Community garden will help kids “reconnect” to earth

May 18, 2016 · 0 Comments

As an older woman, my heart aches when I see the opinions offered up by our councillors. How can they represent us, the townsfolk, when they have disdain and arrogance in their approach?
A recent visit to the Toronto Zoo showed me how far the children have come from “the earth.”
Their reactions to insects and creatures is evidence of a disconnect.
Gardening isn’t just about the product. It is definitely about community.
It’s experiential. It’s observational. Life isn’t all at the macro level. It’s also about microorganisms; bugs and beetles.
My advice to gardeners is always “Take care of your worms and your worms will take care of your soil.”
The children will learn cause and effect, consequences, responsibility and co-operation. Yes, and disappointment, delight, frustration and joy; that opening of the first pea pod and savouring fruits of their labours.
In the calculations of planting rows they will have practical use of arithmetic. The knowledge that if you water it, the plant will thrive. Lessons. The quiet.
Mothers, it’s not dirt, it’s “soil”: a living biosphere.
The Cycle of Life.

Sheila Cording
Aurora Garden Coach