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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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Margo
Dec 16, 2020
One of the fondest memories I have growing up, was when my parents gave me my very own garden bed to design and plant and maintain. I remember spending hours thinking about the layout and what colour flowers I wanted to plant!
Julie
Dec 16, 2020
It is important for children to have a chance to be hands on in the garden. I have helped non gardening friends set up little gardens and it’s so much fun to watch their preschoolers get their hands dirty and see the big smiles when they pull up a carrot of find some juicy peas on the vines. Gardening doesn’t have to be perfect. Just let the kids get involved even if the rows end up crooked.
Sylvia Brownell
Dec 16, 2020
Years ago for my daughters birthday party, I had the children paint a terra cotta pot and then when the pots dried, they each planted seeds in their pots and took them home. It’s so important to teach children about growing food and to keep it fun for them.