Roses, vines and growing minds

seedling
A leaflet grows in a hanging pot. Photo by Xandie Kuenning

WASHINGTON — Behind the National Cathedral, in the center of the urban political jungle that is Washington D.C., lies a 4-acre haven for those looking to escape the hectic city through gardening. The Newark Street Community Garden is the largest community garden in the D.C. area and has been growing in plot size and popularity since Anne Chase founded it in 1974 to support National Food Day. Filled with 200 plots and with 190 members, the garden offers a variety of programs and opportunities for people of all ages.
“We have tried to create an environment where the neighborhood is welcomed into it,” former president Susan Akman said.
During the 30th anniversary of the garden, around 2004, Akman created a children’s program for little ones under the age of 4. It began just for people living in the nearby McLean apartments but has since expanded to include all residents in the District. The program now has an email list with more than 90 recipients. There is an average attendance of 25-35 children, each with a supervising adult. The program begins with a 5-10 minute story that leads into the planting and later harvest of that season’s vegetable. Akman always tries to plant new things each year, in order to display a variety for the children.
“When my children were little, I tried to plant something different every year to try to expose them to many types of plants,” she said.

child at the park
Alison Rodriguez, 2, eats goldfish on the slide while her mother watches. Photo by Xandie Kuenning she said.

This year, the older children planned the program as Akman was too busy to organize it alone. Akman asked several of the regular juvenile gardeners if they would be able to help coordinate the activities for the younger children.
“”[The older children] could reminisce about their time here,” Akman said.
Along with the children’s garden, the community garden also has a playground. Children and adult caregivers from all over the area have found their way to the jungle gym which has a garden theme. One family from Florida found their way to this park during a walk.
“This place looked really cool and the flowers were really pretty,” said Eden MacClave, 12.
Both she and her mother found the area a welcoming environment in comparison to their home in Florida.
“People are super super nice. Where I’m from people are too busy and too important to talk. Everyone is smiling here. The human element is so friendly,” said Maria Teresa Kline.
Whether you come from Florida or are a native of the District, the Newark Street Community Garden draws even the youngest of patrons in with its bold foliage and friendly playground.