“Gardens and children need the same things: patience, love, and someone who will never give up on them.”
It has been said, “Why try to explain miracles to your children when you can have them plant a garden?” At Open Door Project, we were excited and privileged to partner with the Pine Grove Community Garden for the second consecutive summer. Each week, groups of children, ranging in age from pre-school to high school, planted, tended, and harvested at the Community Garden, while also learning that as humans we are much like a garden, needing careful tending.
Statistics have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress levels in children by 28%. Additionally, studies have also shown that soil contains natural anti-depressants and is an effective method of helping to improve mental health. We are excited to combine the healing therapy of gardening, with the joy of belonging, connection, and relationship building. The participants also had the opportunity to paint two mural walls that line the garden!
What results from a summer of gardening and community development among our children? Baskets full of freshly grown vegetables to share with the town, and kids with full hearts that come from helping oneself and sharing with others.
*Registration opens in May for Gardening Club
** To learn more about the Pine Grove Community Garden go to https://www.facebook.com/pinegrovecommunitygarden
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