It Takes A Village

Seed trays are ready for planting

In this case, it's the seven villages within the town of Barnstable!  Our school is unique and extremely proud to say that we are a school of choice representing students from all seven villages.  As the ground continues to thaw and the buds form on the trees, we are starting our plans to plant seedlings in the classroom.  Over 365 students at our school will be responsible for planting and caring for these tender seedlings.  Once the seeds are planted, they will spend the next few weeks sitting upon window sills listening to the classroom's lessons, as they prepare to emerge from their seeds.  Finally, after 7-10 days of germination, they will spring to life as the most delicate seedlings.  They will continue to grow until they can survive on their own outside.  Late May, when we are free from the dangers of frost, they will take root in the warm rich soil. However, we are not ready for those seedlings just yet, we still have to construct that garden!

Seedlings ready to go outside

As the seeds grow and strengthen inside, outside our community volunteers will get ready to make the garden blueprints a reality.  With lumber, nails, hammers and hardware, the 30 raised beds will be constructed.  Soil enriched with compost and supplements will be shoveled into those beds.  It is a great deal of work.  It is going to take many hands to create this living edible classroom.  However, I know that hard work and dedication will yield "fruits" of our labor. We are going to need volunteers to make this garden a reality.  Every child at our school will be involved in the garden.  By volunteering a couple of hours of your valuable time on April 16th, you will be helping to provide students with lessons from our schoolyard garden that will last their entire lifetime.  Life rarely provides people with volunteering opportunities that impact not only today's generations but tomorrow's,  here is one that I think does just that! 

Raised beds grow tomatos

Photo credits:  Chiot's Run

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary...






As Spring quickly approaches, the garden is being readied to wake from it's Winter slumber.  Plans are being made for a fabulous Garden Kick-Off event in April.  This is the day, with community support, that we will all roll up our sleeves and get to work constructing the garden.  However, it will not be all work and no play. We plan to have light refreshments, guest animals, Cape Cod Cubs team players and crafts for the kids. 

In order for this event and our new garden to be a success, we are starting to fund raise to help get this garden up and running.  Even though we have plans to recycle and repurpose as many items possible, the harsh reality is that starting a garden does require funding and donations of goods.

Did you know that every little bit does help?  The greatest thing is what may seem insignificant to you, could make a huge difference to the garden.  Would you be willing to donate the change that is loose in your car? Do you have any spare garden tools that you would be willing to part with?  Could you donate an hour of your time each week?  Do you own a truck that could help us transport items?  Do you have a family member in the gardening/landscaping business? Are you a good writer?  Can you bake?  Do you like to pick vegetables?  Are you a good salesperson?  Are you handy?

Supporting the garden is easy, when you think outside the box.  The key to success is not always financial.  Sometimes it is more about the experience and what we can do together as a community. 

Our garden will reach over 400 children this growing season.  The "seeds" we plant in these children will last their lifetime. Won't you consider joining us?


Image courtesy of  tangledwing