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Thu, May. 8th, 2008, 03:35 pm
DVPN/Phactory Work Day 3!

"Hello everyone!

"Our next cleanup workdate is Sunday, May 18th from 10am to 3pm. As usual, wear heavier shoes, gloves, long sleeves & pants, and be ready for a good workout. We've already cleared a large space in the front, and are working our way back to the fully cleared courtyards.

"Michael will also have an open house during that time period - if you haven't had the chance to see the site, please do stop by!

"I also have some brainstorming for my fellow green thumbs - Since we can't dig down, we need to build up! So, lets hear your ideas for creative wall/hanging gardens, raised beds, etc. I have old windows to use as the lids for coldframes, so we can have veggies growing even in the cold months. And here's another idea - a labyrinth made out of raised planters, with herbs, veggies and flowers growing in them. So, there's a few possibilities to get you started, can't wait to hear what you all come up with!

"We have another call for volunteers - the gate to the courtyards, needs repairing, and we've seen a lot of postings for free fencing materials. But what we don't have? Someone with a truck or other means to get them! If you have a vehicle and/or are willing to help out with transporting things to the Phactory, please let us know.

"And thank you again to everyone for their time and contributions, you people rock!"

-Raffaella, chief instigator and resident green thumb
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Thu, May. 8th, 2008 11:58 pm (UTC)
[info]morningdove3202

I've been trying to follow the progress of the Phactory, but being on the "slower lower" tends to keep me out of the loop. Where exactly is this place located?? I'll need to map quest it to see how reasonable it would be to try to help out...
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Fri, May. 9th, 2008 03:30 am (UTC)
[info]bruhinb

It's in the middle of the Kensington section of Philadelphia. It's a formerly industrial neighborhood that went downhill when all the industry left town, and is now directly in the path of an, "art wave," that promises to convert everything around the Phactory into a hopping, hot neighborhood.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=somerset+%26+ruth+sts,+philadelphia,+pa&sll=40.05677,-75.181286&sspn=0.007998,0.018539&ie=UTF8&ll=39.991358,-75.122044&spn=0.008006,0.018539&z=16&iwloc=addr

Let me be honest with you, though: this is not yet a site I would call, "child safe." We plan to be safe -- hopefully, we will be hosting the local Spiral Scouts sometime in the future -- but right now the site is all broken glass and sharp broken wood and rusted metal. If you (and/or Paul) wanted to come and help us out, yourself, we'd be delighted to see you. Your children would not be safe here. Yet.
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Sat, May. 10th, 2008 10:51 pm (UTC)
[info]morningdove3202: ouch

Oh, well, thanks for the warning about the glass! My son recently had a learning experience with broken glass that resulted in a bloody finger. I asked him how it happened (he was playing in our yard) and he said "But mom it was only a little piece of glass!" LOL Since the site is so dangerous, are there any "things" you need donated? tools, or plants? I can keep my eye out on the Salisbury Freecycle list for stuff you might need. Let us know when it's safer for kids.

Dove
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Tue, May. 13th, 2008 03:38 am (UTC)
[info]bruhinb: Re: ouch

Since the site is so dangerous, are there any "things" you need donated? tools, or plants? I can keep my eye out on the Salisbury Freecycle list for stuff you might need. Let us know when it's safer for kids.

The biggest need right now is stockade fencing -- and a way to transport it to the site. We've been watching local freecycle lists, waiting for such an item to turn up.

Thanks!
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