Earth month workshops

1. Introduction about the event
Smart Yards Co-op

2. Acknowledgment
We thank our sponsors: The office of Assembly Member-Ash Kalra, D-27,
Human Agenda, Sacred Heart Community Service, Stone Church, Synod
of the Pacific” for believing in us and facilitating this campaign.
We also thank our volunteers: Angie Thomas, Doug, David, Jacqueline
Rivera, Juan Gudino, Damian, Lisa Landry, Lidia, Margarita, Mario Tapia,
Rob Yanagida, Salvador.
(More people from previous workshop)

3. Our Mission
This Year, SYC celebrated the Earth Day with a series of hands-on
workshops on Ecological Landscaping. The focus of this program is to
bring the community together and educate methods and benefits of
ecological gardening. Our hands-on workshops were designed
During the program we transformed two yards of total area of 1800 sq
ft into native plant gardens.

4. Our Plan
How we did it

6. The workshop series
started with an educational
class hosted at Sacred
Heart community center in
San Jose on March, 29.
Elizabeth setting up the table with
organic greens from her own
garden.

7. Everything good
starts with a filled
stomach
“
The class started with a
organic snack fresh from
the garden followed by
presentation from
Elizabeth Sarmiento, our
founder and Mario Tapio,
our long time member.

8. Some of the fine
delicacies included greek
salad and nachos..

9. Elizabeth brought a collection of native plants to
share its natural beauty and benefits.

10. I was born in Chile
and spent a lot of time
around nature.
“
Mario introduced everyone
with the principles of
permaculture philosophy and
its impact on environment.
He talked about the benefits
California’s native plants
bring to a garden and
environment.

11. Elizabeth discussed how
can we apply
permaculture principles
and convert a yard into
an ecological garden.
She explained the steps involved in
converting a yard into a native plant
garden. She also covered topics
such as: preparing the soil,
choosing native plants, creating
compost at home.
“

12. We had an interactive session for question & answers. Everyone
in the group shared their stories and connection with nature. We
invited everyone to join us in upcoming workshops to convert
yards of two of the participants from the workshop.

13. I have a yard and it has a few native plants. I love the idea of ecological garden.
I have been thinking about landscaping for a while. It’s a perfect time!- Angie
Nothing goes to waste at my home. I use organic waste and it helps my plants a lot!
Spending time with nature has helped me a lot in coping with depression. - Lisa
I love growing vegetables in my garden and I use it to cook. I am interested in learning
methods to save water. I want to know about permaculture. - Lidia

14. Converting a lawn to a
Native Plant Garden
Smart Yards Team invited all the member
of the group to participate in Earth Month

15. We selected two gardens from the group to convert
What Next

16. Earth Month
Saturday, April 15
Workshop 1

17. Angie Thomas
470, Meadow Dale Ct. San Jose, 95136
Yard Area: 910 sq. ft.
BEFORE

18. Let’s work
together…
On Saturday, April 15 we gathered
together to work on Angie Thomas’s
yard (911 sq. ft). The whole process
took roughly 5 hrs. Elizabeth started
by thanking the volunteers for there
participation. She explained process
of converting the yard factors we
should consider before starting such
landscaping project.

19. Remove the existing bed using spade and fork
Step 1
Preparing the Lawn

20. Setting up a
raised garden
bed.
Elizabeth and Mario set up a raised
garden bed in the center of the yard.
Raised garden beds are not just beautiful
but have many benefits. They keep
pathway weeds from garden soil, prevent
soil compaction, provide good drainage
and serve as a barrier to pests.

21. Elizabeth inspecting existing irrigation system and making sure
that everything is in place!

22. Lay Out Cardboard, and Water
Cardboard helps in retaining moisture in the soil. It also helps the mulch do its job of
suppressing "weed" growth. Another benefit is that cardboard (or newspaper) adds
organic matter to the soil over time.
Step 2

23. Mario and Juan fixing a broken pipe
we found during irrigation inspection

24. Step 3
Planting the tree

25. What to plant?
What to replace the lawn with is the most
asked question among people interested
in converting their lawns.
Smart Yards uses local native plants in
the mix to make sure garden look green
throughout the year.

26. Brunch break!!

27. Step 4
Well planned mulched beds improve the appearance of the landscape & provides many other benefits.
Mulch protects a plant's root system, adds nutrients to the soil and reduces the erosion of topsoil.
Adding Mulch

28. We did it!

29. Details
New garden features Stone pathways. these will
useful when garden is full of plants.
Following plants planted:

30. Our first Earth Month workshop was a success!
Thanks to: Angie Thomas, Doug, David, Jacqueline Rivera, Juan Gudino Damian,
Lisa Landry, Lidia, Margarita, Mario Tapia, Rob Yanagida and Salvador for your
love and support.

31. All the participants came from different
gardening skill levels, for some it was a new
and exciting experience. All the volunteers
enjoyed each other's company and learned
something new. Angie appreciated the work
we put in and thanked everyone with
cheesecake and apple pie. A sweet ending
to a sweet day of earth loving.
“Our Success

32. Earth Month
Friday, April 21
Saturday, April 22
Workshop 2

33. Our next workshop was held at Juan Gudino's garden (966 sq. ft) on April 21 & 22.
This yard was covered with grass, so first we had to clear it using front-tine tillers.

34. Pruning all the plants that are going to be part of new landscape.

35. We cleared the ground

36. Elizabeth and Mario took out the sprinklers and installed a brand
new drip irrigation system. This is also attached to laundry unit to
reduce water wastage.

38. Day 2

39. We have cleaned the yard and installed the drip irrigation.
Our next step is to remove excess lumps of grass and weeds
from the soil before laying cardboard and newspaper.
Let’s get started!!

40. More volunteers joined us today and made this event more
fun with music, positive energy and laughter…

41. Volunteers clearing the ground by removing excess grass
lumps before moving forward with next steps.

42. Elizabeth made a beautiful tiled pathway joining
drive way and front doorway

43. Next step is lay cardboard on the ground and
finish by spreading an even layer of mulch.

44. We also cleared the hillstrip and pruned all the
plants going to be part of new landscape

45. Our supporter Mr. Ash Kalra joined us and
planted the first plant in the garden.

46. Happiness is planting together..

47. Following plants are planted: