My service learning project
consisted of my partner and me researching two assigned species: New Zealand
Spinach and Nasturtiums. These species are shown at the Educational Concerns
for Hunger Organization (ECHO), located in North Fort Myers, Florida. At ECHO
we learned of a variety of plant species that had many benefits. The two that
were assigned to us were particularly interesting, to me.
The New
Zealand Spinach has a few different names that it goes by including Tetragonia,
Ice Plant, Everbearing Spinach, Everlasting Spinach, Perpetual Spinach, and
Della Nuova Zelanda. It is used for cooking and is also used in salads. This
plant thrives in sunlight and requires well-drained, sandy soils. New Zealand
Spinach is an annual plant, which is very good. Its size varies, but on average
it can grow between one to two feet and the width between one and three feet
wide. It is found in New Zealand, of course, as well as Southern South America,
some islands, Australia, and Japan.
The
other plant we identified and researched was the Nasturtium. As far as edible
annual flowers goes, nasturtiums are one of the tastiest and easiest to grow. They
are perennial, herbaceous flowers that can grow on fences or trellises or even
window boxes. Their taste is very strong and sometimes only a little is needed
in cooking. The peppery taste can be added to meals for seasoning purposes.
They are also very high in the vitamins A, C, and D. These flowers are
extremely colorful and welcoming. Their colors range from yellow to orange to
red and are very bright. They create a beautiful, edible landscape. A benefit
of having flowers like these growing is that not only are they attractive and
edible, but they don’t require much attention. The soil they need does not have
to be rich and they do not need supplemental fertilizing or extensive care.
This makes it much easier for an individual to grow these and maintain them.
It was
neat creating these projects and was very informational. I never think about
the benefits of different plants or vegetables or how they benefit me directly.
But by paying more attention and really involving myself in getting to know
about these plants, I can help not only myself and the people I know, but my
clients in the future as a social worker. Those who come to me in need of food
and do not have the financial means to always provide for themselves and/or
their family can adapt these methods and learn of the benefits of different
types of species that they can grow. Not only can it be good for people to use
and eat, but it can be a fun family activity as well. Seeing them grow and
succeed is a satisfying feeling and knowing that you can provide for your
family is an even better one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD7NMfjVmHE&feature=youtu.be
Nasturtiums Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYeuNeAM6os
New Zealand Spinach Video
Nasturtium
New Zealand Spinach
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