The School Garden Initiative (SGI) will make science, ecology and wellness more relevant to youngsters by providing hands-on learning opportunities in a real garden. An 8.5 acre garden, to be exact, with invigorating nature walks, calming water, lush flower gardens, organic fruits and vegetables that can be harvested and taken home, and educational programs that promote recycling and eco-friendly lifestyles. Above all, Wonderland is a place kids can go to get their hands dirty and feel Mother Earth at her best.
An “Evening in the Garden” will showcase some of the activities teachers can expose their students to and pair with the educational curriculum. Guests can mix, mingle and enjoy jazz during the event, which will be held from 5-7 p.m. in Wonderland’s George Washington Carver Outdoor Classroom, 3145 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. (The gardens are located next to the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center.) Tickets are $25 per person or $40 for “seed” level membership.
Congressman Hank Johnson, State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and representatives from the Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Towers Community Association are event hosts and expected to attend.
Wonderland is one of a million public gardens around the country that First Lady Michelle Obama praised for the important role it plays for urban dwellers who don’t have yards. The nonprofit, developed more than 10 years ago, was created to promote environmental awareness long before being ‘green’ was fashionable.
The gardens were conceived in 1987 by executive director Sheldon Fleming, in memory of his late sister. He and co-founder, Michael Davis, broke ground in 1996. The green space is open from dawn to dusk to anyone who wants to commune with nature.
The SGI will enable DeKalb teachers to take students on quarterly field trips to Wonderland for outdoor science labs, demonstrations and special projects that enhance the school curriculum. Opportunities to form garden clubs, plant gardens and learn about landscaping will also be cultivated.
The gardens offers a number of programs for the general public, including Life Skills and Green Living workshops for children, adults and seniors that provide practical ways to incorporate healthy lifestyles on a daily basis. Topics range from organic gardening, recycling and composting, to nutrition and cooking.
Wonderland is also available for private events, such as weddings, corporate retreats, birthday parties and special occasions.
With Fleming’s background as a gardener and host of TV One’s “Can You Dig It?”, the possibilities are endless.
For tickets to the benefit or for more information about Wonderland Gardens, visit www.wonderlandgardens.net/
About Wonderland Gardens:
Wonderland Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to stewardship of the Earth through programs that actively promote organic gardening, Green education, recycling and healthy living in communion with nature. For more than a decade, Wonderland Gardens has been an 8.5 acre community resource that provides opportunities for Green education programs, invigorating nature walks, restful flower gardens and organically grown fruits and vegetables that are available for public viewing and consumption. The Wonderland Gardens’ concept is unique within the urban community, but also appeals to individuals from diverse backgrounds who seek a place of healing and respite from their daily toils. Wonderland’
For More Information Contact:
Shana Davis
Wonderland Gardens
404.286.6163 x2
sdavis@wonderlandgardens.org
