GARDENWORKS UPDATE
by Jack Petrovic

2009 was a good year for Schlafly Gardenworks. We harvested over 3,600 pounds of quality produce for Kitchen Manager Matt Bessler and staff. The 1,228 lbs. of tomatoes (9 varieties) and 1,000+ lbs. of salad greens (22 varieties) made for many delicious salad specials. In fact, I was thrilled at the number of people who came to the restaurant for our Gardenworks salads. I hope to keep that going.

This year I plan to back off the volume a little and strive for higher quality produce with more variety. I want to focus more on building the viability and sustainability of the garden soil.

Also, my first ever garden event in April was well attended, as well as my August “Grow your Own Garlic” event. I want to thank everyone who came for their enthusiasm and for making me feel so comfortable. I’m much more a gardener than a public speaker.

Last but not least, at year-end we raised over $300 for MOSAIC Services here in Maplewood supporting “at risk students” by selling our thornless, edible nopales cactus.

Thanks to everyone for all their support and kind words. Be sure to check out Gardenworks on the east side of the building on your next visit to Bottleworks. We look forward to providing you with the healthiest and best tasting produce you will find anywhere.

MEET THE GARDENER!
a profile of Jack Petrovic

Jack Petrovic has worked on and off with us for over 13 years. Now he is our Gardenworks manager, planning, planting and harvesting natural, organically-grown produce from our garden at Bottleworks.

Coming from an extensive gardening background, Jack has never gone to school to learn his trade; he learned from his grandfather and father in their small garden plot at home. After purchasing the family home in 2000, Jack became the third generation of his family to head up the family garden. Since then, his nephew, as well as his nephew's son and daughter, have assisted in the family garden, making 5 generations of the Petrovic family to toil in the soil so far.

Jack works closely with Bottleworks' Kitchen Manager, Matt Bessler when deciding what to grow for the season. And, with the help of friends, family and co-workers, Jack grew more than 3,200 pounds of delicious produce in our 1/5 acre garden for the enjoyment of our restaurant customers (including a half-ton each of tomatoes and salad greens). They’ve been very pleased. Jack amended the soil with manure from local farmers and beautiful, rich compost and amendments from Route 66 Organics (and our own kitchen-scrap compost).

On your next visit to Bottleworks, check out Gardenworks on the east side of the building. We look forward to providing you with the healthiest and best tasting produce you will find anywhere.