Growing the Greenest Kids in Brooklyn

As Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates 100 years of its groundbreaking Children’s Garden, what a great moment to pause and reflect on the impact that children have had on the greening of our borough. One wonderful example has taken place beyond the gates of BBG, right at our doorsteps: the Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest. After 20 years of friendly competition, it’s safe to say that a generation of Brooklyn children have come of age cleaning and greening their blocks with their neighbors. Every summer, as the judges walk the blocks entered in the contest, I am inspired by the ways that gardening bridges the generation gap.

Here are some tips—gleaned from some of Brooklyn’s greenest neighbors—for getting kids greening on your block:

• Ask kids what they’d like to do. Gather your young neighbors together and consider their ideas.
• A garden of their own? Try to find even a small patch that kids can cultivate themselves.
• Stay safe. From the start, establish ground rules for tool use. Keep kids away from potentially toxic plants. Discuss and practice good hygiene.
• Keep it simple. Start small; come up with manageable activities that can be accomplished in no more than a couple of hours.
• Let kids do the heavy lifting. Does everyone have something to do? You may be surprised at how much water or mulch a child can carry!
• Keep up the momentum. Have regular activities throughout the season, including painting signs, decorating, mulching, watering, weeding, and deadheading.
• Everyone learns and everyone teaches! Ask questions and work together to identify common weeds, native plants, or street tree species.
• Celebrate your achievements, and always remember to have fun!

Take note! To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Children’s Garden, this year’s contest will offer a special award for Best Children’s Gardening Project. But remember, you have to be in it to win it! Got questions? Ask Brooklyn Botanic Garden's community greening staff, or check out one of our free workshops!

For more inspiration on gardening with children, check out BBG’s handbook Gardening with Children.