Photo by Shundo David Haye

The gardens are starting to wake up again after summer heat dormancy as we come upon the autumnal equinox. The equinox is really the true “new year” for California gardeners—the start of the cool, moist growing season after our long, dry summer.

Another new beginning is that Heiko Lake (that’s me, author of this post) will be stepping in as a gardener for City Center. I look forward to meeting our regular volunteers and any new volunteers ready to start. We may use some different methods, but we will remain focused on the practice of offering all of our good and heart-full work for all beings.

For our upcoming volunteer days we’ll combine some landscaping work with review and testing of the irrigation system. We will also work on maintenance of the wonderful ecosystem developed by David France and the many previous volunteers who have put so much effort into developing our gardens here at City Center. We will also discuss any future projects/efforts of interest.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply curious, I look forward to meeting and working with you. Come to share your knowledge and skills, tune into the on-growing garden process, and engage in contemplative work practice.

You are invited to come and go on Saturday as fits your schedule. This September we have just one volunteer day: Saturday, September 19, from 11:20 am–2:30 pm. We’ll meet at the Garden Shed in the rear/side Courtyard of 300 Page after the Saturday Dharma talk for bow-in and orientation.

Thank you all for your steady care and presence in the garden. Each act of care and tending supports our community practice and the atmosphere that sustains it.