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Today's groundbreaking marked the close of one chapter and the beginning of another in the creation of an Edible Schoolyard at the Greensboro Children's Museum. About 200 people, including Mayor Yvonne Johnson, Superintendent Mo Green and other government leaders, attended the ceremony on this humid (but fortunately dry) afternoon.

Melanie Soles, who formerly served as chairwoman of the museum's board of trustees, told the crowd that the garden would enable health and wellness to become a cornerstone of the organization and potentially help reverse the county's climbing childhood obesity rate: 

"We are going to be a part of a delicious revolution, a revolution that changes the way children, parents and schools think about food," she said.

Mayor Johnson presented Waters with a key to the city and four children presented gifts from famous Seagrove potter Ben Owen: two glazed plates with smiley faces shaped from embedded vegetables.

"I'm without words," Waters told the crowd gathered outside the museum. "I'm in tears. I'm just really touched by this welcome, really touched by your commitment. I believe you're going to do this thing that will bring attention from around the world.... We're talking about teaching children the values they need to live a beautiful life and connect with everybody else that shares this planet."

Waters proceeded to literally turn over dirt with shovels and sign copies of her cookbooks. Art and Martha Nading, owners of The Extra Ingredient at Friendly Shopping Center and business sponsors of the project, said they hoped the growing interest in gardening and local foods would motivate more people to cook. 

"We cook and we think that's a good thing for families to do," Art Nading said. "I'm looking down the road. Once this thing gets going how can we be involved, personally and as a business?"

After years of planning, the museum must now finish raising the $750,000 needed to build the garden, which is the first in the Southeast to partner with Alice Waters and her Chez Panisse Foundation. The museum still seeks donors, partners and strategic alliances, and spots are still available for a Friday fundraiser dinner that Waters will attend. Tickets are $250/person and can be purchased by calling 574-2898. People can also catch Waters on Saturday at the downtown farmers market. 

By the way, I and columnist Jeri Rowe are working on more in-depth stories for Sunday, so be sure to check them out.