Third graders transformed the hillside garden near the food forest, planting over 100 vibrant plants including tri-colored sages, purple sage, oregano, calendula, and snapdragons. They rehabbed soil with straw, mulch, and compost, harvested herbs for burn bundles, mulched paths, and gathered zinnias and tomatoes.

Eighth graders lent their energy too: packaging cozy teas for our fundraiser, moving soil for younger grades’ beds, crafting lip balm, blending and packing teas, cutting grapefruit for dehydration, trimming Mercedes the blackberry bush, and turning harvests into heartfelt creations.

Across all grades, we begin each class with breathing exercises and grounding, nurturing calm alongside curiosity. Other highlights included saffron and tomato harvests (shared at lunch and tea events), incense making, mini books on campus herbs, and geranium propagation.

Looking to 2026, we’re planning a temporary enclosure in the main garden, researching animal-resistant plants like thyme, sages, mint, and geraniums, and expanding garden-to-table lessons where students cook their own harvests. Watch for mulching dates and volunteer opportunities—we’d love your hands in the soil!

Happy wintering, dear community. May this season bring mellow, cozy chills as we all go dormant, resting and dreaming of spring’s return.

With gratitude,

The Oak Grove Garden Team