This summer I have worked at the Governor's residence with a group of my horticulture students. Over thirty students have had an opportunity to participate in the Governor's Garden Buddies, which is what we call ourselves. These girls come from all corners of the state of Indiana and will be able to take what they have learned and experienced while par-ticipating back to their own com-munities when they return home.

The work they have done has been seen by thousands of visitors and the result has been one of great pride and a feeling of ownership. The students have felt like they own the garden. When they arrive at the residence they feel like they are at home. Patty, Sarah and Bob, the Master Gardeners who worked with us, taught the girls many things about the plants found in the beds and the formal gardens on the grounds. Dexter, who is on the residence staff, has shared many historical facts, jokes and anecdotes while helping us in the garden. Nancy, the residence director, has been there along with Pat, one of the residence gardeners, to make sure things are running smoothly and to assist when needed.

The overall atmosphere has been one of commitment and eagerness to do the best possible job. From the time we arrive until we leave, the girls just literally take over and get to work because they already have an idea as to what they want to do. Whether it is to harvest produce or to do the dreaded weeding, the girls move right to the area that they select to work in and begin. Never are there any arguments, fussing or refusal to work. They have learned to share, help others when needed and have maintained their areas with a determination to make it the best. At times, it has been difficult to get our girls to leave because they were determined to finish the job and because they were having such a good time.

Working as a team, setting goals, being able to make their own choices and acting on those decisions has proven to make happy gardeners.

The girls have had the opportunity to talk and work in the gardens with Mrs. O'Bannon, the First Lady of Indiana, and some of the students were interviewed for a community gardening article in the Indianapolis Star. The girls had the opportunity to have photos taken with Mrs. O'Bannon and helped to maintain oak trees for the First Lady's Millenium project.

They've also had the chance to submit drawings for the limestone project for the millenium and see the carving being done by the artist. Additionally, they were youth volunteers at a booth for Very Special Arts Indiana's "Day of the Arts" at the residence.

Volunteering, sharing, art experiences, educational experiences, learning history, and being responsible for making a plan, following the plan and making it successful are the results of this project. Friendships have been made and for these students the opportunity to do special things and see a different side of life.