Families to explore 'edible schoolyard' this weekend

To celebrate the harvest of the first organic crop from the new “edible schoolyard,” the Garden Education Center invites the community to join the opening ceremony of its outdoor classroom at The Harvest Moon Festival on Sunday, Oct. 18 from noon to 3, rain or shine.



Exploring the pumpkin patch, searching the Pinetum in a scavenger hunt, mastering a wildlife obstacle course and riding a pony are just some of the children’s activities that will be featured this weekend at the center, 130 Bible St. in Cos Cob. An opening ceremony commemorating its Teich teaching vegetable garden will be followed by cooking demonstrations of delicious home-grown organic vegetables, guided tours of the Montgomery Pinetum, family portraits by Samuel Owen Photography and refreshments. Families are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to Neighbor to Neighbor and receive a raffle ticket for garden-related prizes.

The Garden Eduction Center's Teich Garden Classroom educates, inspires and creates an awareness of healthy and sustainable living practices. The Greenwich community has the opportunity to experience organic vegetable gardening through hands-on educational programs. From seedling to salad, engaging activities will help families understand where food comes from and how to grow their own vegetables from the ground up. Teich gardens are designed to enrich the academic and healthy living experiences of children in elementary, middle and high school.

"A Classroom In Every Garden" teaches and promotes sustainable agriculture, science, math, dietary education, personal development, teamwork and so much more. Children learn lifelong habits that encourage health, wellness and sustainable action plans for their future.

The Garden Education Center at the Montgomery Pinetum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting horticulture, conservation and the arts through educational outreach activities and special events.

Early registration is $20 per family online or $30 per family at the festival.