Straw Bale Gardens – Breaking New Ground with author Joel Karsten

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$6,079
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
April 2015
End Date
May 2015
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Fund Administration
Counties Affected
Carlton
Itasca
Lake
St. Louis
Carlton
Itasca
Lake
St. Louis
Project Overview
Learn to grow a bountiful garden without using herbicides or insecticides. Learn to plant a wide variety of vegetables, root crops, vine crops, and even beautiful flowers, directly into your “conditioned” straw bales. Any backyard, concrete patio, rooftop or driveway, can become a productive garden space. Learn this revolutionary and easy NEW gardening method to create a beautiful and productive garden, without lifting a shovel and without using soil.
Project Details
311 participated
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$6,079
Other Funds Leveraged
$2,051
Direct expenses
$8,131
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The intended outcome is to inspire attendees to read, express themselves creatively, while exploring cultural aspects of Minnesota. A survey was distributed to receive feedback from those attending the programs.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Surveys were distributed to participants at all programs. 90% strongly agreed that this was an enjoyable experience and 80% strongly agreed that they would attend a similar event. Comments: I liked listening to an actual author and hearing about their experience. Everything was new to me as I had never heard of straw bale gardening. I learned a new way of living via gardening. I am going to try it, so easy!

Source of Additional Funds

12 libraries provided space, staff, and additional promotion for the programs and approximately 15 regional newspapers provided marketing through press releases, photos and interviews with artists and performers.

Project Manager
First Name
Jim
Last Name
Weikum
Organization Name
Arrowhead Library System
Street Address
5528 Emerald Avenue
City
Mt. Iron
State
MN
Zip Code
55768
Phone
218-741-3840 ext. 230
Email
jim@arrowhead.lib.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200