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Students were asked to collect seeds and grains from the preparation of their daily meals, which would be used for our work. This activity invited children and their parents to reflect on the environment and the world through an increased awareness of the unique role of seeds. After the air we breathe, water and food are the most important elements of nature that have a direct impact on us.

As we explore this role, we begin to observe food differently. Where are seeds of strawberries? Is the potato itself a seed? Do all the vegetables we eat have seeds? Seeds, for example, from the apples or pears we eat at breakfast, embody nature’s energy powerhouse. One small seed can grow into a tree bearing hundreds of apples. Seeds of pumpkins, the stones of cherries, the pits of peaches-- all of them can germinate, exemplifying as they grow the beauty of the diversity inherent in all of nature.

As we worked we asked ourselves these questions: will the seeds we collect really germinate? Can the grains of rice we eat today sprout? White rice will not germinate but, if we are eating whole brown rice, probably yes. If some corn kernels don't germinate, it may mean that they are a genetically modified organism, incapable of bearing fruit.

Seeds revealed their distinct character; a red delicious apple seed colored the cotton sprouting medium with tinges of red. A student couldn't remember if he was sprouting a cucumber or apple seed. When the seedling appeared, it bore the fragrant smell of cucumber. We found it challenging to germinate seeds and to keep those that did viable, further emphasizing the fragility of nature's balance.

Constructing greenhouses for their seedlings, children gained intimate hands-on experience in protecting a part of our environment, in becoming green stewards. The total experience brought us all a greater awareness of the important role and contribution seeds play in our daily existence. Through its exploration of the simple and essential beauty of regeneration the Seeding Project celebrates our direct connection with nature.

Shinji Turner-Yamamoto
Arlington, VA, April 2008

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