Presenting “Ecstatic Radish Bounty”

In one of our inaugural sessions of Dirt Girls, I invited four participants to harvest radishes. They did so with gusto and marveled at the red orbs they gently pulled from the soil. Their faces express the surprise of finding an unexpected gift from the Earth.

The photo that captured this moment has become an oft-used representation of what the program offered: outdoor exploration with a touch of discovery in the company of friends. From a therapeutic horticulture perspective, Dirt Girls offered cognitive, social, emotional, physical and even spiritual benefits. For several years, we even touted the potential for influencing participants to pursue STEM careers, offering vocational benefits as well. 

In May of 2020, we hosted a virtual sendoff for a handful of those first participants who were promoted to middle school. I called them the ‘original’ dirt girls, in part because they had been in the program since its inception in 2016 (as second graders), but mostly for their uniqueness.

Retention (how long participants stay) is just one of the many indicators used to measure program success. Like the plants we nurtured in the school garden, I witnessed the four participants who remained in the program for four years make a significant transition through their “tween” years (the target age of Dirt Girls was 8 to 11). 

Last year, the ‘original’ Dirt Girls matriculated once again (this time from middle school to high school). It felt appropriate to retire the use of the radish harvest photograph. However, in an effort to preserve the spirit of the image, I commissioned a painting from a donor. The artist titled the painting “Ecstatic Radish Bounty” and beautifully expressed the joy derived from the discovery of the natural (and cultivated) world.

During our campaign for Can Do’s Give!Guide Napa Valley, we forged a business partnership, secured through my neighbor, artist (and new donor), Maggy Walton. With the generous support of Napa Printing, we have cards to send to former and prospective Dirt Girls participants as well as donors and friends. 

We are so grateful for the generosity of the community that enabled us to raise nearly five thousand dollars. These donations will be put to good use relaunching the Dirt Girls program this spring.

If you would like to receive a copy of Ecstatic Radish Bounty, please complete this form.