NewsPre-K to 8Academics
Growing a garden variety
May 3, 2006 1:32 PM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Turning bunk beds to flower beds is no easy task, but Middle School science classes have learned how much fun it can be.
When the old bunk beds were removed from South Hall, it was assumed that they would be burned. But Middle School science teacher Randy Smith had other ideas. In mid-March, Smith and his sixth- and seventh-grade science classes dismantled the wooden boxes and turned them into raised garden beds.
“I couldn’t see all that wood going to waste,” said Smith. “This project has really shown the kids how important it is to make the most of what you have and to create something from nothing.”
Smith said he has been overwhelmed by the support shown for this project. Lowe’s donated fence posts to make the surrounding fence, and Taylor Trucking, owned by Darlington parent Ricky Cole, donated 18 tons of top soil.
“Students and their parents have brought all of the plants, and an anonymous donor gave a monetary gift to ensure that each student would have something to plant,” said Smith.
A few times each week, the science classes walk down to the area below the basketball court and work on the garden – tilling soil, planting a variety of vegetables and flowers, and watering the plants. Once grown, the vegetables may be picked at any time by students or faculty for personal use.
Sixth-grader Kathryn Wittmeier (’12) looks forward to the work on the garden each week. “I like to be able to get in the dirt and do something fun during class,” she said. “Starting a garden has shown us how plants actually grow.”
The classes have also done gardening in conjunction with others around the school in hopes to build a greater sense of community. They worked with the Counseling Office earlier in the year to plant tulips during Red Ribbon Week, and bulbs have recently been planted in the front of the Middle School.
“We are learning about responsibility and the importance of actually going out and doing something,” said Taylor Cole (’14). “Seeing the results of the work we do has made our class really learn about science.”
In the future, Smith and his classes hope to have a wildflower garden and a larger variety of vegetables. For more information about the project, please contact Smith.
When the old bunk beds were removed from South Hall, it was assumed that they would be burned. But Middle School science teacher Randy Smith had other ideas. In mid-March, Smith and his sixth- and seventh-grade science classes dismantled the wooden boxes and turned them into raised garden beds.
“I couldn’t see all that wood going to waste,” said Smith. “This project has really shown the kids how important it is to make the most of what you have and to create something from nothing.”
Smith said he has been overwhelmed by the support shown for this project. Lowe’s donated fence posts to make the surrounding fence, and Taylor Trucking, owned by Darlington parent Ricky Cole, donated 18 tons of top soil.
“Students and their parents have brought all of the plants, and an anonymous donor gave a monetary gift to ensure that each student would have something to plant,” said Smith.
A few times each week, the science classes walk down to the area below the basketball court and work on the garden – tilling soil, planting a variety of vegetables and flowers, and watering the plants. Once grown, the vegetables may be picked at any time by students or faculty for personal use.
Sixth-grader Kathryn Wittmeier (’12) looks forward to the work on the garden each week. “I like to be able to get in the dirt and do something fun during class,” she said. “Starting a garden has shown us how plants actually grow.”
The classes have also done gardening in conjunction with others around the school in hopes to build a greater sense of community. They worked with the Counseling Office earlier in the year to plant tulips during Red Ribbon Week, and bulbs have recently been planted in the front of the Middle School.
“We are learning about responsibility and the importance of actually going out and doing something,” said Taylor Cole (’14). “Seeing the results of the work we do has made our class really learn about science.”
In the future, Smith and his classes hope to have a wildflower garden and a larger variety of vegetables. For more information about the project, please contact Smith.
