Last Updated: October 2025
Originally posted on October 20, 2013 by Don Edwards – Updated October 2025
Back in 2013, the rabbits were having a feast on our tender lettuce in the children’s garden.
To solve the problem, the young gardeners – Nidhi, Vincent, and Kyle – joined forces with their parents and our garden coordinator Don to build a sturdy wooden gate as part of the fencing project. What started as a small weekend activity quickly turned into a wonderful hands-on learning experience for everyone involved.
The process included everything from planning, measuring, sawing, drilling, and screwing, to digging and tamping the posts in place. Each step taught the children patience, teamwork, and the value of protecting what they grow. Parents guided the kids with the tools, ensuring safety while allowing them to do as much as possible on their own. The laughter, teamwork, and even the stamping of dirt around the posts became lasting memories for our garden community.
Once the gate stood firm, the group celebrated the accomplishment together. The children proudly tested the gate, opening and closing it with excitement – knowing they had created something real, useful, and protective for their garden. And as a reward for their hard work, everyone shared in a small harvest of radishes and broccoli from the main garden. It was a sweet reminder that gardening is not only about growing vegetables but also about growing community spirit, skills, and friendships.
Today, looking back from 2025, that same gate still represents the dedication and creativity of our youngest gardeners. Over the years, more children have joined the garden, fences have been improved, and harvests have become larger, but the spirit of those first builders remains part of the soil and the story of our community.