What if a school garden could do more than grow vegetables?

What if it could build awareness, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the challenges some communities face every day?

That’s the idea behind The Not-So-Perfect Garden Project, a children’s book by Florida native and Miss Florida 2025, Paris Richardson. The story follows Lauren and her classmates as they take on the challenge of building a school garden. They start with big dreams and very little experience.

As the students dig in, things don’t go as planned. They plant seeds too deeply. Pests take over. One by one, classmates begin to lose interest. The turning point comes when Lauren learns that her friend Joy lives in a “food desert,” where access to fresh fruits and vegetables is limited. Suddenly, the garden becomes more than a project. It becomes a way to make a difference.

With persistence, creativity, and support from their community, the students begin to see results. The harvest may be small, but the impact is not. Along the way, readers learn practical gardening concepts such as germination, companion planting, and natural pest control. The book presents these ideas in a way that feels approachable for young audiences.

As a double University of Florida alumna, Richardson’s work reflects the broader UF/IFAS Extension mission. It supports community education, youth development, and access to resources that promote healthy living.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to introduce young readers to gardening, community awareness, and the value of perseverance, The Not-So-Perfect Garden Project offers a story that goes beyond the garden bed. Find your copy at the UF/IFAS Bookstore today.

Reading age: 4 – 12 years, Print length: 31 pages, Language: English, Dimensions: 7 x 0.08 x 10 inches, Publication date: April 11, 2025.

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