A Celebration in the Garden

We held a Celebration in the Marquez Garden on May 18 to honor donors and to showcase the garden program.  Over twenty-five students from grades 2-5 served as tour guides and chefs and talked about some of their garden projects.

Our honored guests included donor representatives Scott Gibson from Gibson International Realty, Mike Lee from Gelson's, Barbara Marinacci and Jack Sanders from the Pacific Palisades Garden Club and Boy Scout Zach Eastland. Scott Gibson is a former Marquez parent who has made annual gifts to the garden program. Gelson's supplements our seed to table tastings with their organic produce. The PPGC has donated generously to the Native American Garden. Zach Eastland is one of three Boy Scouts who built items in the garden as part of their Eagle Projects. The others were Parker Smith and Piers Carmichael. Other 2015-16 donors who could not attend included Kellogg's Garden Supply, Whole Kids Foundation, Western Growers Association and Jamba Juice. Jeannie Kamm represented School Board President Steve Zimmer.

Students at various stations described their grow light garden projects, composting with worms, Three Sisters's Garden, the Native American Garden, the Peter Rabbit and Salsa Garden and the butterfly garden. Other students prepared and served some of their favorite foods including vegetable salad and broccoli. Both guests and students enjoyed the food!

Thanks to Amanda and Linda Keston and Laurie Vander Veen for helping with the celebration and to Nicola Buck for taking photos.