LEXINGTON, Ky. — Greene Landing is a family-owned farm and garden in Lexington who is using the summer to show young people some of what nature can do for them. 

Sixteen-year-old Katie Mason is a student who is using her summer break from school to learn a little more about her passion for nature. 

“I am outside and I’m getting exercise and I am getting a tan, so it’s been really fun.” She describes the environment that she is adapting to as someone who is strongly interested in plant life and where even her food might come from.

Mason and other students are exploring the Greene’s fields of tomatoes, strawberries, zucchini and the daisies.

The goal is for Mason and other students is to learn how they can grow these items themselves each year or when the season approaches. 

James Leavell Greene has helped grow several rows of fruits and vegetables across their garden in the last few years. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

“You know, education doesn’t stop inside the classroom. You always have an opportunity to learn, and so being out here in nature is one of the greatest teachers,” Greene Landing manager, James Leavell-Greene said. For Mason, it’s more than just getting hands-on experience in the field. It also helps her manage stress. 

Mason believes it could do the same for other young people in the city who may deal with violent situations. She said, “It can be an activity that people get used to, stop a bunch of like violence like just doing different things that calm them down.”

Jojuanna Greene says they attempt to introduce students to alternative activities. The group preps flowers and takes them to a Lexington senior center as a special gift.

Greene Landing says they not only want to grow Kentucky proud produce, but grow Kentucky’s future too.