Wenonah’s Giving Garden Sprouts Horticulture Curiosity

Wenonah Elementary School students gained collaborative learning skills and an appreciation of horticulture as they worked to provide the less fortunate with fresh crops from their “Giving Garden.” A project developed by the Wenonah Leadership Council in 2015, the crops are gathered by students and donated to Island Harvest, a nonprofit organization offering food services to those in need.

As part of the initiative, students in grades K-5 hone their knowledge of horticulture by participating in all steps of the growing process. Seeds are planted in cut milk containers collected by leadership students to germinate seeds. Seedlings are then nurtured in the classroom until they have matured enough to be planted. The garden, which parents constructed from materials donated by the PTA, is composed of cedar boxes filled with organic soil to hold the many varieties of vegetables students plant. To date, the students have planted and harvested such crops as tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplant, beans, corn and fresh herbs.

Reflecting on the impact of the project, Principal Christine DiPaola said: “There has been incredible enthusiasm for this project across grade levels. Not only have students learned about horticulture and the farm-to-table experience, they have taken great satisfaction in helping others in our community.”

Photos courtesy of the Sachem Central School District