Mentorship Pair Grows Together

Kelly Brinker has wanted a garden for a long time and was excited to get a Blitz box in 2020. However, never having had her own garden as an adult, she wasn’t sure where to begin.

Through the Green Bay Garden Blitz mentorship program with the Brown County Community Gardens Program, Kelly was paired with lifelong gardener and volunteer mentor Alina Stanciu, and her first garden is now thriving! Below, the pair shares more about their work together this growing season.

Why did you want a garden?
I've wanted a garden for years, it was just never something I had time or space for. This year, with quarantine and shutdowns, it gave me the time!

Why did you want a mentor?
I wanted a mentor because I didn't really have a clue what I was doing. I've killed A LOT of plants!

What is one tip you've learned from your mentor?
One tip I've learned is to mulch around the plants to help retain water. I didn't do it this year and the garden dries up fast!

A favorite memory from this season:
When we first got the garden going, I realized I couldn't tell the difference between plants and weeds! When I told Alina that, she came over and, while we were talking, pulled weeds with me. That was fantastic for me. Not only did it mean a lot to have someone helping (turns out my son does NOT have a green thumb) I was able to watch and see the plants she was pulling so it really helped them stick in my head. 

Alina, mentor:
How long have you been gardening and how did you learn?
I grew up helping my parents and grandparents in the garden in my native Romania. For me gardening has been a lot of learning by doing it. As soon as I moved on my own, I started a little garden and every year since I've been growing more and more food. 

Why did you decide to mentor?
I decided to mentor as I wanted to combine two of my interests: gardening and helping people live a healthier life. I've been volunteering for 4 years and love building relationships with the families and seeing them grow healthy food that they enjoy.

Can you share one gardening tip?
Watch your garden grow and learn what the garden needs at the first signs! That works especially well for pest and nutrient deficiency management where early intervention is key. 

A favorite memory from this season:
My favorite memories are my conversations with Kelly and helping her though a Japanese beetle infestation!