Our school previously had a garden area and gardening classes, but the teacher left years ago. The space was abandoned and the gardening classes were removed. Our club would like to bring the garden back. We will be planting drough resistant plants to conserve water.
Our mission is to create a drought resistant garden at our middle school that students can use to study, hangout, and garden. Gardening will bring our school community together, make our school beautiful, and help our environment. Our members asked the principal for approval and voted on types of plants. First, we need to prepare the space by cleaning the area, replacing the soil, and fixing the old boxes and greenhouses. Next, we will talk to the custodian about water source options, like a drip system, rain water barrels, or using watering cans. Then, we need to purchase drought resistant plants and supplies from a local nursery. As a team, we can host a garden work party to complete all the tasks. If we have funding leftover, we can purchase umbrellas for the tables and covers for the greenhouses. Finally, we can use the garden and enjoy it, along with create a maintenance schedule to upkeep the area. EDIT: This project got a $250 grant from the Roots & Shoots mini-grant program! Thanks you Roots & Shoots.
First, we asked our advisor and principal for permission. Next, we started discussing the type of garden we wanted to create. We researched plants, soil, garden boxes, and irrigation systems. We decided to apply for the Roots & Shoots mini-grant to help cover the cost of these items. Our club also organized a recycling drive on campus to raise more money. Then, we focused on cleaning up the garden space. We would meet every Wednesday at lunch and after school. We repurposed old benches by sanding them, priming them, and painting them royal blue. We purchased garden boxes and soil. After assembling the boxes, we put down a weed barrier and added soil. Next, a parent helped us build an irrigation system for our boxes. We were lucky to have a water source in the area. Finally, we were ready to plant! We researched drought-resistant plants again and picked some to buy. It was fun to plant them and see everything come together.
We learned the importance of having patience and working together as a team.
If we did this project again, we might have a more clear timeline of when things need to get done.
Our favorite part of the project was working together as a team and seeing the reward at the end. A bee landed on one of the flowers right after we planted, and a frog visited that same day. Everyone was excited about the garden, and our advisor, Ms. Haver, supported us the entire time. We're looking forward to holding our club meetings in the garden next school year and observing the wildlife that visits us. We're looking forward to holding our club meetings in the garden next school year and observing the wildlife that visits it.
Never give up! You have the power to make a difference. It doesn't matter how small or big. You've got this!
