Help Backyard Growers spread garden magic across Gloucester!

Did you know that gardens are magic?

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I didn’t think there could possibly be enough room in our little backyard. But Backyard Growers came, and before I knew it, there was our garden. I couldn’t believe that I’d end up with food for my family if I just followed their directions. Plant some seeds. Water. Weed. The veggies appeared. And my kids actually ate them! Magic.

We’ve had our ups and downs. One summer Chris was injured and out of work. I was working, mothering, pregnant and tired, and money was tight. Our garden was the constant. Plant some seeds. Water. Weed. Magic.

Last fall, I got sick. Doctor visits, chemo and long hospital stays threw our family into a tailspin. I told my 3-year-old Dash, “Mom will be better when the plants come up.” I kept looking at my garden, praying that would happen.

Then Backyard Growers came.

I never asked for help, they just came. They planted my garden with such care and purpose. They brought bins of new soil. Their rows of seeds were so straight and evenly spaced. And the plants grew. Magic.

If you ever wonder about what a garden does for a person, a family, a community, come visit me on Harold Ave. Ask any of the kids. You grow a garden, magic happens!

You are part of this magic in our community. Thank you. So many in Gloucester struggle to put food on the table, and with your support, Backyard Growers can help.

Will you help us reach our $10,000 goal and build 40 more gardens next year by giving today? Every $250 raised is another garden. Another family’s table full of fresh, healthy food.

Another opportunity for magic.

Love,

Peggy Lyman, Backyard Growers Participant

Click here to make your tax-deductible donation today. Thank you!

 

Children’s Holiday Microgreen & Craft Workshop THIS SATURDAY!

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Is your to-do list miles long this season? Then drop your children off at Backyard Growers for our gardening and craft workshop: “Holiday Greens for little Gardeners” while you shop!

Our team has developed a window gardening workshop tailored to little gardeners! They’ll learn about planting and growing microgreens, and each child will decorate and bring home a microgreen window planter like the one pictured above! The perfect gift for any family member.

Saturday, December 10th, 10am-12pm
Backyard Growers Office
271 Main Street
$15 per child, cash or check at the door.

Space is limited, so reserve now by signing up here!

All proceeds benefit our school and community gardening programs.

Backyard Growers presents: a Children’s Holiday Microgreen Workshop!

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Is your to-do list miles long this season? Then drop your children off at Backyard Growers for our gardening and craft workshop: “Holiday Greens for little Gardeners” while you shop!

Our team has developed a window gardening workshop tailored to little gardeners! They’ll learn about planting and growing microgreens, and each child will decorate and bring home a microgreen window planter! The perfect gift for any family member.

Saturday, December 10th, 10am-12pm
Backyard Growers Office
271 Main Street
$15 per child, cash or check at the door.

Space is limited, so reserve now by signing up here!

All proceeds benefit our school and community gardening programs.

Stop by Backyard Growers’ POP-UP SHOP!

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BACKYARD GROWERS’ ANNUAL HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP IS IN FULL SWING UNTIL DEC 21!

The holidays are almost here, and we’ve filled our office at 271 Main Street with veggie socks, garden books, children’s watering cans and more! Come shop our new and vintage funky clothes, gardening tools, cooking supplies, and books- plus our usual supply of seeds, organic fertilizers, and pest sprays.

We will be open every MondayFriday 9 am- 5 pm

Also, shop late from 5-10 pm on Ladies Night Dec 1, Employee Night Dec 8, and Men’s Night Dec 15!

All proceeds benefit Backyard Growers’ schoolcommunity, and backyard garden programs.

SPACE AVAILABLE: Backyard Growers’ “Painting the Harvest Still Life”

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Artists: Backyard Growers invites you to Painting the Harvest Still Life, an evening of still life painting and tea. Please join us at our office on Main Street, where we will stage a lovely nature-based still life for you to paint. Bring your own easels and supplies. All proceeds benefit our nonprofit urban agriculture programs.
November 30, 2016
6:30 pm
271 Main Street 
$10 at the door
 
Reserve your spot here!

Backyard Growers present: Painting the Harvest Still Life

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Artists: Backyard Growers invites you to Painting the Harvest Still Life, an evening of still life painting and tea. Please join us at our office on Main Street, where we will stage a lovely nature-based still life for you to paint. Bring your own easels and supplies. All proceeds benefit our nonprofit urban agriculture programs.
November 30, 2016
6:30 pm
271 Main Street 
$10 at the door
 
Reserve your spot here!

Backyard Growers Pop-Up Shop now OPEN!

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BACKYARD GROWERS’ ANNUAL HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP IS IN FULL SWING UNTIL DEC 21!

The holidays are almost here, and we’ve filled our office at 269 Main Street with veggie socks, garden books, children’s watering cans and more! Come shop our new and vintage funky clothes, gardening tools, cooking supplies, and books- plus our usual supply of seeds, organic fertilizers, and pest sprays.

We will be open every MondayFriday 9 am- 5 pm

Also, shop late from 5-10 pm on Ladies Night Dec 1, Employee Night Dec 8, and Men’s Night Dec 15!

All proceeds benefit Backyard Growers’ schoolcommunity, and backyard garden programs.

Backyard Growers Holiday Pop-up Shop opening!

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BACKYARD GROWERS’ ANNUAL HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP IS IN FULL SWING NOV 1- DEC 21!

We’ve filled our office at 269 Main Street with veggie socks, garden books, children’s watering cans and more! Come shop our new and vintage funky clothes, gardening tools, cooking supplies, and books- plus our usual supply of seeds, organic fertilizers, and pest sprays.

We will be open every MondayFriday 9 am- 5 pm

Also, shop late from 5-10 pm on Ladies Night Dec 1, Employee Night Dec 8, and Men’s Night Dec 15!

All proceeds benefit Backyard Growers’ schoolcommunity, and backyard garden programs.

Join Backyard Growers for October Cooking Workshops!

Our October cooking workshops are almost here!! The first class is next Tuesday (Oct 11), 6:30-8:30 pm at The Open Door!!
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Be sure to join us and guest cooks as we learn 3 new, seasonal recipes and share some special pro tips!
Everyone is welcome- including kids 5+, so dress up in some clothes you don’t mind cooking in and join us!
Below are the details and how to register. See you there!!
What: October Cooking Workshop 
When: Tuesday, October 11, 18, and 25,  6:30-8:30 pm 
Where: The Open Door (dining room) 
            28 Emerson Ave, 
            Gloucester MA 01930
Who: Everyone ages 5+! 
Cost: Donations encouraged
 

Seafood Throwdown at this week’s Cape Ann Farmers Market with a Backyard Growers cooking workshop!

Join us for an epic 2016 Seafood Throwdown to celebrate Cape Ann Farmers Market’s 10th Anniversary!

Cape Ann Farmers Market, North Atlantic Marine Alliance, Backyard Growers, Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association, and the City of Gloucester are partnering to highlight Cape Ann’s local farming and fishing community.

During the Throwdown from 4-5:30, two local chefs – one team from Passports plus a mystery second team – will compete in a cooking competition inspired by local seafood using the farmers market as their pantry. While they cook, Backyard Growers will lead two short cooking demonstrations designed to help home gardeners find fun ways to use the healthy food they’re growing in their own backyards – and get their kids involved in the process!

After the throwdown, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and founder of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association Angela Sanfilippo will lead their own fun demonstration of how to cook whiting, a local underutilized fish, at home in your own kitchen.

Come by Stage Fort Park this Thursday and pick up some cooking tips with your locally grown vegetables and locally caught fish!

Check out the event on Facebook!
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