Gardeners across the country are giddy with spring: watching life sprout from seeds always fills one with hope.
This must be one of the reasons why so many people are returning to gardening this year: record seed sales, garden initiatives, organized seed swaps, and a much hoped for kitchen garden on the "First Lawn"! On April 9th, the Michelle Obama planted the first seedlings. The vegetables grown are meant to be eaten in the White House and shared with a local meal site for the homeless. On the garden, Mrs Obama said "In many countries they really believe in the importance of planting and growing their own food." She also emphasized the economic benefit of kitchen gardening. You can see a map of the garden by clicking here.
This must be one of the reasons why so many people are returning to gardening this year: record seed sales, garden initiatives, organized seed swaps, and a much hoped for kitchen garden on the "First Lawn"! On April 9th, the Michelle Obama planted the first seedlings. The vegetables grown are meant to be eaten in the White House and shared with a local meal site for the homeless. On the garden, Mrs Obama said "In many countries they really believe in the importance of planting and growing their own food." She also emphasized the economic benefit of kitchen gardening. You can see a map of the garden by clicking here.
A kitchen garden is one of the most healthful, economical, and ecological options for filling your plate.
For your own edible landscape project check out the Kitchen Gardeners International.
Locally, in Milwaukee, the Victory Garden Initiative is growing. Check it out for resources, updates on the Memorial Day Gardening Blitz, and to learn how you can get involved.
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3 comments:
Hi Jen,
Do you know what the marigold, nasturium, and zinnias in the White House garden are for? Is it more then decorative? I've heard that marigolds keep mosquitoes away..
-Tim
(p.s. to google- please email me follow-up comments to this post.. sorry I forgot to check that box at first. Thanks!)
Good question Tim!
Marigolds, nasturtiums, and at least one variety of zinnia are edible! This year, my edible flower garden will include (at least) lots of nasturtiums (so bright and fun and spicy to eat), calendula (like a poor man's saffron-garnish), borage (taste like cucumbers), anise hyssop (taste like licorice), and a few of the herbs I plan to allow to flower: cilantro, basil, fennel, etc flowers are all delicious and whimsical. Also looking forward to the wild violets sure to pop up this spring...
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