Announcing the 2025 Friends in Gardening Award Winner: Abbey Seidensticker
School gardens offer campuses and students far more than just fresh food or attractive landscapes. They serve as an extension of the classroom, functioning as a living laboratory and a peaceful retreat. At the Office of Climate Action and Resilience, we recognize that the benefits of school gardens are only possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of campus volunteers who work tirelessly to build, maintain, and support these valuable spaces.
The Friends in Gardening (FiG) Award was created in 2023 by the Central Texas School Garden Network to recognize the efforts of an outstanding school garden volunteer. On May 19, Mary K. Priddy, Coordinator of the Central Texas School Garden Network, presented the third annual FiG Award to Abbey Seidensticker, Chair of the School Garden Committee at Zilker Elementary School.
Abbey and Mary pose in the Zilker Elementary garden with the coveted Golden Gnome trophy.
“Abbey was the primary force behind resurrecting [the garden] out of the weed jungle it had become during Covid,” wrote Garret Nick, Abbey’s nominator and colleague. Garrett went on to say, “Her efforts allowed us to continue our garden program and expand it to serve all 500 students. The kids love to interact with her and feed off of her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge of wildflowers, bugs, vegetables, and herbs.”
Left to right: Abbey points out the canopy they built out of scrap materials; Abbey points out the fruits and vegetables in the garden.
Under Abbey’s leadership, the gardens at Zilker are thriving. Students use the gardens as an outdoor classroom. They have participated in planting, harvesting, and maintaining the garden’s beauty. However, Abbey’s commitment extends beyond simple upkeep — she envisions a space where all students can experience the benefits of nature and is actively working to bring that vision to life.
Abbey with the coveted Golden Gnome trophy and a cucumber grown in the Zilker Elementary garden.
Congratulations, Abbey! Every kid at Zilker benefits from your time, energy, and commitment.
As the winner of the FiG Award, Abbey received a $50 Central Market gift card, a certificate of recognition, and the coveted Golden Gnome trophy.
Research consistently shows us that time spent outside supports happy, healthier, and smarter kids. If you would like to explore ways to green your school’s campus, learn more about the Bright Green Future Grants program.