Participant Best of All Moment – Shep’s Amazing Green Thumbs

Shep’s Amazing Green Thumbs

We are sure you all have heard of “find your happy place.” Well one of our participants, Shep has certainly taken that to a whole new level.

Last year we learned in his literacy tutor sessions that Shep loves his vegetables, especially beets and not just any ole beets but his beets. He explored and used his communication skills to let his parents know.

GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, thanks to the Christ Lutheran Church, was donated a community garden plot where it could be utilized in our programs, primarily GiGi’s Kitchen, teaching a multitude of skills such as exploration. When we learned Shep was interested in veggies and it just so happened we were growing beets, well it was a pretty easy connection that we could offer a fresh GiGi’s beet to Shep. Unfortunately, Shep was not a huge fan of fresh beets but instead made a new friend, his beet and the garden.

We soon learned Shep had a special connection with his vegetables, especially in the garden. Shep had a natural knack for growing and talking to his garden which they seem to like. His parents say that Shep is so happy when he gets to be in his garden, watering and watching his veggies grow. Shep let us know he is growing pumpkins and tomatoes and would share with his GiGi’s friends once they were ready to use during GiGi’s Kitchen!

We even asked if Shep would like to be our official GiGi’s Gardener and held it grow just as beautiful as his as well as share how he grows things with his GiGi’s friends. He’s thinking about it!

Finding a place that makes you happy can be as easy as gardening or just being around plants or even out doors. Be open to the possibilities and find your happy place just like Shep did!

If you are a gardener and would like to volunteer to assist Shep in maintaining our garden please visit the link below. We are also looking for all types of volunteers. Click on the link below to explore.