California GArden Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES

© SAN DIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION

These stories may not be published in any form or copied onto another media without written permission from San Diego Floral Association.

Reprinted From: March/April 2011, Volume 102 No. 2

Normal Heights saw a surge in the creation of community gardens almost 25 years ago. This article describes an effort to bring children and adults together for what at the time was a unique “cross-generational” community garden. This garden lasted just six years, but a new garden was later established at Adams Elementary School in the same Normal Heights neighborhood. –Nancy Carol Carter

January-February 1987

Children’s Garden in Normal Heights

By Patricia Getzel

On April 4, 1986, the Normal Heights Community Development Corporation (NHCDC) sponsored a ground breaking ceremony for the only cross-generational cooperative garden currently operating in San Diego. The children involved in the project have senior citizen sponsors who instruct them on how to grow vegetables. Twenty-nine elementary school children and seven seniors participated in the gardening efforts.

City Councilwoman Gloria McColl, School Board President Susan Davis, the Principal of Adams Elementary School, John Jones and the school children assisted with the opening day festivities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for children in Mid-city to learn not only about gardening but about some of their older neighbors as well,” said Councilwoman Gloria McColl. “It should add to even greater community spirit in Normal Heights.” Susan Davis stated that is was a way of extending learning outside of the classroom. “Not only will the children in the program benefit but so will their families and friends.” The garden is located next to Adams Elementary School which the children in this program attend.

This is the third garden site sponsored by the NHCDC over the past year. The first two sites accommodate 17 gardeners. During the first year, the average gardener was able to harvest approximately 75-80 pounds of vegetables or nearly 1500 pounds in total raised by the gardeners.

“Hopefully, we will be able to obtain some financial assistance over the summer to help the Children’s Garden,” stated Patricia Getzel, Executive Director of the NHCDC. “The garden program is an important vehicle in promoting individual self-esteem as well as strengthening community bonds.”

Currently the program has borrowed tools but hopes to purchase some permanent equipment. The Adams School P.T.A. approved a donation of one hundred dollars for seeds and hoses to get the program started. In addition, plans included a Harvest Potluck Dinner, contests for the children, and the publication of a children’s gardening handbook in several different languages. Adams Elementary School has a total of over a dozen languages spoken as the primary language of attending students.

© SAN DIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION and © Mary James.
These stories may not be published in any form or copied onto another media without written permission from San Diego Floral Association.