We've had an informal garden swap at the office for years. Mostly this involves Sally or other co-workers bringing in their excess garden bounty.
I often get first pick, mostly because when I see them coming with boxes of garden goodies, I race over to their desks and pretend like I am just there to say hello.
After we newsroom scavengers have pocketed plenty, the excess is taken to the lunchroom and a "take some" sign is attached.
This is really a great way to get your grub.
But not the only way.
As the self-proclaimed garden goddess of the newsroom, I'm often in the loop for garden-related news.
Jeremy Miller, who writes a cool online blog at: http://www.norcalblogs.com/sustainable, has once again established a series of garden swaps.
Now in its third year, the events provide a gathering point for people with more produce than they can eat themselves or hoist upon their coworkers.
At the local garden swaps, people are encouraged to bring their excess fruit and vegetable and put them out for others to share.
Miller described it as a "low-budget, home-spun affair."
People are encouraged to walk or bike to the events and to bring their own bags to cart off the loot.
I've been to these events over the years, and it's fun to be able to grab a smattering of foods I didn't make space to grow.
Miller said he originally thought when the events began that people would bring their food, hang out for 15 minutes, and then bail.
But the events have evolved into social gatherings, with people lingering, talking about recipes, growing tips and whatever else pops into someone's brain when fruit and vegetable are in close proximity.
There's also quite a bit of "oohing and awing" when people make grand entrances with their garden excess.
The Peace and Justice Center has evolved as a nice, centrally-located venue, as more remote locations were less well attended, Miller said.
Plus, the center has a really nice courtyard, where staff grows their own garden.
Zucchini will be more than plentiful this summer, as will tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash, eggplant, and a variety of tree fruit.
In his note to readers, also available online at: http://www.chicofoodnetwork.org, Miller notes that people should plan to take away as much food as they contribute.
Certain foods can be prolific at the height of the growing season. And the point is not to dump off a wheelbarrow full of one food.
For example, zucchini originates in Italy, and with this area's Mediterranean climate, it goes hog-wild.
I don't grow zucchini much any more, mostly because I can get it free from friends or dirt cheap all summer long.
But I have in the past.
Funny how if you have several zucchini plants, and don't harvest for several days, you'll go to the garden and find football-sized zukes. These are fun to toss around the yard, but aren't all that great for casual snacking. Once I made a meat-filled zucchini extravaganza, using the zucchini instead of Corningware. Yet, baking in the summer seems silly and gets house mates hot and bothered.
The first Wednesday night swap meet took place this week, and will continue through Oct. 7. A Friday swap meet is planned to run year-round.
Wednesday swaps run from 6-8 p.m.:
• First Wednesdays, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 and Oct. 7 -- 434 W. Sixth Ave.
• Second and third Wednesdays, June 17, July 8 and 15, Aug. 12 and 19, Sept. 9 and 16 -- Chico Peace and Justice Center, 526 Broadway.
• Fourth Wednesdays, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26 and Sept. 23 -- 570 Vallombrosa Way (Between CARD and Sycamore Pool).
Additional Wednesdays
• July 7 -- The Satori Healing Center, 1180 Palmetto Ave., in the backyard. Please do not park in front of neighbors' houses.
• Sept. 9, 373 E. Third Ave.
Friday swaps
A new farmers market in town has also been added at the Chapman Elementary School parking lot from 2-6 p.m., year-round, 1071 E. 16th St.
During these events garden swaps will also be held, as well as the Chapman Food and Fitness Festival. Here local produce is sold and food stamps are accepted for food purchases.
About Me: Impertinent commentary on gardening, life and most things wacky.
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