Village Condominium Association

American Grown: a book review
by J. F. Weiler

Friendly, folksy and informative describe Michelle Obama's garden book! Also, useful, down-to-earth garden advice we can all utilize from the National Park Service Supervisory Horticulturist, Jim Adams.

American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America documents the creation of the South Lawn vegetable garden and Michelle's concerns about America's obesity problem. The sharp decrease in physical fitness of Army recruits,
caused by a lack of good nutrition and exercise is discussed by U.S. Army Lieutenant General Hurtling.

The Garden is cared for by 23 fifth-graders, Michelle, Bo
(the Obamas' dog), backed up by the U.S. Park Service. Serious gardeners' issues such as working with compacted soil and dealing with cutworms are discussed. One third of the kitchen garden produce is donated to Miriam’s Kitchen, a Washington, D.C., organization helping the homeless.

The book is organized around the four seasons, with seasonal crops and recipes. There are entertaining descriptions of setting up a beehive and processing the honey, the Three Sisters Planting Day, and best of all, the White House chef's excellent vegetable recipes. White House chef Bill's recipe for Sweet Potato Quick Bread makes my mouth water!

Two green thumbs up! For more information visit www.AmericanGrown.com

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Written for the Oct. 2012 Village Newsletter.