Knowlton Academy garden
CONT’D minds, people remember us.”
And their response has been nothing short of incredible.
After asking people on Facebook if they had any extra rhubarb that they could contribute to the school, Jennifer had quit a surprise. “In 24 hours, I had 75 pounds of rhubarb and I was turning people away. I’ve collected hundreds and hundreds of pounds. The kids process it and put it in the freezer for the cafeteria lady to use in the winter.”
She explained that everything that has been put together at the garden is a result of donations. “I’ve never seen anything like it, how the community came together and how they got behind us. Everything is donated. Someone stole our water tank last year and I posted it on Facebook. I ended up with three free water tanks. The whole community is involved.”
The garden also has a squash tunnel that was made possible by donations. “It is an old car tempo. Everything was free and donated. People are used to me asking for weird crazy things for the garden, she said. “I can’t stress it enough that it wouldn’t be what it is without the community.”
When asked about the positive impacts the garden on the students of Knowlton Academy Jennifer explained, “It gives a lot of children a better connection to nature. It is also a green space so it really helps kids who have trouble concentrating. It also helps them understand where their food comes from. There is a big difference in how they eat now. It is rewarding and exciting.”
Children who are having a rough day, whether they are stressed or having trouble in class, can turn to the garden for help. “I’ve had teacher’s message me while I’m down there if they could send a couple of kids down. They will come and spend some time with me.”
Younger and older children both get to experience the garden. “The activities we organize are based on the age groups. We have cooperation games, we have skipping ropes and tic-tac-toe boards. We always want it to be a place where they can enjoy themselves.”
This summer, the garden also served the children of the Salamander’s summer camp science club. “Salamanders approaches us about the science club coming to the garden. Each time they came they did different workshops.”
All in all, “we are happy and it’s incredible how far it has come in three years.”
The Knowlton Academy garden and greenhouse project is always looking for volunteers. “We always welcome volunteers and we are always looking for donations of tools and we’ve taken donations of different crops.”
Over the summer, the garden is usually open to the public on Monday’s and Thursday’s, you can make a donation and pick up some fruit and vegetables, but anyone is welcome to stop by if someone from the committee is there. “Anyone is welcome to come say hello if we are there.”
What great things can happen when the community comes together!