History

Founding of the Apollo Beach Garden Club and Community Forest Garden

Mr. Raleigh Barnes’ hard work and devotion led to the founding of the Apollo Beach Garden Club and later the Community Forest Garden. His efforts combined with the full cooperation of the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department, support of the local community and the initial volunteers, made the organization a reality. Our Club has evolved into a dynamic group supporting individual, team and community horticulture knowledge and interest. The organization’s goal is continuous learning, and to protect and improve our environment through better organic gardening techniques.

Chronological Milestones

  • September 2024 Paula O. was sworn in as President, N/A Secretary, Ev B. as Treasurer, Annie J. as Coordinator, Raleigh B. as Director of Committee Chairs.
  • October 2022 Paula O. was sworn in as President, Joanne A. as Secretary, Ev B. as Treasurer, Tammy K. as Coordinator, Sam G. as Website/Beekeeper, Jeanette D. as Facebook & Programs & Raleigh B. as Membership
  • August 2020 Site plan updated reflecting current design and some proposed future additions.
  • May 2020 Started renting garden beds. Due to COVID, Hillsborough County Parks limited access to the garden to one person at a time.
  • January through March 2020 The raised garden beds were built and the common Community Garden Space mulched.
  • Late 2019 Annie Jiménez is sworn in as Secretary. She renovated the website and newsletter and created a Facebook page for the Club.
  • May 2019 Mr. Raleigh Barnes in collaboration with Hillsborough County Parks Department and volunteers finalized the Community Forest Garden’s design. The fence for the Community Forest Garden was installed.
  • Late 2018 Garden is in the early planning stages.
  • 2017 Paula Olesen was sworn in as President, Stephanie K. as Secretary, Maureen Brady as Treasurer, Mark Defazio as Director and Judy Siemonsma as Director. First newsletter published by Stephanie K.
  • Fall 2016 Apollo Beach Garden Club acquired 501(c)3 nonprofit status

History of the Garden in Pictures

abgc-history-_compressedDownload

Gardening Guide for the Community Forest Garden

Contents of this Section:

  1. Composting Instructions and Information
  2. Prepare a Raised Garden Bed for Planting
  3. Organic Gardening
  4. Approved Pest Control
  5. Volunteer tasks

Composting Instructions and Information

Important instructions for using our Three-Bay Composting System

compost-bin-instructions_05_22-1Download
Happy Composting
Recycling-Organic-Materials-to-Improve-Your-FloridaFriendly-Edible-Landscape1-2Download
Compost-Tips-for-the-Home-Gardener1-1Download

Prepare a Raised Garden Bed for Planting

Organic Gardening

organic-gardening-guide-floridaDownload

Approved Pest Control

Look For This Seal On Your Pest control Products
Pest Control approved products in the community garden. https://www.omri.org/
http://www.kmantpro.com/
If you have Questions about these products you are welcome to send a message located on the contact page.
Calendar of events Upcoming Events – UF/IFAS Extension (ufl.edu)
Workshops to gain knowledge. Florida friendly land scaping, irrigation, to composting and gardening you can find that information at the address listed below. : http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.ed/hillsborough

Tropical Fruit Spread Grown in Florida
Muscadine grape

Garden Task for Volunteers and Members

Volunteer Work Day Tasks

  • Weeding gardens and between bed’s
  • Clean and organize shed
  • Organize pot’s behind shed
  • Mulching between beds and throughout garden
  • Weed eating/whacking perimeter of garden and forest
  • Water all plants along fence and forest

Please consult with the Community Forest Garden Coordinator before pruning or planting.