The HV school garden was built nine years ago, and every year the garden has become more integrated into our students’ learning experience. Time had taken a toll on the hemlock timbers originally used to build the raised beds, and over the winter a durable design for new beds was developed.
This spring we have been able to replace four of the seven beds with materials that will last for a very long time. On the weekend volunteers gathered to help our builder install the new panels that had been pre-fabricated off-site. The weather cooperated, and our hearty volunteers shoveled, drilled, carried away old timbers, installed so many bolts & marveled at the beautiful new beds.
Once the new raised beds were ready, additional soil was needed for ease of planting for our younger gardeners. Tuesday evening Boy Scout Troop #49 arrived with shovels, wheelbarrows & a huge amount of enthusiasm to move 6 yards of soil. What a great group of young men and their leaders who have a true understanding of community service!
Our students & teachers have been planting in the three original raised beds, and the recent sunshine has helped the seeds germinate & the seedlings to thrive. Peppers, beans, radishes, the Three Sisters, broccoli, lettuce, flowers & potatoes have been planted already by our young gardeners.
We extend a huge thank you to our volunteers, to RuBen Hill Farm, Jason Coffin at A Cut Above LawnScapes, Wiley Bros. Lumber, and Boy Scout Troop #49. The completion of the new beds will allow for more planting in the coming days, bringing garden based learning to more of our students.
View photos of the makeover crew hard at work updating our beautiful new garden.