In spring 2012, after deciding to create a garden on school grounds, the coordinator of the project, Bobbie Variantzas, hired me to consult with them.  I designed the garden and help them raise the funds necessary to begins implementing the project.  With grants accepted, the garden plan complete, and the sod cut, the school organized a large work party where parents, students, friends came out to start the garden project.   We made mini-hugelmound garden beds, which were key to the gardens success as they provided the plants with continuous access to water and nutrients.  We grew pear trees,  blueberries, currants, raspberries and well as native flowers. Last year, I  the had to opportunity to maintain the garden throughout the summer. The produce was abundant.

The project was launched in 2012 with a build-a-garden party.

The sod was removed by a parent and landscaper whose daughter went to the school.

Tilling the soil

To create hugelmounds you need to lay the branches down before putting a layer of soil on top.

Mounding the soil-compost mix on top

The organic matter now decomposing inside the beds allows the plants to flourish in the first growing season

The garden plan

The drip irrigation hose makes watering simpler while working in the garden

Basil, rosemary, thyme and chamomile are all thriving

Borage flowers, although an annual, come back on their own every year.

Echinacea