Garden Innovations at the Giving Farm

Send us Fan MailIn the Garden presents a new episode titled “Garden Innovations at The Giving Farm,” hosted by Bill Brooks. In this episode, Brooks explores groundbreaking work happening at Westminster High School’s The Giving Farm.  Located on the campus of Westminster High School, the Giving Farm is home to a vibrant eight-acre farm and orchard that has become a model of innovation, education, and community service. This dedicated team of UC Master Gardeners in Orange County developed an orchard management program designed to streamline essential tasks such as fertilization, pruning, and pest control—ensuring long-term tree health and productivity.  A standout feature of the program is the use of QR-coded signs placed on each tree, linking visitors directly to easy-to-use care guides. Master Gardener Ronald Cheung led the thoughtful design of these signs, combining in-depth horticultural research with accessible information to help every tree thrive. The result: healthier trees, stronger harvests, and increased fresh food donations to support the Orange County Food Bank.  Our Master Gardeners refer to SCREC in the episode, and that means the South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, California.  Beyond orchard management, the Giving Farm initiative has expanded to include nutrition education, culinary connections, and even the rich history of the fruit grown there, helping students and the community understand not just how food is grown, but why it matters.“Garden Innovations” highlights how collaboration, technology, and passion for service can transform a school farm into a powerful resource for education and hunger relief.