Apr 22, 2011
Burpee Installs School Garden In TampaSource: Burpee Home Gardens

Earlier this month, Burpee Home Gardens kicked off its 2011 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Award planting season with the students and faculty at Robles Elementary School in Tampa, Fla.

On April 6, more than 250 Burpee vegetable and herb plants were delivered, and Robles students from all grade levels helped install their new school garden and raised vegetable beds. They were led and coordinated by the Burpee Home Gardens team, and Robles science resource teacher Christine Danger.

“For years, the teachers at Robles Elementary School have been passionate about gardening and developing an outdoor learning environment for our students,” says Danger. “Receiving this award will not only allow us to begin a much-anticipated garden, but also bring powerful hands-on learning, wonder and joy to our students and staff.”

The planting day received coverage by local media, including a 2-minute newscast segment by WFLA-NBC Tampa; an article in Tampa Bay Parenting magazine; and a featured gardening demonstration by marketing director Diane Hund on “Daytime,” a local Tampa morning show.

Growers and retailers participating in the Burpee Home Gardens vegetable program will continue to see an upswing in media attention as the rest of the “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Award winners’ gardens are planted. Garden installation events and further media outreach is planned for Nashville, Tennessee; Washington, D.C.; Detroit, Michigan; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“Consumer interest in homegrown vegetables remains high, and Burpee Home Gardens is there with a positive message, and consumer tools and resources for success,” says Hund.

For more information about Burpee Home Gardens and the “I Can Grow” program, visit www.burpeehomegardens.com. To become a Burpee Home Gardens certified grower or retailer, visit www.ballhort.com/burpeehomegardens.