Students of St. Mary’s Elementary School are becoming invested in the gardening club, where they can learn more about different plant variations and gain gardening experience. Throughout the year, students plant perennial plants and one-season plants. To further improve the conditions of the club, the St. Mary’s Parents Association has bought three new hydroponic towers and brought external gardening help from two members of the community, who run classes on gardening for students every week. According to the Elementary school principal Mr. Ratzliff, “Kids are excited by the gardening club.”
The gardening club began in 2022, with small gardens being operated in the courtyard. However, with the help of Ms. Denyer, the club transformed dramatically. By clearing out the vines in the courtyard, she made more space for the gardening club and is currently working to create a ‘Peace Garden’–a place where students can rest among the plants and trees. Ultimately, Mr. Ratzliff states the goal of the club is to “get the club members to know more about plants.” St. Mary’s Gardening Club currently has a clear vision and is only projected to grow more.
