I have an 18 page pamphlet, Growing Vegetables, which was published in 1981 by the Cooperative Extension Service, University of New Hampshire. The pamphlet packs a lot of information into its 18 pages, enough in fact to give a novice everything he needs to get started growing vegetables in New Hampshire.

I am always drawn to these practical university extension publications, and I believe they provide a very useful service to the general public. Perhaps unintended, these documents can also provide insight into the social milieu of a time period. For those of us who were too young at the time to remember 1981, or who were not yet born, the epilogue to Growing Vegetables may ring a tone uncannily on key to the language brewing beneath the media’s recent declarations on the nation’s economy:

“Gowing Vegetables has been prepared to assist and encourage the planting and raising of vegetables in home gardens for the purposes of fighting inflation, saving money, getting exercise and enjoying this activity as a family.

Vegetable gardens are as important to Americans in the fight against inflation as they were in the days of the World War II Victory Gardens.

Home vegetable production will increase the family’s supply of vegetables, thus tending to lower demand in the marketplace and helping to lower prices which must be paid by those who do not have the space for a garden. Gardening will also provide an important part of the family’s nutritional needs while furnishing wholesome physical activity for family members. More than that, working in the garden will bring parents and children together in a common cause, that of reducing the effects of inflation.

This booklet is designed for people of all ages, including senior citizens, who will find in it worthwhile advice and guidance enabling them to reap a bountiful harvest for good eating. Older gardeners will realize the satisfaction of being productive and useful, and youths will be guided in paths of good work habits and tangible endeavors.”

This week marks the launch of the new 7,000 Evergreens project web site.

7,000 Evergreens is a social-ecological project commenced in 2007 with the mission of planting 7,000 artificial evergreen trees throughout the United States. The project’s goal is to fulfill its mission with the support of donors, who can plant a tree for $10.00, and by partnering with individuals and organizations who will plant artificial evergreen trees on the project’s behalf.

The new 7,000 Evergreens web site features an interactive Evergreen Database containing documentation and information about every evergreen planted as part of the project.

Check out the Evergreen Database and please donate to the cause if you can! The only way 7,000 Evergreens will complete its mission is with your generous support. www.7000evergreens.org

Evergreen # 24
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pickney Island, SC
Anonymous Donor