A living example of Orange County\u2019s Sustainable Plan, \u201cOur Home for Life<\/em>,\u201d the Employee Plant Sustainable Garden has become a focal point at the downtown Orange County Government Administration Center.<\/p>\n Several County employees volunteered on a Saturday morning in June to plant herbs and vegetables in large planters on the third-floor veranda to display urban gardening and teach sustainable gardening practices.<\/p>\n \u201cWe recently attended a presentation on local food sources at the Orange County Sustainability Advisory Board meeting and became inspired,\u201d said Alan Marshall, assistant to the Director of the Community, Environmental and Development Services Department (CEDS). \u201cWe created the plantings and put out a call for gardeners.\u201d<\/p>\n Each day a different Orange County employee takes a few moments to water the garden as needed. They also snip away unhealthy pieces, inspect for bugs and learn the ropes of sustainable gardening along the way.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have tried to use organic means of pest control and fertilization, thereby reducing the addition of harmful chemicals into our environment and food sources,\u201d said Lori Forsman, Sustainability Specialist for CEDS.<\/p>\n Eggplant, okra, tomatoes, basil, thyme and oregano are just a few of the items available for harvest. Each Friday, employees harvest the herbs and vegetables in packets to share with fellow employees. Sometimes the packets include a recipe so that employees can try something new for dinner. It\u2019s a great way to brighten someone\u2019s day and teach the fundamentals of Orange County\u2019s Sustainability Plan.<\/p>\n The garden has generated discussions and has sparked great relationships among the CEDS team and other employees. It has provided a way to share knowledge about gardening and cooking. The hope is that employees throughout the County are inspired to start their own community gardens, backyard gardens or even container gardens at their own workplace.<\/p>\n Employees are invited to watch the garden grow and participate in nurturing the plants. To learn more about Orange County\u2019s Sustainability Plan, visit www.ochomeforlife.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n