Garden Dispatch: Spring Awakens in Our Garden

Garden Dispatch

Spring Awakens in Our Garden!

The garden is alive with the joyful energy of spring, and we are so excited to share all that’s been happening in our special outdoor classroom.

We’ve been diving into the world of stinging nettle – learning how to respectfully harvest, dry, and transform it into healing tea. It’s now a proud addition to our growing apothecary of herbs, which the students tend to with care and curiosity.

Our food forest continues to flourish, thanks to the kids’ hands-on work building soil health under the trees and across the hillside. We harvested apples straight from the forest, and students lovingly sliced, seasoned, and baked them into a delicious apple crumble we all shared together. In another sweet project, we made calendula lip balm using flowers we harvested last year and steeped in nourishing oil. Every step – from planting to making – teaches us patience, wonder, and gratitude.

Planting season is in full swing! Tomatoes, wildflowers, oats, and red clover are tucked into the earth, and we’re experimenting with different crops to see what thrives. Sour grass (oxalis) is also having its moment – students love munching and gathering this bright burst of lemony joy.

We’ve been dreaming up new paths and possibilities, talking about what our ideal outdoor classroom might look like. Designed by the students, of course!

The Virginia creeper is beginning to wake up. It’s a treasured part of our garden – its branches will later be woven into wreaths and baskets, but for now, we’re giving it the space it needs to grow. All of our herbs are thriving. The calla lilies are bursting into bloom, the garlic and onions we planted are settling in for a fall harvest, and everywhere we look, the garden is simply… happy.

We are thankful for all who support this living classroom. It’s a place of wonder, learning, and joy – for all of us.

With gratitude,

The School Garden Team