Grant to expand our community garden

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Chandler Oaks was lucky enough this year to receive generous grant from IBM based on hours volunteered by an IBMr.

The grant was received based on the idea that the garden would be implemented into the curriculum at all grade levels and each grade would participate in the planting and upkeep of the garden.

Last year, the raised garden beds were created in an area that is already watered with existed sprinkler heads and was protected by wind and direct sunlight for long areas.  Due to funding last year, though, the creation of the beds was all that really was able to be implemented.

There were plans in the work this year to start a Garden Club and our awesome teachers stepped up to make that happen!  Every other week, students met after school to decide the direction that they wanted to go. Ideas were thought of and the students and teachers got VERY excited about the future plans!!

The garden club students were able to form ideas that they were then able to fund in order to make Chandler Oaks a greener school that was much more friendly to the envrionment.

I don't want to give too much away, as this year only ideas were come up with, there was no school wide execution at this time.  The plans to execute will happen at the beginning of next school year and will be featured as one of the cornerstones for the 2013-14 school year!

The students did decide the best way to spend the money and we are all very excited about the plans to make HUGE green changes in our school cafeteria (a small hint).  :)

There was a shed purchases to house the garden supplies to allow them to be kept outside with access to all classrooms.

There are also plans to implement the garden so that it can be incorporated into all grade levels, using curriculum based on areas of study, ie plant life and its cycles as well as the weather cycles.

The plan is to allow each classroom level to be respnosible for garden upkeep on a rotating basis.  This way, all students will be exposed to the cycle and growth of plants.

There are also plans to allow students to sample items that are grown in the garden to expose them to things they might not have tried previously if they had not had a hand in growing it themselves.

If a school is wanting to start a garden, there are numerous places were grants can be requested.  There are tons available in areas that give money to start a garden.  You can also check with local Home Depot or Lowe's stores as they sometimes donate plants or soil to schools.  You can also tap your local Master Gardeners for ideas.  Many of them have lots or programs for elementary school levels and will come out to your school to assist.  There are also members that require hours and would love to help out at the school to receive their required hours, which makes it a win-win situation for both parties. 

You can also try local farmer's markets as there are usually vendors that would be happy to share their knowledge about good starter crops that can be successful in your area. 

You don't have to have a large plot, you can alway start a few containers pots with just a tomato plant!  The idea is to expose the kiddos to where food comes from and the enjoyment you get from caring for the plant and enjoying the fruits (or veggies!) of your labor!