Gilroy Demonstration Garden has welcomed a new green-thumbed chief.
Two weeks ago the garden’s board hired Brenden Zimmer, a 27-year-old UC Santa Cruz graduate with a degree in environmental studies and sociology, for the part-time position of garden manager.
Zimmer is ready to dive into his new part-time position at the downtown garden, and is excited to partner with the community to promote garden activities.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Gilroy businesses and the library in Gilroy to establish stronger ties,” Zimmer said.
Zimmer replaces the retiring Judy Hess, the visionary and founder of the demonstration garden who transformed the vacant lot in 2010 to the bountiful oasis of herbs, vegetables and trees that is now enjoyed by the public.
Since Zimmer’s studies carried an emphasis in sustainable agriculture, he said he is looking forward to bringing fresh ideas on how to work hand-in-hand with the Gilroy Farmers’ Market team.
“We need to figure out what sort of produce we can plant that is going to bring people to the market,” Zimmer said. “Farmers’ markets in Morgan Hill and Hollister are successful, so that is encouraging. We’re hoping people who live in Gilroy will choose us for their farmer’s market. It’s relatively new and we are going to do a better job at promoting within the city.”
Zimmer can be found working at the demonstration gardens Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during public volunteer hours. Head out there during those hours to welcome Zimmer to Gilroy.
