How Does Your Garden Grow? In a Strawbale.

One summer morning, a customer at Proteus Bicycles helped herself to a fresh cherry tomato on the counter, straight from the garden behind the shop.

“She started crying,” said Yo Kumm of Proteus. “She said she hadn’t had a fresh tomato since she as a child.”

This might be an extreme example, but it’s this kind of authentic and “organic” experience that Kumm and shop owner Jill DiMauro hope to accomplish with a first-time special event at the shop, 9217 Baltimore Blvd. Community members can come together this evening to grow tomatoes and other plants—in bales of straw.

DiMauro hopes to show the community that cost, age, and space aren’t necessary to grow a garden. Have no tools? DiMauro and Kumm created spades for digging out of bike parts. The strawbales make it easier for elderly to garden, because they won’t have to stoop to the ground; and even an urban residence probably has space enough for a strawbale garden.

“The idea is if we can do it, anybody can do it,” DiMauro said.

After planting, participants can enjoy a “sundowner,” what Kumm described as a tropical cocktail—a “drink typical for after a day’s work,” she said.

The free event will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. There is still time to RSVP by calling the shop at (301) 441-2928.