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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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Melly
Dec 16, 2020
watching my not-quite-two year old planting and then devouring radishes from the garden this past summer was so wonderful to see. He would spot the bright red tops and sneakily pull them out with chubby, dimpled fingers, then devour them, earth still clinging to them. I could live in those moments forever. (I also have strict orders to order more “wadish” seeds this year!)
Michelle Lamb
Dec 16, 2020
I love having my almost two year old help me in the garden. I love teaching him all about it and I am excited every year when his understanding grows and he continues to nurture nature
Wendy Searcy
Dec 16, 2020
When I was little my mom would watch me in the garden and say “every generation needs a farmer in the family”. She made me feel like my love of plants was meant to be. What I realize now is that she was aware that every family needed to have a connection to the land and know that someone had worked hard to provide food for us.
Coleen
Dec 16, 2020
In my perfect world of gardening, I would love to have the neighbourhood kids come into my backyard to see that they can be more than just a flat, plain grass lawn. I would love for them to delight in the colours, smells, and nature activity, just by having even a few flowers and some safe places for nature :)