When the school garden teacher at my kids’ school asked if I would volunteer to design a learning garden I was excited by the prospect. I drew up plans with hopes of inspiring the next generation to getting involved with stewardship of the land. 

 The goal was to create a space were children of all abilities could have access to the process of growing food, tending to soils and recognizing the human connection with the natural world.

With an emphasis on edible plants, the garden also incorporates native plants, plants that attract pollinators, and plants that build soil.

 The garden includes a composting system, and a log circle to use as and outdoor classroom space. Unfortunately, the school shut down halfway through the installation due to Covid, and no one was allowed on campus for six months. The garden fell into disrepair.  As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, the school is coming back to life and parent volunteers are allowed back on to campus, and the garden is coming back as well. The rain harvesting nets and outdoor kitchen did not end up coming into reality. But through the pandemic we’ve realized an even greater need for outdoor classroom space, and the power of engaging with the natural world.