The first two grants of Barbara's 10-year, $50,000 commitment to Sonoma County schools have been awarded to schools based in Petaluma, CA, home of the Barbara's Bakery Corporate Headquarters.

The 2001 grant went to Valley Vista School, a K-6 elementary school. With the Barbara's $5,000 grant as the cornerstone, the school was able to turn a dying patch of grass into a vibrant, child-centered garden.

The garden is completely organic and students initiate all planting and design.

The second $5,000 grant was presented in September 2002 to Petaluma's Mary E. Collins School. The funds are earmarked for the enlargement and further development of a small garden site at the school.

Valley Vista's Winter Garden

Valley Vista's organic garden and its bounty are used for project-based, interactive learning, ranging from botany and nutrition to art, math, agricultural management and entomology. A garden newsletter called "The Dirt" is produced regularly by the garden coordinator.

Valley Vista student on a planting dig.

The first Valley Vista school beds.

Valley Vista Garden - October 2002

Mary Collins School Garden

The Mary Collins teaching garden is a complete gardening experience that allows students to plant the garden, be worm farmers, grow compost and recycle. They have earmarked their funds for the enlargement and further development of a small garden site at the school.

Barbara's presents grant award to
Mary Collins School.

Everyone pitching in to start
the garden at Mary Collins School.

Kids planting in the garden.

For information on how to start your own teaching garden visit: "Starting a School Garden"