We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.

Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac

We had a salad for dinner tonight. The lettuce came from seeds that my son planted. I’ve gotta say, it was pretty cool. And tasty!
I spent some time in the school’s garden last week. You’ve heard Felix Chamberlain talk about it throughout the year. Fortunately for our Stevenson students, Jennifer Hughes has offered to take over for Felix, who will be off to Jordan next year. It was a great experience for me. Ms. Carrillo’s class joined us and I can’t even begin to tell you how excited the children were! They couldn’t wait to get their hands in the dirt! They were looking for bugs, digging holes, sifting mulch, pulling weeds and having a fabulous time!
Numerous studies show that the outdoors remains the healthiest environment for children and adults. Yes, even in Los Angeles! Gardening with children is one of the easiest ways to reap the benefits nature offers. Children with access to green outdoor spaces play more creatively and score higher on tests of self-discipline, according to a University of Illinois study. Studies show that nature and gardening are the best stress relievers. Recent studies by the American Dietetic Association found that children who garden eat more fruits and vegetables.

However, there haven’t been many studies (if any) on how nourishing the garden is for the soul. Caring for a garden is usually a silent activity, pierced only by the sounds of chirping birds and buzzing insects. But in the Old Stevenson Garden, it wasn’t quiet – and it was wonderful! There were screeches of “I found a pincher bug!” or “Look at the butterfly!” or “There are apples growing on this tree! When can we eat them?!?”
But even for children, the quiet time in the garden can be an antidote to all the noise and busyness of today’s culture. It’s a place where they can learn to be quiet. The garden can cultivate a sense of wonder in children and wonder, if nurtured, can serve as a lifelong source of joy and provide motivation for further learning.

Tips for Gardening With Kids

Gardening can be even more wonderful for children if parents plan some surprises. Here are some tips:

Plant some quick growers, like radishes, lettuce and sunflowers to keep the child’s interest.

Set aside a children’s garden and let the children choose their own vegetables and flowers. Teach the children responsibility by encouraging them to weed and water the garden throughout the growing season.

Do a theme garden. A pizza garden can contain segments with oregano, basil, tomatoes, onions and peppers. We just started a salsa garden with tomatoes, cilantro and peppers.

Have fun with vegetables. If you plant a pumpkin, when the pumpkin is small, scratch your child’s name on it and then watch it grow with the pumpkin.

Grow fragrant and medicinal herbs and flowers. The fragrance of roses has been used to cope with grieving. Lavender is a wonderful herb to grow in a children’s garden. It is known as a stress reliever and helps children to calm down. Growing some near a child’s bedroom window may even help the child get to sleep at night!

The garden offers a way for children and adults to recreate a connection with nature, which is essential to health and our planet!

When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. ~David Orr

Remember, it is easy being green!

By Jennifer Jesperson