In our community garden in downtown Washington, DC there are nearly 50 garden plots. Miles navigates narrow walkways between each garden and has learned to respect the boundaries of what does not belong to him. At first he would try to grab flowers or trample into another garden. Now he has learned where he can and cannot go, and to show respect for what belongs to others. My guess is every parent wants their kid to know the meaning of "no" and this has been a very useful environment to teach that very thing.
Appreciation for where food comes from.
Miles sees us plant, water, and harvest veggies that we bring home, then wash and prepare them for meals we eat together. It is so true that kids are always watching and he sees us every step of the way. I believe it has set a foundation for an appreciation regarding where food comes from and the hard work that goes into it.
Practicing gentleness.
Kids are wild, I get that. Crazy play is good but the concept of gentleness comes through strongest in the garden: we can smell and look at flowers, graze them a bit with a touch perhaps, but we do not pull, rip, or mindlessly walk on them. I think this lesson comes across easily in nature and it a pleasure to see Miles walk around admiring and smelling the blooms now. So sweet!
These photos with the marigolds were taken during a garden visit where our friend was trimming her flowers and told Miles he could play with them. He intiaited asking (in his own little guy way) and she told him sure, play with them!
Learning to share.
We have many opportunities to share tools and receive tips and tricks with others. Different ideas and opinions are exchanged regularly. Advice is given and received. Miles gets to see how we interact in situations where others are generous to us, and vice versa. What a beautiful thing! Talk about learning please and thank you by example. I love it!
Social interaction.
In our community garden, we meet adults and kids of all ages, from all over the world. Some people are grumps or quiet, but most are friendly and up for a chat or at least a wave hello. Either way, Miles has been opening up to giving a friendly, "hi!" as others walk by. He also gets to see big kids pulling weeds and having fun in nature which is an awesome example for him!
As Miles gets older and can manage tasks like watering or pulling weeds, I think the garden will become an even greater space to learn responsibility and many other valuable life skills. The garden has really been a place where everyone in our family deals with frustrations for what we cannot control (hello humid Washington, DC causing mildew!) right along with all the fun. It's been a challenge and a joy all at once.
wishing you joy on your journey,
