Passiflora edulis

We all need a little passion in our lives. Over fifty of these precious gems are preparing to turn purple and drop off into our waiting hands. The edible part of the passion fruit is a delicious and aromatic dark yellow jelly-like sac that holds crunchy black seeds. It can be enjoyed out of the hand or made into juice or sorbet.

Luis and Dominick, growing.

Learning about Worms.

We recently delved into the world of worms. Vermiculture or vermicomposting is a process used to create high quality soil and organic fertilizer. Special "Red Wiggler" worms are fed kitchen scraps, including banana peels and carrot juice pulp graciously donated each week by Michelle and Tsyrhan at the Honey Tree natural foods store. The worms voraciously consume the food waste and transform it into very effective plant food.

The Honey Tree
5138 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 759-1696

Nitzy introduces herself to the worms.

Tamarindus indica

Gerard prepares to 1) eat this tamarind and 2) plant the seeds. Tamarind trees are great shade trees growing up to 100' tall. They are one of the most widely distributed tropical fruit trees, especially loved in Indian and Jamaican culture and cuisine.

Lekeisha and her tamarind seeds. Most of the students said they enjoyed the tart, sticky fruit.

The G(arden) Team, starting a new bed.

Lekeisha waters in the planter she helped build.

Squishing papaya seeds breaks the seed membrane, helping to speed germination time.

Setting papaya seeds for germination.

The Source for Horse.

Brown gold. Recently we have partnered with the City of North Miami's Enchanted Forest park, whose 19-horse stable provides us with endless magnificent manure. These horses have it made in the shade of the ancient oaks that tower over hardwood hammocks that breathe the spirit of the Tequesta Indians who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The place truly is enchanted. Thanks to Park Manager Lola for opening the gate for us when we come a' scoopin'.

Big big garden thanks to Mr. Ryan Holloway for lending his time (and sweet truck) to help us procure our precious poo.

The good stuff, waiting to be put to work.

Bamboo and sisal twine climbing bean tee-pees.

Mustards, arugula, etc. (delicious)

Antoine and Michael spread two truckloads of horse mulch around the banana and papaya mound in preparation for the rainy season. This will continue to improve the surrounding soil while helping to retain water, keep weeds at bay and most importantly supply trees with needed nutrition.