From the Desk of Director Becca Mendelson Hughson
As August faded away, we found ourselves gently gliding into the month of September. In the states, September means pumpkin spice and cozy fall sweaters. On St. Croix, we find ourselves immersed in what I jokingly refer to as “the armpit of the summer.” The blazing sun, paired with thick humidity makes September the ideal month to travel off island. SGVBG took advantage of slow season to make some updates and repairs across the garden.
Sweaty, thirsty, and fearless; we plunged headfirst into the uphill battle of repairing the lifeblood of the garden: a.k.a. our water sources. Between the leaking cistern, cracked water pipes, and broken water pumps, we knew we had a lot of work to do! With the help of some incredible volunteers, and a heroic plumber, we are thrilled to announce that the water pumps and pipes are in good working order!
Our incredible Nursery Manager, Lucy Cabret jumped into action on our next big project: The African Provision Garden. The African Provision Garden is made possible due to the generous grant bestowed on us by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Once complete, The African Provision Garden will transport our guests into the Caribbean colonial era. The garden will be a replica of the small kitchen gardens planted and tended by the enslaved workers who lived on the property in the 1700s. This garden should be fully ready by the end of October! If you are interested in helping recreate a part of Crucian history, and would like to volunteer your help, please email us at: infoatthegarden@gmail.com.
September also ushered in another wonderful new upgrade to the garden. We are so excited to announce, and to introduce you to our new Director of Horticulture and Facilities, Isidor Ruderfer! Director Ruderfer is a welcome addition to the SGVBG family! His transition into his new position seemed effortless, and within a week it felt like he’d been working by my side this whole time. His enthusiasm for the garden, paired with his interest in both the local flora and local history make him a perfect fit for SGVBG and St. Croix. We are so lucky to have him!
We are looking forward to a great fall and winter season here at SGVBG! Keep on the lookout for upcoming events (like our Children’s Halloween SpookTACULAR), and upcoming new monthly events (Moonlight Date Night in the Garden). October is coming, BRING IT ON!
