What does it take for a school garden to thrive?

Professional Learning

When schools invest in professional learning and leadership, the garden becomes an integral part of school culture. A robust school garden increases the environmental and aesthetic value of a campus, making it a more inviting place for building community.

Curricular Integration

Garden-forward pedagogy is a valuable tool that supports disciplinary content and relates to core academic standards. Whether teaching measurement, seed dispersal, or literary symbolism, garden lessons provide valuable experiential learning.

Tools & Infrastructure

At the very least, a garden needs a sunny location with access to water and soil. Sophisticated materials make a garden look nice, but are difficult to maintain. On the other hand, spaces designed to connect to student learning outcomes become well loved outdoor classrooms.

I have come to believe that the garden is an escape from the confines of disciplinarity.
Lorie Thorp, Author of The Pull of the Earth:
Participatory Ethnography in the School Garden

School gardens are as old as public education and the evidence for garden-based learning has only become more abundantly clear in the 21st century.