Originally published in the University of Georgia’s ‘Faces’ page
Written by: By Sarah Lewis
Jamie Woodhead
Reprinted here by permission of the authors.
(Note from sustainable-landscaping: I love school gardens. My first was in 2nd grade. I have had one almost every year since then, over 55 years. I am pleased to see any school bringing gardens into the curriculum – especially a University with a curriculum that features a personal ‘field-to-table’, ‘in your plate’ relationship with your food. The article follows…)
August 26, 2010
Students plant, harvest on-campus garden
Eating locally grown food is now easier than ever for students at the University of Georgia. With the new campus community garden, students can harvest their own vegetables while learning gardening techniques.
UGArden, the UGA student group responsible for the garden on South Milledge Avenue in Athens, Ga., began harvesting vegetables in June. On Aug. 22, they held a fall kick-off featuring their produce. Students dined on potluck dishes they made with locally grown ingredients.
Participants in the group range from the experienced to those who have never planted a seed in the ground. With the help of UGA professors and the Athens Area Master Gardeners association, students learn how to properly tend a sustainable garden.
“Having a community garden is awesome,” said UGA student Ellen Bogswell. “We work for a couple hours and take home what we harvested. I haven’t had to buy veggies in weeks.”
Doug Bailey, head of the UGA horticulture department, believes the garden is important because it not only teaches good gardening practices but also social responsibility.
Students get to experience all the benefits of a local garden that provides fresh produce, he said.
A percentage of each harvest also goes to a local food bank. According to UGA student Jenny Brickman, co-president of UGArden, the group has so far donated 500 pounds of produce to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. [Read more...]






























