Published in the Oct. 15-28, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Staff Report

South Valley schools and nonprofit youth groups are invited by the South Valley Fleurs Garden Club to apply for “seed money” grants from its EduGrow-Planting to Learn program.

The club supports education in horticulture by offering grants to elementary, middle and high school teachers who wish to include gardening in their curriculum. This year the program has expanded to include nonprofit youth groups such as Scouts, 4-H and the Future Farmers of America programs. Schools and youth groups in Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan Bautista are invited to submit applications.

Over the past four years, EduGrow “seed money” has been granted to six elementary schools, where funds were used to create school gardens, build raised bed planting boxes, repair and replace tools and irrigation systems, and purchase seeds, plants, top soil and amendments for existing gardens.

“We believe that Planting to Learn programs are an easy way to implement science standards and help children connect with their food and their environment,” said Louise Helland, co-chair of the EduGrow program. “It is gratifying to know children are picking and eating the pumpkins and carrots they grew themselves, in gardens improved through EduGrow grants. These programs also help build community and have a multiplying effect by engaging schools, students, parents and retailers in the process of funding and maintaining the projects.”

The EduGrow program also includes, on request, consultations, lessons and hands-on demonstrations presented to schools and youth groups.

“Fleurs Garden Club members possess a wealth of gardening experience and information,” said Betsy Ding, program co-chair. “An important element of the EduGrow program is sharing our collective knowledge with the next generation of gardeners.”

The South Valley Fleurs is a group of gardeners in the South Santa Clara County and San Benito County area. Members maintain several public gardens in Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister. The club also supports education in horticulture by offering grants to youth groups and school teachers who wish to include gardening in their curriculum.

The deadline is Jan. 15. For more information, contact Donna Dicker at [email protected] or call (408) 776-7867.