This is a picture of a greenhouse at a public school playground in the midst of Sioux Falls, SD, The growth, the joy, the learning, and the planning has blossomed in the last five years. This past September, 2013, began year 6. On Saturday, October, 26, 2013, the greenhouse which served as the symbol of the first teaching garden sponsored by multiples of local and regional partners, and the non-profit, Ground Works, saw its last day at the pavement locked school.
Students from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA gathered with teachers from Lowell Elementary, volunteers from the neighborhood, and the staff of Ground Works to take down the structure which was originally donated from a Wal-Mart in Pierre, SD, 4 of the people who were part of the original build and dedication donned gloves and dismantled the symbol, which for 5 years has been such a source of hope and pride.
You may ask why this had to happen. 1 word: Vandalism.
Short, not sweet, but certainly to the point.
A flourishing garden naturally lends itself to some curiosity. The sight of purple eggplants growing in the sun provides as much temptation as ripe tomatoes hanging from their vines. Some innocent exploration and the occasional splat is understandable and expected. Hey, at least they are in the garden and taking enough time inspecting to cause a little commotion. Even the innocent removal of a watermelon or pumpkin from its moorings provides a moment of learning for young hands who try to attach it after its been plucked. One can smile at that and use it as a learning and teaching moment of growth, science, and measurement. The possibilities are endless for instruction.
HOWEVER!!!!! One cannot stand for nor tolerate the intentional destructive and violent actions of persons bent on destroying something that belongs to the children, families, teachers, and neighbors who reside in and near the school where the garden grows. Yes, the violent and destructive nature of vandalism has visited not only this garden but 2 others in the Sioux Falls area. No leads on the individuals or the motives have surfaced, but it begs the question as to what is happening recently.
The greenhouse frequently saw various items littering the floor not once, but multiple times. Each time the garden manager had a class out in the garden, she had to first canvas the area , ensuring that any nefarious items were disposed of appropriately. Bottle rockets, broken pots and cinder blocks lay spewed on the ground, while the beds were the picture of upended plants, vegetation, and footprints. We won’t even elaborate on the inappropriate material found which would cause any adult to shake their head in disgust and worry even more about the safety of the children in the neighborhood. Rest assured whatever the mind may be imagining now is nothing short of what has already been pictured.
For months, members who have been involved in this garden have hoped against all hopes that the activity would cease. No such luck. In fact, with each passing weekend, the activity increased and the destruction gained momentum. With support from all partners, teachers involved, and earlier mentioned non-profit staff members, the request of the principal for the greenhouse to be removed, was heeded. Above all, the safety of the students, teachers, and neighbors trumps the presence of a structure–any structure. With all partners and collaborators set on the mindset that this and other gardens exist for the purpose of education in academia, scientific inquiry, health and personal wellness, environmental sustainability, and the practice of being a great neighbor, plans were made and executed with good faith and attitude.
As the garden manager and long invested partners gathered to look at the greenhouse one last time, the feeling of anger and frustration surfaced once again as the issue of why now, why this place were left unanswered. The anger, not directed at those dismantling, went to the core of those causing the violence and the overall safety of the children to be compromised. So, while 20 pound cinder blocks were stacked, ready for a flatbed, the frustration gave way to a unified sense of satisfaction that the growing beds remain. The learning continues, the bridge for school and community exists, and gathered on the pavement were people committed to the education of children. Unspoken feelings of satisfaction replaced frustration as teams of people worked together to right the wrongs caused by those not able to see the benefit of what they sought to destroy.
There is the wonderful key….their destruction did not dampen the spirits of those rolling up their sleeves. Their desire to deny others gave way to dreaming and planning of a different sort. Those who have been present from day one 5 years ago remember fondly the seminary student who dared to ask, “What if?” That same question came full circle yesterday. Just as in the past, if something was uprooted, it was immediately replanted. The ideas of expansion took shape and smiles spread across faces. College students never before met, served alongside teachers who cared. Strangers, made friends demonstrated EXACTLY what the teaching gardens proclaim they do. They bridge the divide of race, gender, station, desire, education, and financial or social standing. Conversations of teamwork, student dreams, and future garden plans were discussed with good humor. Throw in some sunshine, free food, laughter, and the ulterior motives of others were forgotten. That is right, the motives of those who sought to ruin, were disregarded. Violence did not have the last word, nor was it the attitude allowed to take root. It did not take an angry response to stop the behavior. Hard work, teamwork, and community proved more important than reacting. Proactive response demonstrated more maturity and collaboration than a few wreaking havoc.
There are other gardens in the area being targeted. Ground Works offers the hand of positive partnership to calling an end to such behavior. We remain committed, along with others, that the cycles of violence and destruction have a source far deeper than what the surface represents. It is our obligation to go below that surface and ask the tough questions and listen when even tougher answers come forth. It is our obligation to ensure that a safe and productive learning environment blossoms not only at the gardens we serve, but for those gardens experiencing similar issues.
Destruction has no place in our neighborhoods, or near our schools. The group yesterday stood positive that quiet and well planned and executed response is of far more worth than misplaced anger. Love wins, it always wins. Now, try to destroy that!
cindythea
divinewrites 