by Ginny Roberts

The children at Citizen's Multi-Service Center had a very productive garden this summer. This is the fourth year for the garden at 17th and Ruckle behind School #27.

The kids planted peas, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, an assortment of greens, radishes, beets, okra, zucchini and green beans.

The fresh peas were a hit with the kids. They did, however, experience a crop failure as the bugs ate all the green beans.

A sensory garden, full of herbs and flowers, was added this year. There were mixed reviews of the herbs as the kids tasted them. They learned how to deadhead flowers and were introduced to seed saving. The children hope to start plants with their saved seeds next spring.

The season ended with the painting of a mural by the garden. The painting supplies were donated by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and the mural was designed and outlined by Nate Garvey, a student at Cathedral High School. The kids then spent a sunny afternoon taking turns painting the 4' x 46' mural.

It is beautiful and the kids were very proud of themselves.