March, 2014 to May 2015 – Impact of creating a new garden

We have succeeded in turning a rocky, inhospitable, neglected space into a little oasis of food growing, sustainability and learning.

This garden has the potential to extend its impact on the community as a demonstration garden for school and home gardens as well as a place to learn about sustainability practices in action.

The garden at Head Start has much to teach both the home gardener and educators about developing a sustainable environment at home or at school for little cost and few resources.

The “open house” will show examples of:

• Low cost growing beds
• Pathways that catch and retain moisture in the garden
• Composting
• Vermiculture
• An irrigation system with solar timers
• Rainwater harvesting used for irrigation

The educational part will explain:

• How the garden is used as an outdoor classroom
• How it complements the academic program in developing language, science, and other academic skills
• How it contributes to emotional intelligence, teamwork and community building
• How it is a stimulus for environmental, cultural and nutrition education
• How the garden inspires educators to develop new types of lessons and activities

Join us for an “Open House – Workshop” at the Cottonwood Head Start garden Saturday, May 23 from 10am – Noon. See how a garden can transform an neglected area into a welcoming place that builds fertile soil, retains rainwater, and produces food.