For years the corner of Playa Blanca and Boca del Rio has been an eyesore. The small overgrown lot was a convenient spot to dump trash, and dump people did in this otherwise attractive La Manzanilla neighborhood of old homes and even older trees.
Whether a small Aseo Publico dumpster or plastic-recycling bin was on site, neither was emptied with a frequency to match the overflow. Trash begat trash, which invited dogs and other critters to rip through that trash. The intersection would be strewn with dirty diapers, household detritus, garbage, and the occasional scurrying rat. Neighbors complained. The trash eventually got hauled away. And the cycle soon started all over again.
Resident artist Patrick Murphy decided to break the cycle. He created a garden. What once was ‘the carbuncle on the corner’ near his home is now a mini-haven of tranquility. Pebbled paths meander through lush, mostly indigenous greenery scattered with whimsical sculptures. Apparently it has become a source of neighborhood pride, as well.
“I started out with just a few cactus plants in there,” Patrick explained. “But people from around here have donated other plants, too. Sometimes things just show up.” One such item was a religious icon with the word “Gracias” written on it that someone hung on the garden wall.
Patrick said the backhoe he hired to clean up the lot filled two dump trucks with all the weeds and debris that had accumulated. A little help from his friends and a lot of sweat this summer got the paths laid out and the plants in place. “It’s just grown from there,” he said.
On the other side of town, a corner garden on a much larger scale is in progress. The over 10-thousand square-foot La Manzanilla Community Garden is ready for planting.
The first endeavor of its kind in the village, the project is the brainchild of June Nery and Rick Strittmater, full-time expat residents from Denver, Colorado. It began in October of this year with the loan of the lot, located at the corner of Concha Molida and Manglares. A handful of volunteers spent Halloween day cutting, cleaning, and clearing the property.
“The land has been disked, the water is in, and the first plots are laid out,” June said. “We’re ready to go!” Plots are approximately 5 feet by 8 feet, she added, large enough to produce fresh food for a family of five. Participation this first year is absolutely free. Seeds, grow mix, and a few tools were donated by various friends of La Manzanilla.
“The owners who loaned us the land made it very clear that this was to be a community garden,” June explained. “We’re providing the land, seeds, tools and water for anyone who lives in La Manzanilla to grow food.” She anticipates that mostly locals will participate, but with a growing season of seed-to-table in about two months, winter residents may want to turn some soil, as well. The garden will be completely organic.
Additional information, including how to participate and a wish list of items the Community Garden still needs, is available at www.visitlamanzanilla.com.
Christmas Tree Fiesta
Those who can, create imaginative, often whimsical holiday trees. Those who can’t, enjoy a great evening, sample some of Mary Mayberry’s to-die-for egg nog, and benefit a worthy cause.
La Manzanilla’s third annual Christmas Tree Fiesta is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, at Café de Flores on Playa Blanca. The original, hand-crafted trees entered by local creatives will be on display for silent auction starting at 5 p.m., with the winners announced at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will go to the primary school for the purchase and installation of much-needed ceiling fans.
Previous years’ trees have been fashioned from bent twigs, artificial flowers, wine corks, bath towels, seed pods, and even Corralejo tequila bottles. With so many people to see and good food to eat, not to mention the delightful trees available for bid, no wonder just about everyone in town will show up at some point during the three-hour event. Admission is 50 pesos at the door to cover the appetizer buffet and Mary’s egg nog.
Also of note
Edward Gilliam will be featured at the Galeria La Manzanilla first-of-the-season Meet the Artist reception on Friday, December 4. Gilliam divides his time between new and old Mexico, and this is his first visit to the Galeria. His bold oils on canvas should make a popular statement with area art aficionados. Admission is free for the 4 to 8 p.m. event.
Polo time again
Word arrived from Linda Stoval at the Careyes Polo Grounds that their season has started, and teams from California, Canada, and Guadalajara will take the field for the Thanksgiving Week Tournament at 4 p.m. this weekend. This must-experience event is held most weekends through mid-April, and admission is free. See more information at www.careyes.com.mx, or call Linda at 01 (315) 351-0320.
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