Tellabs Garden Plots

It is my firm belief that everybody should tend a garden (preferably their own) at least once in their life.  Not only to witness the miracle that is growing pounds of food from ounces of seed, but also to know where their food comes from and what it takes to get it from garden to table.

This year was the inaugural year of Tellabs employee garden plots.  It has been a huge success with all plots being claimed (even those put aside for neighboring companies).  I think Tellabs employee and gardener Greg Rigali said it best:

"Eight of my colleagues from the supply chain execution team agreed to form a group, which we appropriately called "The Chain Gang."
The Chain Gang is growing tomatoes, broccoli, beans, zucchini, squash, beets, eggplant, lettuce and a variety of peppers.
And as in the workplace, the group finds teamwork is the best approach in the garden.
"We agreed that the initiative has created a great collaborative opportunity," Rigali said. "In the beginning, the Chain Gang went out as a group to do the initial planting, but now we typically divide up the jobs for the gardening plots."

Not only do the employees work as a team during the workday, but they found a way to have that translate to the garden as well.  There is also talk of setting up a Tellabs market stand and donating excess to the local food pantry.  A great way to share the bounty with others.

Well done Tellabs, I hope other companies with the land to spare follow your approach.