Study Guide
Grades 7-12, College, Adult
Directed by Nicholas Wellington
DVD Purchase $79, Rent $45
US Release Date: 1992
Copyright Date: 1992
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-659-4
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-453-1
Subjects
Criminology
Environment
Gardening
Horticulture
Humanities
Social Psychology
Social Studies
Urban Studies
Women's Studies
Awards and Festivals
First Prize, Marin County National Film & Video Competition
American Film & Video Festival
National Educational Film & Video Festival
San Francisco Environmental Film Festival
Horticulture dramatically improves prisoners' attitudes.
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"This inspiring program lends an optimistic perspective to prison rehabilitation." Booklist |
At the San Francisco County Jail, a voluntary horticulture program is changing prisoner attitudes. Part of the compound has been converted to a flower and vegetable garden, and the harvest is donated to community food banks. The successful gardening program, created by Catherine Sneed, has instilled in many prisoners a new sense of self-worth, respect for life and connection to the community.
Outside of the jail, the program is blossoming into a network of community and school gardens. Ex-prisoners, business people, students, gardeners, Whites, Latinos, and African-Americans come together to work and create a place that is beautiful, functional and safe.
Besides showing other institutions a model program, the film presents a powerful argument for rehabilitation that is practical and inspirational.
Reviews
"This inspiring program lends an optimistic perspective to prison rehabilitation."
Booklist
"An outstanding documentary that says a lot about spirit, hope, and love in a place where you might not expect it. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice."
**** Video Librarian
"An inspiring, award-winning video documentary... We highly encourage you to recommend this fabulous film to your local officials and prison administrators."
Soilmates
"Inspired work combining counseling, gardening, and ecology in a jail environment... this film has lessons for everyone who lives on this planet."
Gardeners in Community