Yes, they did have the planting day, and it was with the same kids who helped dig up the patch of lawn a couple weeks ago. Apparently, they will have them return yet again and cook some of the food and eat it together. That is cool. A few notes:
- The emphasis that Michelle is putting on the symbolism of the kids’ participation is simply fantastic along with the connection to eating the food they grow.
- Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of Agriculture, was present for the planting. That is really a big deal, because the Dept. of Ag. has largely been focused on the politics of food growers, whereas his presence at this event emphasizes the politics of food consumers.
I love this last little picture, because it captures what I have striven for in my garden and the garden at my daughter’s elementary school. Grow things that are visceral: good taste, good smell and visually appealing, because that is what gets embedded in a kid’s mind and becomes the memory and guidepost for the adult in later years.
- Uh, it is nice to see Mrs. Obama wearing something more akin to grubby clothes for the gardening. Turning over the sod in her black dress last time was just not right.