Sewickley Academy Dedicates Secret Garden

As Sewickley Academy celebrated its 175th anniversary on Saturday with a grand finale picnic, the family event at the Edgeworth campus included a dedication of the Secret Garden.

Kolia O'Connor, head of school at Sewickley Academy, said the garden steering committee worked long and hard to bring about the vision of the Secret Garden. (See video for highlights). 

“What you see here is still a work in progress, but very much a learning center for young and old alike,” O'Connor said.  

The inspiration for the garden at Hazel Lane and Ohio River Boulevard was not only to teach students valuable lessons about the environment and how food is produced, but also to nurture community spirit, common purpose and environmental stewardship, according to school officials. 

Work to cultivate the land started in 2012 as part of Sewickley Academy's annual Day of Service. No longer a secret, the garden now serves as an outdoor classroom for students to explore the organic circle of life, and as a community space.   

"My kindergarten students sing as they come down here," said Barbara Carrier, garden committee chairwoman. "That's what you want." 

Carrier participated in a vine cutting at the garden arch, a dramatic and artistic entryway designed and built by her son, Colin. 

Various garden beds, designed in the shape of flower petals are separated by stone paths. The flower garden will be used for bouquets at academy events. The butterfly garden is in its initial growing phase. There is a native plant garden, a Victory Garden of edibles and a sensory garden with plants such as lamb's ear to touch and feel.   

Raised beds are used by the Lower School’s science department and the Spanish department is growing a salsa garden. 

O'Connor said hundreds, if not thousands of hours have gone into the garden, which has received support from anonymous donors as well as a Whole Kids Foundation grant.

The dedication signified the opening of the Secret Garden. The grand finale celebration also included picnic food and carnival games at Wardrop Field. 

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