Help Grow the Dirt Girls Greenhouse

Since the start of 2024, I've been visiting students at three local high schools to create interest in native plant propagation. So far, we’ve sown several varieties of Clarkia to distribute to the community in April. Our distribution will raise awareness of the Greenhouse project, while also preparing mentors for the return of elementary school programming. 

During my first visit to the alternative high school, I was reminded of the therapeutic benefits of connecting with plants. After introducing myself to the class of a dozen students, I passed around a tray of germinated Clarkia seedlings (courtesy of the Napa Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society). 

As the tray made its way around the classroom, one student verbalized an appreciative “awww.” 

I captured the opportunity to share with them how critical that sense of wonder–or AWE–is to our health. I briefly shared findings from studies of both patients and prisoners having better outcomes in health and rehabilitation just from having visual access to greenery (such as a window looking outside). 

I've returned a few times to work with students during their scheduled science class. While sowing seeds, we've had some really meaningful conversations, which reinforces the social benefit of gardening together. 

In March,  I will start an afterschool service learning opportunity for youth at another high school to earn volunteer hours while doing a site assessment. The information we gather will be used to enhance pollinator habitat, a project supported by the local Resource Conservation District. We will include some of the propagated Clarkia in our habitat planting. 

I look forward to sharing the results of what your contributions make possible. 

Planting it forward,

Carrie

Links:

• Clarkia (Farewell-to-Spring)