FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO OPEN THIS YEAR’S “GROW IT EAT IT” GARDEN

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 3, 2011) – TOMORROW, First Lady Katie O’Malley, joined by the University of Maryland Master Gardeners and students from Cedar Chapel Special School in Worcester County will plant a food garden at Government House for the third consecutive year.  Master Gardeners and students from Cedar Chapel Special School in Snow Hill (Worcester County) will join the First Lady to plant the garden and refreshments made with items from the garden will be served. First Lady O’Malley will also promote the University of Maryland Master Gardener Vegetable Gardening classes and events to teach more Marylanders how to create their own backyard garden and grow their own food. Sue Langley, beekeeper for the Government House bee hive, will also be on available to answer questions.

First Lady O’Malley is partnering with University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center and Master Gardeners to promote the “Grow It Eat It campaign” which encourages Maryland families to improve health and save money by growing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs using sustainable practices.  The campaign hopes to encourage 1 million Marylanders to produce their own affordable, healthy food.  More information on the campaign and the University of Maryland’s Master Gardener program can be found at www.growit.umd.edu.  

Maryland is one of the first states in the in the nation to have a backyard food garden at the Governor’s home. The vegetable garden sets a realistic example of what Maryland families can do in their own backyards.    

WHAT:                       First Lady to officially open this year’s “Grow It Eat It” Garden

WHEN:                       TOMORROW, Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:                     Government House, Annapolis, MD