When Kitchen Gardeners International, a globally-oriented group advocating locally-grown food, first brought up the idea of petitioning the new White House occupants to plant a food garden on their famous lawn, I couldn't bring myself to join the call.

With two wars, an economic meltdown, a broken health care system and countless other challenges on his presidential plate, I felt that although it was the absolute coolest idea, a kitchen garden was way down on the list of priorities.

It's a good thing Michelle was listening. And that she knew, as I did in my heart of hearts; that a garden brings us down to earth as well as balance in our lives.

It turns out that Mrs. Obama had already entertained the concept of a type of people's garden that would show moms and dads a better way to engage and feed their children; building the connection between garden and table and kids.

This is not news; we have seen her out planting and harvesting along with local school children, the press as concerned about her garden couture as her garden produce. The first season the First Kitchen Garden produced a little more than half a ton of fresh food, much of it used in family and state meals at the White House, with a portion going to local kitchens that serve the poor.

Just published as the garden enters its second season, A White House Garden Cookbook by Clara Silverstein recounts the first year's successes; including creative and wholesome recipes from the White House and community gardens across the country; dishes like wasabi potato salad, James Monroe's gumbo and no-cream creamed spinach.

The book reminds us that the Obamas aren't the first First Family who has grown their own food on the White House grounds. (However they are the first to have a hive of bees and their own honey.)

  • John Quincy Adams grew 2 acres of vegetables,herbs and fruit trees in 1825
  • Abraham Lincoln grew strawberries, carrots, lettuce and celery.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt was actually criticized for growing a Victory Garden during WWII.

The most noted gardener who lived in the White House was Thomas Jefferson; said to have changed the way America ate. Can you imagine a world without tomatoes? At the time of his presidency they were thought to be poisonous! Jefferson's gardens at Monticello and his presidential home were an exercise in biodiversity and an adventurous palate.

No matter the controversies of his presidency, viewed through the context of history, Michelle Obama graciously dedicated a plot to Jefferson with a plaque inscribed with his oft quoted phrase, "No occupation is so delightful as the culture of the earth".