The Secret Garden
Location: West Side Neighborhood – 231 Jackson Street, Wilmington DE
Fast Facts
Type: Flower & Vegetable Garden
Coordinator: Delaware Center for Horticulture
Created: 1996
“The Secret Garden is truly not a secret to the four year old classroom, but the excitement of the garden allows for creativity.” – Miss Vivian |
History: This children’s garden used by the Ministry of Caring Daycare was the brainchild of former community activist,  volunteer storyteller, child advocate, and “urban greener,” Sandy Poppiti, who saw this lot, once strewn with trash and drug paraphernalia, as an opportunity. Today, this spot is a respite for the children to call their own, a place where they can build self-esteem and a sense of ownership, a place to discover, a place to inspire, and a place to play. This youth garden was the first of its kind for the Delaware Center for Horticulture.
Impact: Every two weeks, the preschoolers of the Ministry of Caring take part in environmental education led by DCH staff and a group of dedicated volunteers. The children plant flowers, harvest vegetables and explore inquisitively in the garden. They create horticulture-inspired arts and crafts in their classroom where they cultivate an interest in and appreciation of the natural world. |
