Bales of Longleaf Pine straw (the best mulch available) and colorful locally grown potted chrysanthemums will put you in the mood to make a statement in your garden. Join us on Saturday, October 13 at the Parkway Partners Greenhouse, 9 a.m. to noon. Charles Reith PhD will speak at 11 a.m. on the value and diversity of mulch for your garden. Dr. Reith is a noted authority on permaculture and organic growing in the urban environment.

Our neighborhood tree planting initiative involves Neighborhood Associations from all areas of the city, with each block captain averaging 17 trees for their neighborhood. The trees will be ordered soon and should arrive at our location sometime in November. Applicants will be notified when it's time to collect the trees so we can get busy and get green.

Parkway Partners is expanding its school programs. The plant-based curriculum will be enhanced with the introduction of fruit and shade trees as well as vegetable gardens. By partnering with the Audubon Institute we will implement new sites at Lafayette Academy, Hynes, and The International School of Louisiana. Our continuing gardens include Lusher, Mcdonogh 15, and Benjamin Franklin.

Although the Schoolyard Garden Program is limited, Fruit Trees for Schools are available to all Orleans Parish Schools. If interested contact Jo Ann Albrecht at jalbrecht@parkwaypartnersnola.org

Parkway Partners Community Garden Program has committed to supporting urban agriculture by creating a micro-farm in one or more sites. We will provide horticultural and material support to the grower at each site. If you are an experienced grower who is interested in growing and marketing fresh produce in the city please call Macon Fry for more information. Two micro-farms (one in Bywater and one in Algiers) are in development. Macon Fry can be reached at 610- 0376.