Kaifa Anderson-Hall is the program director for the Washington Youth Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum. A certified master gardener, she developed a love for horticulture during childhood visits to the arboretum.
How did the Youth Garden foster your interest in gardening?
I was a program participant in its early stages in the 1970s. In fifth grade, someone came into our science class to talk about the program, and the seedswere planted at that point. Growing up in the city, I never had a clue about the origins of food.
How did you end up back at the arboretum?
My professional background is in clinical social work. I have a passion for working with families and children, as well as horticulture and gardening. I also came back to the center in the spring of 2005 as a volunteer after losing my mother and father-in-law. The gardens gave me the opportunity to reflect and to reorient my life. I also grew up in the neighborhood around the arboretum. To be able to bring all of those pieces together was a tremendous gift.
What is your favorite food to grow?
My favorite is collards, and I also like carrots. My family grew up in the South, in North Carolina, and they were from a family of farmers. I was the rock star when I brought home fresh produce.
How has the demand for locally grown food changed over the years?
It’s night and day. The community garden movement has grown significantly in the D.C. area. When I was part of the program as a child, there were five of us from my school selected. Now there’s probably about 500 students that … [participate] throughout the year.
What changes do you see in the children who go through the program?
It gives them a wonderful sense of empowerment, and they become much more appreciative of fresh food.
