Eden Autism Services Florida’s urban-farming project, the “Garden at Eden,” will host an open house and hayride, free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to see and learn more about fruit trees, edible perennials, the vegetable nursery and mixed vegetable crops. Instruction on planting and irrigation methods, food safety and fertilizing will also be available. And of course, who can resist a holiday hayride!
Representatives from Naples restaurant, the Jolly Cricket, which accepted its first delivery of organic and locally grown produce from the garden this week, will also be on hand.
WHO
Armando Galella, Director of Eden Autism Services Florida
Captain John Puig, President of Collier County Fruit Growers Association
Jane Wood, Jolly Cricket owner
Peter Clark, Jolly Cricket Executive Chef
WHEN
Dec. 5, 2009 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE
The Garden at Eden
2101 County Barn Road, Naples, Fla., 34112
WHY
Eden Autism Services Florida’s “Garden at Eden” was created as an urban farming project to provide older teen and adult Eden students with vocational skills. Participants learn to plant, tend, cultivate and market produce from the garden to area restaurants and businesses.
In addition to supporting a good cause, food purchased from the Garden at Eden is both organic and locally grown. This may appeal to residents observing an organic or locavore diet, which prefers food grown organically within a close proximity to their homes. The locavore trend, which emerged in the United States a few years ago fueled by eco-conscious consumers, promotes locally grown produce as better-tasting and more environmentally sensitive.
This open house and hayride is an opportunity for local residents to learn more about the garden, its growing methods and how they can volunteer.
PHOTO/ INTERVIEW OPPORTUNTIES
Attendees enjoying the hayride
Garden volunteers tending to their crops
Garden volunteers presenting growing methods
Jolly Cricket team members, recipients of the Garden at Eden’s first produce delivery
For more information on Eden Autism Services Florida, contact Taire Malloy at 239-992-4680, extension 207 or Eden.florida@
