September Meeting: Connecting Children to Gardening in Schools and at Home

A garden is much more than a home for plants — it is a rich learning experience for every age and a platform for teaching healthy eating habits. Building a beautiful, healthy, productive garden is easier than you think! In this presentation, learn how you can grow your child's interest in gardening and the benefits of gardening at home and in school. Phipps Science Education Coordinator Jennifer Torrance will explore ways to engage children educationally in a garden setting and explaining the benefits of eating healthy, homegrown vegetables, including best practices for creating lessons around the garden, STEAM activities and garden games. Associate Director of Adult Education and Community Outreach Gabe Tilove will cover best practices for fall gardening and planting, exploring the benefits of raised bed vegetable gardens and the square foot method of garden planning.

Meet the Speakers

Jennifer Torrance is the science education coordinator at Phipps. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating science education programming. Jennifer holds a bachelor of science in environmental science from Allegheny College. She has been sparking children’s passion for the natural world at Phipps since 2016. She loves encouraging creativity and introducing children to fascinating new concepts.

Gabe Tilove is the associate director of adult education and community outreach for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where he works to connect people more closely to the beauty of the natural world through education and outreach. Gabe directs 200+ classes annually on topics ranging from sustainable horticulture and native plant landscapes to botanical art and floral design, and now culinary arts in Phipps new teaching kitchen where students explore the intersection of food, plants, health and culture. In 2013, Gabe helped launch Phipps Homegrown program, and edible garden outreach program installing raised bed gardens for food insecure families. Over 225 backyard gardens have been installed to date.

Directions and Parking

This meeting will take place in the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) Classroom which is located on the facility’s first floor. The main Conservatory entrance will be closed, as this meeting takes place after normal hours; to access the CSL, follow Frew Street (located between the Oakland/Schenley Park bridge and the Christopher Columbus statue), which will take you around the Conservatory to the lower campus. Guest parking spaces are available on your left as you approach the CSL.