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Successive generations of Canadians are less aware of where their food actually comes from. Through no fault of their own, we have moved to a fast food world, where every conceivable veggie and fruit is readily available at your local supermarket regardless of the season. Perhaps a bright side to the shut in of 2020 is that people are ready to reestablish this connection. We have seen evidence of double digit increases in the number of folks growing at least some of their own food.
Children’s books play such an important role in teaching and motivating younger ones to dig in and understand how things work. Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt, is a great example of explaining how the ecosystem that is your garden works to younger children. It tells the story of the garden being full of life and wondrous things. From bugs and bees to worms and weather, that all work together and are equally important. Kate Messner writes in a very poetic fluid style that begs to be read in whispered tones in a darkened room at bedtime. And the illustrations harken back to a simpler time with vintage inspired muted tones.
Our Day 16 Giveaway is Kate Messner’s Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt. A warming tale of gardening with grandma. In order to promote children learning about the garden we are also including seed packs of Swiss Chard, which your children will love to see rise from the soil in fabulous colours, Bee Balm Lemon Mint, which is sure to attract attention, and Jedi Orange Marigolds that will have butterflies swooning over them this summer.
For a chance to win leave a comment below. In your message share your thoughts on teaching the next generation about gardening, or share your own story of wonderment in the garden, anything really, as long as it's meant to pick people up. EASY. This giveaway is open to anyone with a Canadian shipping address. Contest is open December 16th for 24 hours. Closes December 16th at midnight PT.
Of course, if you know someone who would be inspired to (or is already) teach the next generation of gardeners, please share!
Learn more and connect with Kate Messner
Book: Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt
Instagram: Kate Messner
Website: Kate Messner
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Esther
Dec 16, 2020
This summer was my first attempt at growing my own veggies and fruit. I included my son in the process of selecting what we would grow together. He picked his favorites and I picked a few things I’d never eaten before. Since this summer was a little pandemic heavy, we had a lot more home time. The garden became a real saving grace for us, a kind of escape we could really relax in. My son didn’t always enjoy watering our plants but when it came time to harvest we both had a real blast picking fresh ripe produce. I saw a natural curiosity grow in him too. Gardens are such an easy way to learn about the word around us. What impacted me most about sharing this summer garden adventure with my son was that I appreciated, in a deeper sense, that our garden so clearly demonstrates how connected we are to our environment and how dependent we are on all the cycles of nature that contribute to the process of growing things. We watched the sun, rain, pollinators and healthy soil make their contributions and we experienced joy when we provided a little attention and some serious intention when it came to harvesting! I’m glad I included my son in the planning stage because it gave him a sense of ownership from day one that was authentic. Certainly, the greatest return for our effort was watching my son become more confident and bloom in his gardening abilities. It got me thinking that maybe it’s the garden that grows the gardener after all.
Martha
Dec 16, 2020
As a teacher, parent and farmer, I am passionate about teaching the next generation about agriculture. It is so important for them to not only understand where their food, etc comes for bit also for them to make a deeper connection with the land.
Bronwen Heinrich
Dec 16, 2020
Letting children follow you about as you work in the garden allows them to learn through osmosis…and giving a child a designated spot to grow their own seeds is so empowering and rewarding.
Deborah
Dec 16, 2020
There are countless benefits to teaching the next generation to enjoy growing a garden. I learned from my parents and grandparents and I hope that I am inspiring the same in my children. It is wondrous how a tiny seed can produce such beauty and deliciousness!