On Wednesday this past week, Hartsfield Elementary's Hawks, one of Hartsfield's after-school groups came for a visit to my garden. We chatted about everything from legumes fixing nitrogen to pollinators to varieties of corn to seasonally available produce to bees and chickens. They were especially interested in the methodology of grafting fruit trees. Meanwhile, we tasted snap beans, fennel, sorrel, horse-radish greens, basil, and smelled rosemary and thyme. What a great afternoon!
The Hawk's visit was part of a larger program they're doing to investigate healthy food options via research on local and organic vs. conventional agricultural practices and by maintaining the Hartsfield school garden. The culmination of their project will be to plan, prepare and serve a healthy meal to their parents that integrates local and organic produce.
They were shepherded by their incredible teachers Mr. Landrum, Ms. Elsaka, and Ms Olivia. If you know these folks--or someone else that's working with school gardens-- give them a high-five of congratulations the next time you see them. They're doing fantastic work.