Excitement radiated through the Oriole Park School Garden as eager children finally stepped into the octagonal oasis they had helped to plant and tend in May and June. Over the summer break the garden had transformed beyond recognition, now a symphony of sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos, inviting pollinators and students alike to partake in its vibrant beauty.
Divided into two groups, half of the children embarked on unique adventures guided by the dedicated staff from H.O.P.E. Gardens. One group wandered through the garden, their eyes wide with wonder, as they picked a variety of vegetables that were ready for harvest. As they weighed their treasures, they discovered the tangible benefits of growing their own food, unlocking a world of healthy eating and cost savings.
Meanwhile, the second group was treated to a special delight—a Sunshine Salad food tasting. The ingredients? Spinach, peppers, cucumbers, and cucamelons, all freshly plucked from the garden. The taste of this farm-to-table experience was a revelation, igniting a newfound understanding of the journey food takes from seed to plate.
The day at Oriole Park School Garden with the H.O.P.E. Gardens staff was a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the magic that blooms within a garden. It was a day of not only cultivating plants, but also nurturing curiosity, respect for nature, and practical life skills. The laughter and joy that echoed through the octagonal garden were not just the sounds of happy children, but the sounds of young minds blossoming in a space where wonder and education intertwine. Through experiences like these, Oriole Park School Garden and H.O.P.E. Gardens are sowing the seeds of a brighter, more sustainable future for these eager learners.
*This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.