A “Fresh” Look at Fessenden’s Community Garden
8/22/2014
Fessenden's community garden provides fresh food and educates students about nutrition, health, and the environment.
Fessenden’s community garden has seen tremendous growth since the School launched its sustainable gardening program in 2012. Today, a wide variety of fresh produce is cropping up in a space that teaches students the importance of organic food production as well as balanced nutrition. The vegetables and herbs that are grown on campus are often integrated into the School’s lunch program and enjoyed during meal times in Sanderson Dining Hall. The farm-to-table process is evidence that the local food movement is thriving at Fessy.
This summer, the garden boasts a colorful array of vegetables and herbs such as green peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, eggplant, broccoli, peas, parsley, and basil. Middle School English Teacher Thomas Minehart can often be found maintaining the garden and ensuring that a wide range of fresh produce is available for the community to enjoy. In the past several months, he has coordinated volunteer efforts that allow faculty, staff, and summer campers put their green thumbs to the test.
While the garden is bountiful this summer, Thomas notes the dual role it has during the school year. “The garden is not only a source of nourishment, it provides our community with educational opportunities to learn about healthy eating habits, agriculture, and the sustainable impact of growing your own food. The students enjoy having a sense of ownership of the garden and we look forward to welcoming them back this September,” he remarks.
During the school year, many students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 visit the garden with their teachers to take advantage of hands-on learning experiences. Students looking for increased responsibility can join an afternoon club to learn how to plant, grow, harvest, and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Created in 2012, the community garden was made possible by PA volunteers Katie Bramley; Renee Levin P ’15; Kym Long P ’13, ’15, ’21; Susan Denny P ’16; Kimberly Simonsen P ’16; Denise Ackerman; and Katherine Warming P ’13, ’15. Former Middle School Head Curt Lewellyn, who will now be directing the School’s first Innovation Lab, played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the garden. In addition to the help of Curt and parent volunteers, Parterre, Bartlett Tree Experts, and R.P. Marzilli Landscape Contractors generously donated their expertise and services to the community gardening project at Fessenden.
The garden can be accessed via the main entrance off Waltham Street and is located adjacent to the parking lot. Visit the Garden Blog for updates. | | |