Every child and every school across California should have a school garden. I have seen the look of joy on a child’s face after they have worked in their garden, and I have seen how gardens have positively transformed students, schools and communities. Gardens are a wonderful resource for our schools and our children. I believe in the life lessons they teach and the lives they touch -- and that every school and community should have one. School gardens provide our children with the opportunity to serve – to see something flourish because they cared for it; to get their hands dirty from their own hard work; and have a sense of pride and personal achievement that comes from nurturing a plant through every stage of development. It's also a great lesson for children to understand where food comes from so that they are empowered to make healthy choices. School gardens shine a light on California as a vast agricultural state; the state I love, the state I call home. So much comes from our state and from the wonderful people who grow our food. California is known all over the world for our incredible agricultural products – we are the world’s fifth largest supplier of food. And working in gardens enables us to learn about our state, appreciate its history and contribute to its continued success.
Here's what you need to do to start a garden today...
Get your copy of "Gardens for Learning," a comprehensive guidebook filled with practical advice on starting, preparing, planning and sustaining a vibrant garden for years to come. You can download a free copy by visiting the California School Garden Network (CSGN). CSGN is comprised of over 40 network partners from garden, agricultural and educational groups working together to connect you to the latest research, grants, information, tips and support for your garden through their one-stop-shop website at www.csgn.org.
So get out there, get connected and serve your community by building a garden – plant it, nurture it and watch it grow! Good luck!
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