Garden Fresh

There is nothing as fresh as an open garden underneath the burning sun. The University of Washington farm is an escape from the bustle of a busy campus and a hide away from the stresses of a modern city. The farm encompasses a small amount of property developed by “rebel” students. I found that as I walked with my ‘Anthropology of Food’ class, I was overwhelmed with a sense of wanting to do something more. It never occurred to me how a simple garden could express so much.

The idea that modern gardens only include flowers and ground cover for beauty is becoming dated. With the growing concern of pesticides and poisons, garden has become another word for farm. I never realized how many beautiful colors grew from edible plants. Whenever I thought about a farm, I automatically assumed corn stalks and wheat fields. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw an elaborate array of colors and textures.

Knowing exactly where your food comes from and what has gone into it is a powerful notion. I am constantly worried about what other ingredients are going into the food I eat and the harmful effects they are going to have. I walked away from the University of Washington’s farm knowing that I can make a change, not only for myself, but the environment. The farm not only serves as a source of food, but a habitat for animals and a beautiful sight to see.