Garden Plans

On January 15, we returned to Wyck House to begin our basic garden plans. In order to do this, we first measured the space allotted for our garden. This was more complicated than originally thought. We did not just measure the outside perimeters but charted different points within them to consider the space between other permanent fixtures, like remnants of a historic wall we cannot move. It was like creating a pirate's map. Then we created a scale so that when we start putting plants in, we will know exactly how far apart to plant them. In our scale, a quarter inch equals four feet. We learned that a garden plan will help us consider what is the best layout for our space to ensure its beauty and originality. Now we have to decide if we want our garden to be more symmetric or flowing. Most of us have already agreed that we prefer a garden that feels nature and organic.

Sorting Clothes at Cradles to Crayons

On January, 9, we went to Cradles to Crayons, the organization we hosted a winter wear drive for earlier in the year. While there, we sorted clothes by gender, sizes, and seasons. We placed clothes that were stained in a pile to be picked up by Planet Aid. We also placed religion-based holiday items and clothing that referenced specific parents in the Planet Aid box as well. There is always much more girls clothes than boys.

The People of Color group wants to thank you for your participation in the Sponsor-a-Family project we participated in during the holiday season. We raised close to $500.00 dollars and many lovely, sweet, and practical things were donated for our family, like a wooden Thomas the Tank train set, books, hats and mittens, winter coats for everyone, hoodies, and so much more. Above, find Ishara, Eve, Jade, and Brooke with wrapped gifts. This event was truly a community effort! Thanks again.

Weeding at Wyck House

Pulling weeds on the rose path

More weed pulling

We pulled weeds from the stone path in the rose garden to make the Wyckhouse pretty for the visitors.    

Reflections on Crefeld Connects

Gillian - I have liked the planning of our garden at the Wyck. I think we are going to make it beautiful and have a variety of plants. I look forward to working more on the layout and planting of the garden. So far, we have chosen an area and have dug a little. We have also removed invasive species as well.

Iris -  I like seeing the beautiful surroundings, like the historic roses. I can't wait to make a garden and explore all the different kind of flowers that I can grow. Even though it is cold outside and can be tiring, I still enjoy doing community service at Wyck.

Ishara - I’ve always had an appreciation for Wyck. The place has so many stories and so much history that I love hearing about. When going there now in the fall and winter, it’s pretty, but when spring comes it’s breathtaking. The garden is filled with beautiful flowers and the chickens are clucking around. Thankfully, they aren’t fried or barbecued. It is a very peaceful place. I often pick up the trash around the Wyke, and I always wonder why people litter in the first place. It doesn't make sense to me and it dangers our environment. Plus, I have many interesting adventures with Iris when picking up the trash.

Caroline - I liked the flowers in the garden. Hearing about the history of the flowers was really interesting to me because I didn’t really know much about those roses and their history. I really want to plant the flowers and I’m looking forward to it! I love to plant things and watch them grow, so I’m really excited. 

David Jackson - What first surprised me about the Wyck House is that I've lived in Mount Airy for about six years and I never knew it existed. When Crefeld Connects went there for the first time I thought the gardens were beautiful. Some of the roses were still in bloom and they smelled wonderful. I can only imagine how beautiful the garden will look in the spring. A nonprofit organization that I did know about was "Cradles to Crayons". I heard a lot about them both inside and outside of school. The first time that Crefeld Connects went to the cradles to crayons warehouse in Conshohocken to deliver clothes that were donated, I was surprised to see how many people were devoting their time and energy to helping out children in need. I was also surprised by the large amount of clothing and supplies that were being donated. It made me feel gratified to know that I was apart of a much larger positive cause.