Product Description

This is the first comprehensive guide to in-prison and post-release horticultural training programs. James Jiler combines an engaging personal account of running a highly successful horticultural vocation program at the largest jail complex in the United States with a practical guide to starting and managing prison and re-entry gardening programs.

James Jiler directs the Greenhouse Project for male and female inmates at New York City’s Rikers Island jail system. He also directs the GreenTeam of ex-offenders, who work on landscape-related projects throughout New York State. Jiler’s humor and heartfelt stories about prison community and clear explanations of what works broaden this book’s appeal to social activists, educators, and those involved with at-risk populations and community gardens.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80007 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

About the Author
James Jiler is Director of the Greenhouse Project, a renowned horticultural job-training program for inmates at New York City's Rikers Island jail system. He provides instruction in horticulture and greenhouse management integrated with a math, science and English literacy curriculum. Jiler also oversees job placement and after-care services for released inmates while directing the GreenTeam.

Customer Reviews

The way we ought to do it.
I think the message is the important thing. And that is why I bought this book. However, it was also well written and laid out. I would recommend this book to anyone contemplating this project in their area. And the author made me feel it is a very achievable project anywhere.

Strongly recommended reading for sociology students
James Jiler has directed prison horticulture programs since their inception in 1997. That is why he brings to bear a very special expertise when writing "Doing Time In The Garden: Life Lessons Through Prison Horticulture". This is an deftly written, informed and informative account of the country's most successful jail-to-street horticultural training programs, specifically, the GreenHouse and GreenTeam programs run by the Horticultural Society of new York for inmates and former inmates of Rikers Island, the largest jail complex in the United States. Jiler presents a candid and engaging personal account of his daily life with male and female inmate students who under went life-changing vocational training. "Doing Time In The Garden" is also a practical guide and template for anyone wanting to start and manage an in-prison and re-entry agricultural or horticultural program whether it be a city jail, a county lock-up, or a state penitentiary. Wonderfully illustrated throughout with color photographs and line drawings of the flora and fauna of Rikers Island, "Doing Time In The Garden" is strongly recommended reading for sociology students, social service professionals, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in penology, prison reform, felon rehabilitation, or gardening.