Carla’s Story

Carla Foley, Children’s Specialist/Arlington Hills Library, St. Paul Public Library

Vegetables, flowers, butterflies, bees, dirt, and kids. A great combination. Jaclyne from Urban Roots and I, Carla from the Arlington Hills Library, have had a lot of fun over the last four years hosting weekly storytimes in the Urban Roots Children’s Garden and watching the kids’ excited, proud, dirty faces as they learn and grow. First we read books and sing songs, then we get our hands dirty experiencing everything the garden has to offer. From chasing butterflies to examining bugs to learning about bees and honey. From planting seeds to harvesting vegetables to making our own salads and creating homemade pesto. The kids love every part of this learning experience. And a seed has indeed been planted.  

Jaclyne, Market Garden Program Director, leading a salsa making activity in the children’s garden.

What’s the most valuable seed that you and Urban Roots have planted, grown, and harvested, in yourself or our community?

The seed of discovery by young children on the East Side of St. Paul.

Vegetables, flowers, butterflies, bees, dirt, and kids. A great combination.

–Carla Foley, Children’s Specialist/Arlington Hills Library, St. Paul Public Library