Garden Blog 2018/19
Garden Blog 2018/19
“I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
‘We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,’
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.”
— Oliver Herford
Winter, 2018/2019
Any one who wonders if the garden can be enjoyed in the winter need only ask Ms. Williams’ and Ms. Holte’s fourth graders. Inspired by the 4th grade study of native plants, the children ventured out in coats and caps to plant “natives” they researched and listed as “musts” for our new native plant corner. The list included sword ferns, salal, Oregon grape, fringe cup, trillium, thimbleberry, and a nurse log covered with moss. After a consultation with the folks at the Bosky Dell Native Plant Nursery, we deemed it safe to start the garden in December and to continue to plant more natives in the spring. As the pictures indicate, a good time was had by all. The children raked up maples leaves and spread them over the tops of the plants for protection. We now have yet another reason to joyfully anticipate spring. Eager to see you out in the garden before too long,
Leslie and Carol
RHS Garden News
Fall 2018
“The most common question I’m asked by parents is,
‘How can I get my kid to eat vegetables?’
My usual advice is to provide ample opportunity for
kids to try a variety of veggies and to ensure they
see their parents eating vegetables, too.
Lately I’ve been adding a new suggestion:
Start a school garden.”
Cara Rosenbloom Washington Post
(entire article posted on garden bulletin board)
Once again, the garden did not disappoint us in the fall. The children have gathered tomatoes, grapes, peppers, lettuce, and chives. They have picked colorful bouquets of lavender, sedum, and nasturtiums. Much to their delight, they have made leaf rubbings - using peeled crayons and white paper. They have also written weathergrams that hang from the trees. Perhaps most importantly, children have enjoyed being outside in the fresh air, in the wind, in the sunshine, and even in the drizzle. They have explored, experienced, and have been inspired.
And speaking of inspiration, Mr. Rosenquist’s fifth graders recorded their own impressions of the garden. They are full of delight and posted on the garden bulletin board across from the office. Enjoy!
Also, next time you are in Fred Meyer’s, peek down the hall that leads to the restrooms. You will be treated to the artwork of Mrs. Towell’s 5th graders that reflects their own garden insights.
Certainly one of the highlights of the year was the kindergartener’s annual trip out to the “pumpkin patch” to search for individual pumpkins. Thanks to a weekend sale at Farmington Gardens, we were able to provide 61 pumpkins to 61 VERY eager and VERY enthusiastic kindies. The attached pictures say it all. It was joyful. The garden is certainly a gift that keeps giving.
Leslie and Carol
In the dark of December.
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
‘We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,’
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.”
— Oliver Herford
Winter, 2018/2019
Any one who wonders if the garden can be enjoyed in the winter need only ask Ms. Williams’ and Ms. Holte’s fourth graders. Inspired by the 4th grade study of native plants, the children ventured out in coats and caps to plant “natives” they researched and listed as “musts” for our new native plant corner. The list included sword ferns, salal, Oregon grape, fringe cup, trillium, thimbleberry, and a nurse log covered with moss. After a consultation with the folks at the Bosky Dell Native Plant Nursery, we deemed it safe to start the garden in December and to continue to plant more natives in the spring. As the pictures indicate, a good time was had by all. The children raked up maples leaves and spread them over the tops of the plants for protection. We now have yet another reason to joyfully anticipate spring. Eager to see you out in the garden before too long,
Leslie and Carol
RHS Garden News
Fall 2018
“The most common question I’m asked by parents is,
‘How can I get my kid to eat vegetables?’
My usual advice is to provide ample opportunity for
kids to try a variety of veggies and to ensure they
see their parents eating vegetables, too.
Lately I’ve been adding a new suggestion:
Start a school garden.”
Cara Rosenbloom Washington Post
(entire article posted on garden bulletin board)
Once again, the garden did not disappoint us in the fall. The children have gathered tomatoes, grapes, peppers, lettuce, and chives. They have picked colorful bouquets of lavender, sedum, and nasturtiums. Much to their delight, they have made leaf rubbings - using peeled crayons and white paper. They have also written weathergrams that hang from the trees. Perhaps most importantly, children have enjoyed being outside in the fresh air, in the wind, in the sunshine, and even in the drizzle. They have explored, experienced, and have been inspired.
And speaking of inspiration, Mr. Rosenquist’s fifth graders recorded their own impressions of the garden. They are full of delight and posted on the garden bulletin board across from the office. Enjoy!
Also, next time you are in Fred Meyer’s, peek down the hall that leads to the restrooms. You will be treated to the artwork of Mrs. Towell’s 5th graders that reflects their own garden insights.
Certainly one of the highlights of the year was the kindergartener’s annual trip out to the “pumpkin patch” to search for individual pumpkins. Thanks to a weekend sale at Farmington Gardens, we were able to provide 61 pumpkins to 61 VERY eager and VERY enthusiastic kindies. The attached pictures say it all. It was joyful. The garden is certainly a gift that keeps giving.
Leslie and Carol
Garden Blog 2017/18
Summer 2018
Harris School Gardens are as healthy as the veggies they Grow
“There's a reason why school gardens are becoming ubiquitous across the country — learning in the garden cultivates the whole child. Garden activities afford opportunities for personal growth and academic achievement.
Garden classrooms are a living context to learn about cycles, interdependence, energy and resources, diversity, and sustainability. Students learn first-hand about nurturing and caring, stewardship and respect, beauty and life. They also learn practical skills such as mathematics, science, literacy and nutrition." Pamplin Media Group
This excerpt from an article about school gardens certainly reflects what we’ve witnessed in the Raleigh Hills Garden. This year the garden was visited on several occasions by children attending summer school. They munched on tomatoes, grapes, and chives, observed creatures living under tree stumps, took home small bouquets of lavender, made observational drawings, and designed weathergrams inspired by the things they saw.
If you haven’t visited the garden lately, you might be pleasantly surprised by the tile mural that now graces the side of the building. Thanks to the talents of the delightful 5th graders and our visiting artist, Sarah Ferguson, the colorful mural now enhances our “garden room.” We are most grateful to Mary Towell, Kris Rosenquist and Chris Pletsch who shared their children, their joy, and their enthusiasm.
And speaking of being grateful, many, many thanks go to the wonderfully generous families who kept the garden watered this summer. Due to record heat, it was no easy feat. We are finding each progressive summer becoming more of a challenge. That’s the “not so good news.” The good news is that, thanks to “The Whole Kids Foundation Grant”, we have plans to install a more efficient drip system in the spring. We’ll focus on the main bed and raised beds and eliminate some of the plantings on the periphery. We are determined not to be discouraged - no matter what the climate has in mind for us.
Looking ahead, we are hoping to find an Eagle Scout in search of a project. We have a “bird observational bulletin board” in mind. Robins, crows, hummingbirds, house finch, gold finch, nuthatches, juncos, geese, wrens, and even an occasional killdeer have been spotted. It would be wonderful to observe, identify, and record our sightings. Please contact us if you know a willing Eagle Scout.
Looking forward to more adventures in the garden,
Carol & Leslie
RHS Garden News
June 2018
Spring is always eventful in the garden, but this year has been particularly exciting. Thanks to a generous grant from the PTO, the marvelous creativity of fifth graders, and inspirational direction from our beloved “Artist in Residence,” Sarah Ferguson, the building wall facing the garden is now adorned with a mural that reflects the children’s impressions. The tiles include images of birds, flowers, trees, centipedes, pumpkins, snakes, grapes, butterflies, vegetables and a even a sly fox. The wall has become part of the garden it now joyfully embraces.
Special thanks go to the 8th graders and New Seasons’ volunteers who helped to clean up the many “pockets” of weeds on the edges. Together they loaded several wheelbarrows and filled a compost bin. It truly does “take a village.”
And speaking of that village – we are so grateful to those of you who volunteered to keep the garden watered during the summer months. We hope the time you spend in the garden is enjoyable. This year we will leave some activities in the shed for the children to engage in – such as. scavenger hunts, reflection papers, weathergrams, alphabet searches, etc. It should be fun for all. Please feel free to harvest what is ripe and ready.
Now that the mural is complete – we are in hopes of building a bird observation display case. Just last week we saw juncos, chickadees, goldfinch, crows, geese, and hummingbirds. We are now in search of an Eagle Scout who is in search of a project.
Cheers to Raleigh Hills and cheers to the garden.
Carol & Leslie
Garden Newsletter
May 2018
"There's a real difference between knowing about something and knowing something. A child could know everything there is to know about carrots; but when she wriggles her first carrot out of the soil, she knows that vegetables are delicious, she knows that the food we eat comes from the earth, and she knows that she's part of a web of life."
~ Whitney Cohen, Life Lab Education Director
May is always an exciting time in the garden. This year is particularly notable as there’s much news to report. To begin with, the seeds and plants are in. Students from several different grade levels – from kindergarten to middle school – have planted pumpkins, peas, beans, artichokes, tomatoes, zucchini, sunflowers, broccoli, nasturtiums, lettuce, cucumbers, chives, strawberries, and peppers. The grapes are thriving on the pergola, the apple trees are full of blossoms, and the roses are full of promise. Please do visit when you find time.
Our much-anticipated 5th grade tile/mural project was approved by our generous PTO and has begun. During the first week in May, all of the 5th graders designed individual tiles guided by our delightful Artist in Residence, Sarah Ferguson. The tiles are drying and will soon be fired in the kiln. After the first firing, they will be glazed and fired a second time. Installation on the school wall facing the garden should take place in early June. The project is sure to enhance our “garden room” as we continue to build a space for learning as well as one full of reflection, joy, and delight.
Last, but certainly not least, we recently received incredibly good news. Raleigh Hills has been awarded a $2000 grant from the Whole Kids Foundation and the American Heart Association. We will be forever grateful to Cecily Au, a Raleigh Hills parent, who took it upon herself to write and subsequently win the grant for Raleigh Hills. The grant includes stimulating lesson plans that “engage students in a fun and educational exploration of fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating.” The lessons are tied to national standards and include such topics as: sprouting seeds, insect cycles, plant families, root cycles, the history of herbs and spices, plant parts we eat, healthier food challenge, a garden’s food groups, celebrating foods, plant based protein, meal plan for a healthy day, where does your food come from?, food around the world, farm to table, etc.
“Whole Kids Foundation and the American Heart Association are proud to work together to grow healthier kids. Life is why.”
Thanks to Cecily, notebooks full of stimulating garden activities will be added to our already-existing collection of garden curriculum.
As always, students have responded to the garden with beaming smiles, gasps of wonder, squeals of discovery, thoughtful reflections, poetry, and art.
p.s. This is probably a good time to remind folks that we will need help keeping the garden watered during the summer. A week-by-week signup sheet is available on line. Please know your time is more than appreciated!
Cheers to the Raleigh Hills Garden and those who so enthusiastically support it.
Leslie and Carol
Spring 2018
It has begun! The goldfinch in the cherry tree welcomed Ms. Williams’ third graders as they started clearing beds in the garden. Once the weather warms up just a bit, we will begin this year’s plantings. In addition to our usual vegetable crops, we are hoping to add a pollinator garden in order to attract butterflies, bees, and humming birds. We are also working on getting more student art into the garden. Cheers to Spring! Cheers to Raleigh Hills!
Putting the Garden to Rest
Fall 2017
Ask someone who gardens what they love most about it, and, research
has shown, the answer is almost always the same.
“No matter where you go in the world, no matter what language they speak, people say there’s just something about it that makes them feel better,” says Jill Litt, a public health researcher and professor of environmental studies at CU Boulder.
Sept. 19, 2017 • By Lisa Marshall
Many, many thanks to the three, generous Raleigh Hills families, volunteers from New Seasons Market, Maureen Wearn, Amelia Williams, and Doug Beers who helped us put the garden to rest for the winter. We are also grateful to Starbucks for their contribution of coffee and to Sesame Donuts for delicious treats. It took us a little over 2 hours to clear the beds, clean out the compost bins, remove vines from the fence, and to plant a cover crop of Crimson Clover that should restore nutrients to the soil. Overall – a job very well done.
We can happily report that the garden was visited frequently during the fall. Children harvested tomatoes, peppers, chives, grapes, apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, lettuce, kale, and carrots. On the 31st, kindergarteners gathered 80 supplemental, individual pumpkins to the delight of all. One little boy asked when he needed to return his pumpkin and I told him it was his to keep. His joyful cheer spoke to us all.
We have added yet another bird house, a new rain gauge (on top of one of the poetry posts), and are already anticipating changes and additions in the spring. Any ideas you might have are greatly appreciated. We are always in hopes that you and the children know that the garden belongs to you.
When you have time, please take a look at the pictures on the garden bulletin board in the front hall. The smiles on those faces speak louder than words. As always, cheers to Raleigh Hills and cheers to the garden. Carol and Leslie
Back to School.....
Back out to the garden
September 2017
Happy to report that the garden survived a very, very hot summer thanks to the nurturing of the many generous families who volunteered their time. This year was particularly challenging due to the heat – so we are especially grateful. Trees, vegetables, flowers, and shrubs are all thriving. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We sincerely hope that the children know the garden belongs to them.
This year we have also noted that it belongs to the community. Several neighbors have passed through expressing their pleasure - just walking by or sitting on benches in order to reflect on the garden’s many delights. It’s a good thing.
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”
Lady Bird Johnson
Lettuce, peas, strawberries, and beans were harvested in the spring before the children left for summer. We replanted both beans and lettuce and now have crops to harvest in the fall. This summer children also munched on tomatoes, chives, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, and many, many grapes, both red and green. Feel free to help yourself to both grapes and chives – as they are plentiful. The pumpkins are still growing and we have high hopes for October.
Looking ahead, we anticipate the need for a garden clean-up party in late October in order to clear out weeds, some invasive vines, and an over-flowing compost bin. We are hoping, if you are free and have a pair of gardening gloves, you’ll be able to join us.
We always we look forward to enhancing the garden and are now wondering about some kind of art/mural/tile installation on the side of the building. We also would love and appreciate your ideas and input. Always dreaming, Leslie and Carol
Summer News
The garden is thriving and seems to be in very good hands. Many, many thanks to the folks who are watering. The beds are full of promise!
Two Raleigh Hills alumni - former kindergarten teacher, Tina Strub, and her daughter, Emme have visited this summer. Also, RHS graduate, Keiler Beers, Leslie Taylor’s son came to the garden. There’s something endearing about RHS that keeps folks coming back.
So grateful for garden fans….. Carol
Harris School Gardens are as healthy as the veggies they Grow
“There's a reason why school gardens are becoming ubiquitous across the country — learning in the garden cultivates the whole child. Garden activities afford opportunities for personal growth and academic achievement.
Garden classrooms are a living context to learn about cycles, interdependence, energy and resources, diversity, and sustainability. Students learn first-hand about nurturing and caring, stewardship and respect, beauty and life. They also learn practical skills such as mathematics, science, literacy and nutrition." Pamplin Media Group
This excerpt from an article about school gardens certainly reflects what we’ve witnessed in the Raleigh Hills Garden. This year the garden was visited on several occasions by children attending summer school. They munched on tomatoes, grapes, and chives, observed creatures living under tree stumps, took home small bouquets of lavender, made observational drawings, and designed weathergrams inspired by the things they saw.
If you haven’t visited the garden lately, you might be pleasantly surprised by the tile mural that now graces the side of the building. Thanks to the talents of the delightful 5th graders and our visiting artist, Sarah Ferguson, the colorful mural now enhances our “garden room.” We are most grateful to Mary Towell, Kris Rosenquist and Chris Pletsch who shared their children, their joy, and their enthusiasm.
And speaking of being grateful, many, many thanks go to the wonderfully generous families who kept the garden watered this summer. Due to record heat, it was no easy feat. We are finding each progressive summer becoming more of a challenge. That’s the “not so good news.” The good news is that, thanks to “The Whole Kids Foundation Grant”, we have plans to install a more efficient drip system in the spring. We’ll focus on the main bed and raised beds and eliminate some of the plantings on the periphery. We are determined not to be discouraged - no matter what the climate has in mind for us.
Looking ahead, we are hoping to find an Eagle Scout in search of a project. We have a “bird observational bulletin board” in mind. Robins, crows, hummingbirds, house finch, gold finch, nuthatches, juncos, geese, wrens, and even an occasional killdeer have been spotted. It would be wonderful to observe, identify, and record our sightings. Please contact us if you know a willing Eagle Scout.
Looking forward to more adventures in the garden,
Carol & Leslie
RHS Garden News
June 2018
Spring is always eventful in the garden, but this year has been particularly exciting. Thanks to a generous grant from the PTO, the marvelous creativity of fifth graders, and inspirational direction from our beloved “Artist in Residence,” Sarah Ferguson, the building wall facing the garden is now adorned with a mural that reflects the children’s impressions. The tiles include images of birds, flowers, trees, centipedes, pumpkins, snakes, grapes, butterflies, vegetables and a even a sly fox. The wall has become part of the garden it now joyfully embraces.
Special thanks go to the 8th graders and New Seasons’ volunteers who helped to clean up the many “pockets” of weeds on the edges. Together they loaded several wheelbarrows and filled a compost bin. It truly does “take a village.”
And speaking of that village – we are so grateful to those of you who volunteered to keep the garden watered during the summer months. We hope the time you spend in the garden is enjoyable. This year we will leave some activities in the shed for the children to engage in – such as. scavenger hunts, reflection papers, weathergrams, alphabet searches, etc. It should be fun for all. Please feel free to harvest what is ripe and ready.
Now that the mural is complete – we are in hopes of building a bird observation display case. Just last week we saw juncos, chickadees, goldfinch, crows, geese, and hummingbirds. We are now in search of an Eagle Scout who is in search of a project.
Cheers to Raleigh Hills and cheers to the garden.
Carol & Leslie
Garden Newsletter
May 2018
"There's a real difference between knowing about something and knowing something. A child could know everything there is to know about carrots; but when she wriggles her first carrot out of the soil, she knows that vegetables are delicious, she knows that the food we eat comes from the earth, and she knows that she's part of a web of life."
~ Whitney Cohen, Life Lab Education Director
May is always an exciting time in the garden. This year is particularly notable as there’s much news to report. To begin with, the seeds and plants are in. Students from several different grade levels – from kindergarten to middle school – have planted pumpkins, peas, beans, artichokes, tomatoes, zucchini, sunflowers, broccoli, nasturtiums, lettuce, cucumbers, chives, strawberries, and peppers. The grapes are thriving on the pergola, the apple trees are full of blossoms, and the roses are full of promise. Please do visit when you find time.
Our much-anticipated 5th grade tile/mural project was approved by our generous PTO and has begun. During the first week in May, all of the 5th graders designed individual tiles guided by our delightful Artist in Residence, Sarah Ferguson. The tiles are drying and will soon be fired in the kiln. After the first firing, they will be glazed and fired a second time. Installation on the school wall facing the garden should take place in early June. The project is sure to enhance our “garden room” as we continue to build a space for learning as well as one full of reflection, joy, and delight.
Last, but certainly not least, we recently received incredibly good news. Raleigh Hills has been awarded a $2000 grant from the Whole Kids Foundation and the American Heart Association. We will be forever grateful to Cecily Au, a Raleigh Hills parent, who took it upon herself to write and subsequently win the grant for Raleigh Hills. The grant includes stimulating lesson plans that “engage students in a fun and educational exploration of fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating.” The lessons are tied to national standards and include such topics as: sprouting seeds, insect cycles, plant families, root cycles, the history of herbs and spices, plant parts we eat, healthier food challenge, a garden’s food groups, celebrating foods, plant based protein, meal plan for a healthy day, where does your food come from?, food around the world, farm to table, etc.
“Whole Kids Foundation and the American Heart Association are proud to work together to grow healthier kids. Life is why.”
Thanks to Cecily, notebooks full of stimulating garden activities will be added to our already-existing collection of garden curriculum.
As always, students have responded to the garden with beaming smiles, gasps of wonder, squeals of discovery, thoughtful reflections, poetry, and art.
p.s. This is probably a good time to remind folks that we will need help keeping the garden watered during the summer. A week-by-week signup sheet is available on line. Please know your time is more than appreciated!
Cheers to the Raleigh Hills Garden and those who so enthusiastically support it.
Leslie and Carol
Spring 2018
It has begun! The goldfinch in the cherry tree welcomed Ms. Williams’ third graders as they started clearing beds in the garden. Once the weather warms up just a bit, we will begin this year’s plantings. In addition to our usual vegetable crops, we are hoping to add a pollinator garden in order to attract butterflies, bees, and humming birds. We are also working on getting more student art into the garden. Cheers to Spring! Cheers to Raleigh Hills!
Putting the Garden to Rest
Fall 2017
Ask someone who gardens what they love most about it, and, research
has shown, the answer is almost always the same.
“No matter where you go in the world, no matter what language they speak, people say there’s just something about it that makes them feel better,” says Jill Litt, a public health researcher and professor of environmental studies at CU Boulder.
Sept. 19, 2017 • By Lisa Marshall
Many, many thanks to the three, generous Raleigh Hills families, volunteers from New Seasons Market, Maureen Wearn, Amelia Williams, and Doug Beers who helped us put the garden to rest for the winter. We are also grateful to Starbucks for their contribution of coffee and to Sesame Donuts for delicious treats. It took us a little over 2 hours to clear the beds, clean out the compost bins, remove vines from the fence, and to plant a cover crop of Crimson Clover that should restore nutrients to the soil. Overall – a job very well done.
We can happily report that the garden was visited frequently during the fall. Children harvested tomatoes, peppers, chives, grapes, apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, lettuce, kale, and carrots. On the 31st, kindergarteners gathered 80 supplemental, individual pumpkins to the delight of all. One little boy asked when he needed to return his pumpkin and I told him it was his to keep. His joyful cheer spoke to us all.
We have added yet another bird house, a new rain gauge (on top of one of the poetry posts), and are already anticipating changes and additions in the spring. Any ideas you might have are greatly appreciated. We are always in hopes that you and the children know that the garden belongs to you.
When you have time, please take a look at the pictures on the garden bulletin board in the front hall. The smiles on those faces speak louder than words. As always, cheers to Raleigh Hills and cheers to the garden. Carol and Leslie
Back to School.....
Back out to the garden
September 2017
Happy to report that the garden survived a very, very hot summer thanks to the nurturing of the many generous families who volunteered their time. This year was particularly challenging due to the heat – so we are especially grateful. Trees, vegetables, flowers, and shrubs are all thriving. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We sincerely hope that the children know the garden belongs to them.
This year we have also noted that it belongs to the community. Several neighbors have passed through expressing their pleasure - just walking by or sitting on benches in order to reflect on the garden’s many delights. It’s a good thing.
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”
Lady Bird Johnson
Lettuce, peas, strawberries, and beans were harvested in the spring before the children left for summer. We replanted both beans and lettuce and now have crops to harvest in the fall. This summer children also munched on tomatoes, chives, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, and many, many grapes, both red and green. Feel free to help yourself to both grapes and chives – as they are plentiful. The pumpkins are still growing and we have high hopes for October.
Looking ahead, we anticipate the need for a garden clean-up party in late October in order to clear out weeds, some invasive vines, and an over-flowing compost bin. We are hoping, if you are free and have a pair of gardening gloves, you’ll be able to join us.
We always we look forward to enhancing the garden and are now wondering about some kind of art/mural/tile installation on the side of the building. We also would love and appreciate your ideas and input. Always dreaming, Leslie and Carol
Summer News
The garden is thriving and seems to be in very good hands. Many, many thanks to the folks who are watering. The beds are full of promise!
Two Raleigh Hills alumni - former kindergarten teacher, Tina Strub, and her daughter, Emme have visited this summer. Also, RHS graduate, Keiler Beers, Leslie Taylor’s son came to the garden. There’s something endearing about RHS that keeps folks coming back.
So grateful for garden fans….. Carol
Garden Blog 2016/2017
May 2017
“A garden must combine the poetic and the mysterious with a
feeling of serenity and joy.”
Luis Barragan
Ta da....the garden is finally planted. We have had to dance fast, in and out of cloudbursts and between downpours, but we did it! Children have planted peas, pumpkins, sunflowers, tomatoes, kale, beets, lettuce, carrots, nasturtiums, chives, onions, beans, cucumbers, artichokes, spinach, peppers, “parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.” The peas, lettuce, spinach and chives will be ready to harvest before school is out in June. The chives, in particular, are robust so please feel free to take some home. We are happy to report that many of the seeds have sprouted, much to the entertainment of visiting classes.
Beyond planting, the children have explored the garden via a scavenger hunt looking for signs of the season, insects, something old, something round, something interesting, something beautiful, something made of wood, etc. They have also written weathergrams - including Lauren’s:
“Wind whispering,
Ladybugs flying,
Oregon Grape blooming,
Logs to sit,
Daisies dancing,
The Garden is open.”
May rainfall has eased the need to water this month.... but we will soon need families to volunteer in order to keep the garden thriving from late June until mid-September. Traditionally, families have volunteered to water for a week, Sunday to Saturday. Some families have shared weeks. If you are able and willing – please watch for a notice from our dear parent/garden coordinator, Julie Marshall (thanks, Julie!). We will be happy to give watering instructions for those in need. It’s low tech and involves only 2 hoses and a water key. Families are welcome to harvest whatever ripens during their week.
As always, please know the garden belongs to the RHS community. We encourage you to share and, above all, enjoy. As always, Leslie and Carol
April 2017
“One of the most delightful things about a garden
is the anticipation it provides.”
W. E. Johns
And we are anticipating THIS spring with great delight! After what seems like a “rain delayed” season, the garden is beginning to take shape. With the help of three very generous volunteers from New Seasons Market (one is a Raleigh Hills parent), compost was spread throughout the garden – into the raised beds, onto the pumpkin patch, and around trees and bushes. It took 3 hours and several wheelbarrow loads, but the garden is now “ready for action.” And speaking of action, even before all the compost was spread, Amelia Williams’ 5th graders came out and planted peas, lettuce and onions. It has begun!
This week classes are invited to decide what they’d like to plant and to note their choices on the bulletin board in the front hall. The choices include: pumpkins, lettuce, tomatoes, sunflowers, nasturtiums, carrots, cucumbers, beans, peppers, zucchini, broccoli, strawberries, kale, cabbage, eggplant, and artichokes. The chives survived the winter and are ready for harvest. Help yourself – as the chives are quite prolific. We eliminated the corn patch this year as experience has taught us that the July
harvesting is mainly done by ravenous squirrels.
Once again we are so looking forward to planting, observing, exploring, reflecting, releasing ladybugs and butterflies, writing weathergrams and poems, measuring, singing, and enjoying all the delights the garden has to offer. You are always welcome to join in. The garden is a great place just to breathe and reflect. It appears to make people happy.
“The Earth Laughs in Flowers”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.”
Gertrude Jekyll
October 2016
October certainly gave the rain gauge a workout this year. Its 3 inch capacity was challenged throughout the month. Fortunately the rain did not deter children from visiting and enjoying the fall harvest. Children were able to sample tomatoes, chives, grapes, beans, and peas. Classes were able to choose “class pumpkins” from those grown in our own garden. Much to their delight, kindergarteners carefully chose small, individual pumpkins they took home on Halloween Day – thanks to the supplemental bounty of a local farm.
For the first time children have planted winter crops. Broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and lettuce are now growing in three of the raised beds. We will soon plant a winter “cover crop” in the pumpkin patch in order to add nutrients to the soil.
We will spend winter happily planning for spring in the garden. If you have any thoughts, please be sure to share them with us. We are always open to suggestions that will enhance the school garden. We will continue to ponder the effects of “Nature Deficit Disorder” a term suggested by Richard Louv in his book, “Last Child In The Woods.” According to John F. Christensen in the Oregonian (October 17, 2016) – “Children are losing a vital connection with what the poet Gerald Manley Hopkins called ‘the dearest freshness deep down things.’” American children spend an average 7 hours and 38 minutes daily in front of screens. 1 out of 2 children spend less than one hour outdoors each day.
With that in mind.... we’ll meet you outside. Leslie and Carol
“Teaching children about the natural world should be treated
as one of the most important events in their lives.”
Thomas Berry
September 2016
We are happy to report that the garden survived the summer thanks to the nurturing of the many generous families who volunteered their time. Trees, vegetables, flowers, and shrubs are all thriving. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We are always in hopes that your efforts will help the children realize that the garden belongs to them.
As the seasons have passed, we know better what and when to plant. Lettuce, peas, and beans were harvested in the spring before the children left for summer. We replanted both beans and lettuce and now have crops to harvest in the fall. This month children have also munched on tomatoes, chives, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, and many, many grapes, both red and green. The pumpkins are still growing and we have high hopes for October. We are reconsidering corn as it ripens in mid-July when the children are on vacation. We are thinking that watermelon might be a good idea – as well as other possibilities.
When time permits, take a look at the garden bulletin board in the front hall. New art and pictures have replaced the old.
We have met with several classes already and can once again report that the garden seems to be a very happy place. Smiles abound and curiosity reigns.
After consulting with regional seed catalogs, we determined fall to be a good time to plant garlic, broccoli and cauliflower.... and so the children did.
As always please feel free to offer your suggestions and/or garden expertise.
“What is the extinction of a condor to a child
Who has never seen a wren?”
Naturalist Robert Michael Pyle
With great cheer, Leslie and Carol
Garden Blog 2015/16
“Why try to explain miracles
To your kids when you can just
Have them plant a garden.”
Robert Braclet
May, 2016
With the help of many hands, large and small but mostly dirty, the Raleigh Hills Garden is now planted and thriving. Pumpkins, corn, sunflowers, tomatoes, peas, beans, beets, radishes, carrots, onions, chives, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries, zucchini, nasturtiums, and wildflowers are all showing signs of growth. The apple trees are full of fruit and the grape vines - full of grapes - are finally reaching over the top of the pergola. Eat your heart out, Napa Valley.
As always, the word “joyful” comes to mind when describing the children’s reaction to their time in the garden. Students have made weathergrams and hung them from trees. The “art” posts reflect their impressions. Children have been dazzled by what they’ve found under the tree stumps that serve as stools – whole worlds of underground activity including beetles, roly poly bugs, spiders, centipedes, worms, slugs, and even ladybugs. And speaking of ladybugs – kindergarten and first grade classes squealed with delight as they released hundreds of ladybugs into the beds. Watering cans have provided much delight for both teachers and students – especially on very warm days.
We were particularly moved when a 4th grader noticed a sign noting the mileage to Abuja Nigeria – 7,570 miles. “THAT’S WHERE I’M FROM!” he excitedly exclaimed. “And that’s why it’s there,” we answered. Thank you, Amelia Williams.
This spring we’ve added some colorful pots, a new wooden bench, and some trellises. We are always in hopes that you will feel free to visit the garden - as it belongs to the community. During the summer months the garden will need to be watered. Please check your summer schedules, as we need families to water the beds. As in the past, families sign up to water in weekly intervals. Weeks can also be shared. Please check the “Sign Up Genius” schedule if you are willing and able. Families are more than welcome to harvest what has ripened during those weeks.
“Gardening is an instrument of grace.”
May Sarton
Always keeping that in mind…… Leslie and Carol
To your kids when you can just
Have them plant a garden.”
Robert Braclet
May, 2016
With the help of many hands, large and small but mostly dirty, the Raleigh Hills Garden is now planted and thriving. Pumpkins, corn, sunflowers, tomatoes, peas, beans, beets, radishes, carrots, onions, chives, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries, zucchini, nasturtiums, and wildflowers are all showing signs of growth. The apple trees are full of fruit and the grape vines - full of grapes - are finally reaching over the top of the pergola. Eat your heart out, Napa Valley.
As always, the word “joyful” comes to mind when describing the children’s reaction to their time in the garden. Students have made weathergrams and hung them from trees. The “art” posts reflect their impressions. Children have been dazzled by what they’ve found under the tree stumps that serve as stools – whole worlds of underground activity including beetles, roly poly bugs, spiders, centipedes, worms, slugs, and even ladybugs. And speaking of ladybugs – kindergarten and first grade classes squealed with delight as they released hundreds of ladybugs into the beds. Watering cans have provided much delight for both teachers and students – especially on very warm days.
We were particularly moved when a 4th grader noticed a sign noting the mileage to Abuja Nigeria – 7,570 miles. “THAT’S WHERE I’M FROM!” he excitedly exclaimed. “And that’s why it’s there,” we answered. Thank you, Amelia Williams.
This spring we’ve added some colorful pots, a new wooden bench, and some trellises. We are always in hopes that you will feel free to visit the garden - as it belongs to the community. During the summer months the garden will need to be watered. Please check your summer schedules, as we need families to water the beds. As in the past, families sign up to water in weekly intervals. Weeks can also be shared. Please check the “Sign Up Genius” schedule if you are willing and able. Families are more than welcome to harvest what has ripened during those weeks.
“Gardening is an instrument of grace.”
May Sarton
Always keeping that in mind…… Leslie and Carol
“…Furthermore, studies show that when children have contact with soil during activities like digging and planting, they have improved moods, better learning experiences and decreased anxiety. Most important, the self-esteem a child gets from eating a perfect cucumber that he grew himself is priceless.
Dr. Nimali Fernando, MD
March, 2016
The sun is shining and there is a lovely, steamy pile of garden soil in the parking lot just waiting to be spread. Shovels are ready – along with wheelbarrows, buckets, and gloves. Classes are deciding on what they’d like to plant and posting their preferences on the garden bulletin board. Children are invited to plant: corn, lettuce, tomatoes, sunflowers, pumpkins, nasturtiums, carrots, cucumbers, wildflowers, beans, peppers, zucchini, beets, strawberries, cabbage and kale – or to choose their own adventure. Sugar peas and onions are already in and are showing signs of growth. Last year’s chives returned and have been harvested. Help yourself - as the chives are quite prolific.
Many classes have already visited the garden this spring and have observed blossoming pear, apple and cherry trees. They have discovered many critters under the tree stumps, watered the emerging sprouts, and have recorded their impressions on “Weathergrams.”
And when you visit – do note the new “geography” signs that record the number of miles from Raleigh Hills to places from Paris France, to Santiago Chile, to Tokyo Japan, to Mexico City, to Kathmandu Nepal, etc. Soon every continent will be represented.
Please know, even if you aren’t into bugs and dirt, the garden is a great place just to breathe and reflect. It appears to make people happy.
“There are always flowers
for those who want to see them.”
Henri Matisse
Cheers to 2016! Leslie & Carol
Dr. Nimali Fernando, MD
March, 2016
The sun is shining and there is a lovely, steamy pile of garden soil in the parking lot just waiting to be spread. Shovels are ready – along with wheelbarrows, buckets, and gloves. Classes are deciding on what they’d like to plant and posting their preferences on the garden bulletin board. Children are invited to plant: corn, lettuce, tomatoes, sunflowers, pumpkins, nasturtiums, carrots, cucumbers, wildflowers, beans, peppers, zucchini, beets, strawberries, cabbage and kale – or to choose their own adventure. Sugar peas and onions are already in and are showing signs of growth. Last year’s chives returned and have been harvested. Help yourself - as the chives are quite prolific.
Many classes have already visited the garden this spring and have observed blossoming pear, apple and cherry trees. They have discovered many critters under the tree stumps, watered the emerging sprouts, and have recorded their impressions on “Weathergrams.”
And when you visit – do note the new “geography” signs that record the number of miles from Raleigh Hills to places from Paris France, to Santiago Chile, to Tokyo Japan, to Mexico City, to Kathmandu Nepal, etc. Soon every continent will be represented.
Please know, even if you aren’t into bugs and dirt, the garden is a great place just to breathe and reflect. It appears to make people happy.
“There are always flowers
for those who want to see them.”
Henri Matisse
Cheers to 2016! Leslie & Carol
Below is a wonderful article about the benefits of gardening for children. Shared by Carol Howell
Fall 2015
“A Garden must combine the poetic and the
mysterious with a feeling of serenity and joy.”
Luis Barragan
The garden once again treated us to the many delights of Fall. The children harvested peppers, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, chives, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, and (best of all) pumpkins. Much to the delight of the kindergartners, their trip to the pumpkin patch only required a short walk out the door and around the corner.
With the help of several lovely families and staff members we were able to put the garden to rest for the winter. We trimmed vines, moved a pear tree, cleared beds, pruned bushes, and covered the pumpkin/corn patch. Sesame Donuts and Starbucks generously donated the treats. We are ready for cold weather. You might occasionally find us sitting on the bench swinging our legs, watching for early signs of spring.
Poetry posts in the garden now also include geographical markers – noting how many miles to various destinations – many of which were suggested by our ELL students. We will soon have arrows pointing to each of the 7 continents. Did you know it is 5,501 miles to Beijing, China?
When time permits, check out the garden bulletin board in the front hall. There are pictures of many new gardeners. Please feel free to offer your suggestions and /or garden expertise. [email protected]
“As our garden grows…..we grow.”
Cheers! Carol & Leslie
“A Garden must combine the poetic and the
mysterious with a feeling of serenity and joy.”
Luis Barragan
The garden once again treated us to the many delights of Fall. The children harvested peppers, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, chives, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, and (best of all) pumpkins. Much to the delight of the kindergartners, their trip to the pumpkin patch only required a short walk out the door and around the corner.
With the help of several lovely families and staff members we were able to put the garden to rest for the winter. We trimmed vines, moved a pear tree, cleared beds, pruned bushes, and covered the pumpkin/corn patch. Sesame Donuts and Starbucks generously donated the treats. We are ready for cold weather. You might occasionally find us sitting on the bench swinging our legs, watching for early signs of spring.
Poetry posts in the garden now also include geographical markers – noting how many miles to various destinations – many of which were suggested by our ELL students. We will soon have arrows pointing to each of the 7 continents. Did you know it is 5,501 miles to Beijing, China?
When time permits, check out the garden bulletin board in the front hall. There are pictures of many new gardeners. Please feel free to offer your suggestions and /or garden expertise. [email protected]
“As our garden grows…..we grow.”
Cheers! Carol & Leslie
