Treasurer
• Elsha Bohnert (that's me) - Plot Applications Officer (Not to be confused with Plot Monitoring Committee!!!)

Mahalo to Robert Tellander, Marilyn Mick, Janet Loo, Nancy Miller, Shelley Garcia, Debbie Millikan, and Steve Denner for all they've done to help the garden flourish.  And thank you to Marilyn Mick and Janet Loo for willing to continue serving on the Board.  (Please correct me if I left anyone out)

I will feature interviews of the new board members soon.  Actually, Lisa Miller was featured earlier (just scroll down), but I will add another post on her if she is willing.  She is too interesting a person to do just once.

And finally, a word to Dorothy "DJ" Carvalho, even though she has no internet connection:  "If I had known you were interested in the job of Plot Applications Officer, I would not even have volunteered.  I did so because the Nominating Committee was desperate and I thought I might as well."

Happy Year of the Iron Bunny!