Linton Studdiford at left with local restaurant owner, Richard, of Richard’s German Restaurant

Our February speakers, Linton Studdiford and Nancy Curtis, attracted one of our larger crowds to the Curtis Library to learn about building raised bed gardens.  Nancy, who has gardened from a wheel chair for more than 30 years, talked about the special challenges faced by gardeners with disabilities.  Her interesting talk and relaxed attitude about continuing to garden no matter what challenges she continues to face, was truly inspiring to those in attendance!  Nancy told attendees how she’s able to go into her garden on a scooter, then lower herself onto the ground where she crawls on the ground to tend to her very large vegetable garden!

Linton, who has gardened for many years and is well into his 80’s, showed photos of the many raised beds he’s built at his home.  He also showed a photo of the material he uses to build the gardens, made of Douglas fir and PVC pipe for supporting floating row cover (also known as remay).  By using the covers, he’s able to start seeds early in the spring and then keep plants longer in the garden for a late fall harvest.

Nancy Curtis talks with Marcy Maguire’s husband Peter.

Also in attendance for the meeting was Carmen Weatherbie, our Stroudwater District Director and a member of the Longfellow Garden Club.

Material needed for a raised bed garden

Carmen Weatherbie, Stroudwater District Director, joins Elisa for a photo.