Griffins Garden
Welcome to the Griffins Garden! Our mission is to educate students on the benefits of organic gardening and learning where their food comes from. Our hope is that these core fundamentals will prepare our students for a lifetime of healthy eating practices. Throughout last year we provided enrichment opportunities in the garden for all divisions from Preschool to Upper School. The garden also allows us to utilize any and all organic produce for the students and faculty to enjoy in the dining commons on a regular basis.
Raised Beds
Griffins Garden now consists of 17 raised beds. The raised bed gardening approach provides us with more control of garden growth and allows students easier access and use to all plants.
Currently Growing:
TOMATOES - CORN - GREEN BEANS - ENGLISH PEAS - CUCUMBERS - STRAWBERRIES - BLUEBERRIES - SWEET POTATOES - VARIOUS PEPPERS - EGGPLANT - WATERMELON - CANTALOUPE - SWISS CHARD - VARIOUS HERBS
Greenhouse
The addition of the greenhouse in 2020 has allowed us to take the plants full circle. We can now start our plants from seeds in the greenhouse during the colder months and transfer them to the beds when they are ready, furthering the overall garden education experience. A large percentage of our summer crops this year started from seed in the greenhouse this past spring.
Honeybees
In the spring of 2022 the garden grew with the addition of our own Honey Bee hive. Carol Hamilton, 5th Grade Science Teacher, secured the school with a Honey Bee Grant which provided us with the hives and bees. The honeybees ensure that all the plants are pollenated properly which in turn means more produce for everyone to enjoy!
Student Engagement
Student engagement is our primary focus in the Griffins Garden. This past school year upper, middle and lower school students have helped with everything from heavy weeding, turning over the beds in between seasons, planting and harvesting. We have also created a gardening committee consisting of a representative from each division. Their purpose is to find the best avenues to expand curriculum school wide as well as create additional opportunities for students to access the garden. Students have the opportunity to join the Garden Club as part of the Extended Day program. We hope to continue and further that engagement every season we have the garden!
