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Houston City Gardens
News Release
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Celebration to mark Mayor’s City Gardens’ second anniversary
Houston project spotlighted in Michelle Obama’s new book on gardens
What:
Mayor’s City Gardens Celebration
When:
Wednesday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where:
611 Walker Plaza outside Bob Lanier Public Works Building
Two years after seeds were sowed in nearly 40 giant pots that line the cement streets around the city Bob Lanier Public Works Building, edible plants from mint and lemongrass to Chinese spinach and flowering jalapeños are thriving in these minigardens. City Gardens, a team of city employees who volunteer as gardeners for the project, is throwing a block party to mark the second anniversary of the little oases created as part of the city effort to reverse the perception of downtown as a concrete jungle. It will also be an occasion to celebrate the inclusion of the Houston City Gardens project in U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama’s book, “American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America,” released on May 29.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity for the City Gardens to showcase our city in such a positive way,” said Tambri Elkins, president of City Gardens. “We are the only gardens in Texas recognized by the First Lady.”
The event will draw veteran gardeners and novice enthusiasts. Participants will receive gardening literature and materials such as fertilizers and seeds. Gardening gurus will teach composting and rainwater--‐catching techniques and how to create an ecosystem in gardens.
The project, originally conceived by Houston landscape architect Keiji Asakura, has garnered support by Scotts, a provider of lawn--‐ and garden--‐care service and products, and numerous nonprofits including Keep Houston Beautiful and Urban Harvest. Each of the 60--‐gallon container gardens is adopted by a floor of the 26--‐floor Bob Lanier Public Works Building, home to many city departments.
Funded primarily through donation and bake sales, City Gardens have spun off to more than a dozen satellite locations across the city. The project also supports other community gardens such as the Victory Garden in the Tranquility Park across from the downtown City Gardens by providing manpower, supplies nd education.
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