Sustainable garden in bloom at GSU

The Governors State University sustainable garden, located next to the Family Development Center, is a harvest of fruits and vegetables in more ways than one for young and old alike.
Professor Cynthia Carr, an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, used a raised bed and garden plot as a teaching tool this summer. Students in the course Special Topics in Occupational Therapy: Ethics (OCCT-6000) experienced gardening from the vantage point of a client who has mobility restrictions, using adaptive tools. The group project included selection of crops, tilling the soil, weeding, maintaining, and watering the sections.
Carr regarded this as a learning experience for all, including herself. The class was vigilant in checking the plot and had an extensive schedule to insure success. The class decided to gift the GSU food pantry with herbs to enhance the dinners of those on restricted budgets, as well as a selection of popular vegetables. Although the class has ended, Carr credits Interim Department Chair of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Catherine Brady, for spearheading the project by reserving the plots in advance and planning to harvest the crops with her own fall class.
Carr cited how beneficial occupational therapy can be to a patient who had gardened previously and wants to do activities they used to do before an illness. The class planted vegetables, and were gifted with marigolds to keep garden pests at bay.
The land, while not certified organic, is ideal for serious gardeners. Clay soil was a hot topic, as tales were told of realizing how soil needs to be amended with bags of top soil and compost. "I have new appreciation for the pioneers," reflected Lenae Tietjens, Adjunct Professor of Communication Disorders.
Without a doubt the GSU premier garden plot launched the gardeners off to a good start with the eight foot chain link fence and sturdy rabbit guard around the perimeter and unlimited water from the two hoses in the enclosure. As all gardeners know, keeping rabbits and other wildlife out of the garden can be quite a dilemna. The challenge is how to do it organically yet efficiently.
Nancy Kuhajda from the University of Illinois Extension Office gave a comprehensive class in early spring to lay the groundwork for prospective participants. Gardeners were instructed in the rules of organic methods, the necessity of adhering to the policies of no artificial pesticide, and maintaining a weed free garden to facilitate a fair chance for everyone's seeds to flourish.
Professor Sandy Gandy, an Associate Professor of Education at GSU, said she had a home garden, but was drawn to the plot
experience because it was a good place to plant crops that take up a lot of space and attract deer and rabbits. Marlene Lees, a condo dweller, also saw the benefits of a spare plot, and said she was happy to be involved with the garden project.
Kevin Barto, Assistant Director for Grounds Management and Custodial Services became involved as a Garden Coordinator for the garden because of a desire to help people make healthier lifestyle choices.
This group truly had a pioneer spirit, armed with tillers, hoes, rakes, spades, gloves, hats, and sense of excitement knowing there would be great results. Beans, tomatoes, and peppers reach for the sunshine in this ideal location.
Experienced gardeners start planning early, sometimes mid January as the seed catalogues arrive. Novice or potential gardeners can attend local garden club meetings for next to nothing, asking questions before making impulse buys at nurseries, thus saving money.
The summer ended with good vibes. Gardeners who tended plots over the summer are able to reserve the same plots for the following season. Those who are interested in renting a garden plot can find out more information on GSU's website at www.govst.edu/garden.