We have truly enjoyed our school garden and the wonderfully fresh and flavorful vegetables and herbs it has produced! Shortly after the start of the new school year, we held a family picnic. Everyone was asked to bring a dish.

With the help of our resident gardener, mom, and chef extraordinaire, Melissa Hall, the Garden Club made a tasty recipe to share: Garden Club Bruschetta. That afternoon, before the picnic, Ms. Hall and other garden club members picked the vegetables and herbs for their recipe. They picked eggplant, tomatoes, Italian Parsley, and lots of basil!

Melissa and the students whipped up the Garden Club Bruschetta and served it on platters to our guests at the picnic. It was a huge hit! As they served, the students were able to share their garden stories with new and returning families and even provide tours of the garden to those who weren’t familiar with it.

Thanks to Burpee’s “I Can Grow” program, the students, teachers and parents at West End are growing more than just vegetables; we’re growing a community filled with environmentally responsible gardeners of all ages who are eagerly learning about food production, the importance of nutrition and social responsibility. ~ Julie Prince, West End Middle School