Summer in the Garden: a Youth Perspective

I first became involved in CitySprouts in the summer of 2017. Although I have always been a keen gardener, I hadn’t done much gardening that year. We had just moved to Massachusetts and were still getting used to our new surroundings, and of course the weather! So, when I came across the CitySprouts summer internship program, I immediately filled out the application. I couldn’t wait to get my hands back in the soil.

I had such an amazing experience with CitySprouts that summer. I rediscovered my love for gardening, and I also picked up a hobby - garden photography! Throughout the summer, I was constantly documenting the growth of the vibrant radishes and fragrant basil. I also loved taking pictures of the food that we made. I always looked forward to coming home and sharing photos of what I had been up in the garden with my family.

As the summer came to a close, I was sad to part ways with CitySprouts. Fortunately, I found out about the Youth Leadership Team! I have so many fond memories of gardening, experimenting with new CitySprouts recipes, and working with other team members to create a project to present at DigIt!. 

Each year after my summer internship at CitySprouts, I have worked with my mum to build a garden in our backyard. We don’t have much space, but one of my biggest takeaways from my time at CitySprouts is that you don’t have to have a huge space to grow your own food.

Given that the world is so chaotic right now, I find it very peaceful to go into my garden. I am surrounded by chirping birds, and lovely colorful plants. Sometimes, I forget that I am in the middle of the city and I think I am somewhere far away! There is something very calming about getting my hands in the soil and spending time with the plants. After all, no matter what is happening in the world, the plants will just keep doing their job - to grow! I am grateful that this year, I’ve been able to spend more time in my garden watching the progression of the plants from seedlings to big, tasty vegetables!

Saffron Patel, CitySprouts youth alum