First Step to an Outdoor Classroom

The Learning Garden at Makefield Elementary School is a work in progress.
The initial installation of the garden started in the spring of 2011. The plan for the garden beds was mapped out and heavy landscaping borders for the beds were hammered into place. This created separate areas for the garden. Two native perennial beds, two vegetable beds, two berry and herb beds, and a large "common" area in the center were all built. Yards and yards of soil, compost, and manure were added to the beds to get them ready for planting. The perennials, berry bushes, and vegetables were then planted. Yards and yards of mulch were spread in the common area that would become our outdoor garden classroom. Three apple trees were planted in addition to several butterfly bushes. There were two composters delivered so we could create our own "black gold" and reduce the amount of usuable waste that would, otherwise, end up in the landfill. We purchased hoses and tools to keep at the garden. A birdbath was added for our feathered friends.

When I look back on all that was done in the past year and a half, I am amazed. We did a lot of work in such a short time  and the results are incredible. The building of the Makefield Learning Garden was the result of a lot of hard work and dedication of a lot of volunteers. It was a group effort of parents, teachers, staff and community members and children, all working to create something beautiful and meaningful for the children and the Makefield community. We raised money as a group. We sought out volunteers who had the same dreams and visions that we did for the garden. We graciously accepted offers from Makefield families for donations of soil and mulch and their time. The Learning Garden was a Makefield Elementary School community effort and there are not enough words to express our thanks to everyone who helped make this garden dream a reality. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Stop by and visit us if you are in the area. We would love to share our garden with you.
Karen

Spring 2011

Fall 2012

Where We Were and Where We Are Now

It's been a while since we've been here on the Learning Garden blog. It was a busy summer for everyone.  Although we  haven't posted, that doesn't mean that we haven't been busy.

This summer was definitely a HOT one and, very dry, at times. 
                                  HOT + DRY= WEEDS!
There were times when it looked liked we were growing weeds for harvest, but, that wasn't done on purpose. WEEDS HAPPEN. Between all of those weeds, there were good things growing like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, herbs, purple ornamental beans, blueberries, melons, and flowers galore. Sometimes, you just have to look past the weeds to find something beautiful.

Consider these pictures the "before" shots of the garden. We can't wait to show you what we've been up to in the "after" shots. Like I said, we've been busy!

Karen

You Can't Hide, Dandelions!!

No matter how hard they tried, the dandelions were always found. You can run but you can't hide!
Karen

After looking at the BEFORE and AFTER pictures of the garden, I can honestly say that Friday the 13th was NOT an unlucky day for us. With the help of some hard working parent and grandparent volunteers, we weeded, raked, trimmed, and mulched our garden and brought it back to the beauty that it is.

With our mild winter and lack of rain, I think the dandelions thought they found a new permanent  home. They were plentiful enough that we even considered making dandelion salad, but, decided against it. Maybe another day. There were a few weeds that were mistaken for broccoli that had been planted in the fall. After a little bite and a huge mouthful of bitter that wouldn't quit, I decided that THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THIS PLANT COULD BE MISTAKEN FOR BROCCOLI!!

I hope you come back often to check the progress of the Makefield Learning Garden. There are big plans in store for our second year and it's going to be beautiful!!!

Karen

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Community Greening Award 2011

On Sunday, November 6, 2011, the Makefield Learning Garden was honored to receive a PHS 2011 Community Greening Award.  The Hauck and Schaffer Families attended the award reception on behalf of Makefield Elementary. Recognition was given  for all of the hard work that the Makefield Community has done to make the Learning Garden dream a reality. A framed certificate was presented along with a large sign to hang in the garden. Thank you to the PHS for acknowledging  our beautiful garden.
K.

Brussels and Cabbage and Chard, Oh My!

Finally, after weeks of planning, scheduling, and rain delays, the cool weather veggies are all planted.
Lettuce, cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower, kale, chard, brussel sprouts, turnips, radishes, spinach, carrots,
bok choy, beets, arugula.....Whew! Who knew there was so much to plant in the Fall?

Grades K-2 worked hard digging, planting, and creating beautiful plant markers for their
plants. The seeds are sprouting, some a bit more slowly than others. The plants are thriving in this
recent spell of cool weather. The lettuce is almost ready for a delicious salad.

In the coming weeks, we will  spread a nice blanket of mulched leaves over these veggies
and, hopefully, many will survive over the winter.

Look forward to photos of all of the crops coming in.

Did I forget to mention that garlic will be planted in early December? I really think that a garden never sleeps!!!

An Apple a Day

A few weeks ago, the parents and children of Miss Gallagher's first grade class, donated and planted a dwarf apple tree in the Learning Garden, in memory of Miss Gallagher's father who recently passed away.
What a heartfelt way to honor someone so special.

Yesterday, two additional apple trees were planted, on either side of that first tree, so that
they will cross pollinate and produce beautiful apples in the coming years.

On your next visit to the garden, stop by and see how the trees are doing.

They are absolutely beautiful!