Edmonton's "Garden Lady" is putting her gardens and lawn to bed this fall with a new method for keeping them healthy - without the use of chemicals. Next spring her lawn and gardens will get off to a great start. Susan Penstone, principal of Voices of the Soil and facilitator of Edmonton's Community Garden Network, is interested in sharing her ideas through community "Brewed Compost Tea Parties"!

Gardeners know compost is terrific stuff. But there's something even better, and that's brewed compost tea. Brewed compost tea is one of the safest, simplest, inexpensive and best choices for a healthier lawn and gardens (houseplants too!).

A community organization is sponsoring the Compost Tea Parties because it sees them as an opportunity for communities to become involved in caring for its environment. Personal Community Support Association (PCSA) is a long time supporter of community gardens and is the first organization to step up to the plate. It has received funds from Mountain Equipment Coop to purchase materials and applicators. PCSA Executive Director Catherine Duchesne says, "By sponsoring the "Tea Parties", our organization is encouraging other organizations to involve their neighborhoods. This is a great idea, proven in other communities, and we hope more community groups will also use it as an opportunity to improve their neighborhood and to develop a new and ethical fundraiser."

You are invited to two "Tea Parties", sip tea compliments of Steeps The Urban Teahouse and learn about brewed compost tea.

The cost of the first tea party and information session is free!

Thursday September 9, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Location: Alberta Avenue Community Hall 9210 - 118 Avenue

You will go home with a "cuppa" tea to feed a houseplant. Bring a glass or plastic container (2 cups size) with lid. Ensure the container has had no chemicals in it at anytime.)

RSVP September 7 Tim 892-4743

At the second tea party and fundraiser, you will have the opportunity to buy brewed compost tea for your lawn and gardens.

Saturday September 25, 10:00 am ,

Location: Alberta Avenue Community Hall 9210 - 118 Avenue

Cost: $35.00

RSVP September 22 Tim 892-4743

Tell a friend. Help us to meet our goal to introduce 100 lawn and garden properties to the benefits of brewed compost tea and a healthier, safer environment for our families and pets.

Proceeds from this event will go to PCSA to continue its EcoYouth environmental programs and to pass on this great idea!

For more information contact:

Susan or Tim Penstone
Voices of the Soil
Phone 892-4743
Email: penstone@ocii.com
Website: www.voicesofthesoil.org