Pollinator GardensTo enhance pollination in the area around school it was decided to plant many perennial and annual flowers in our parking lot medians to attract bees and butterflies. The Travelers learning community, of approximately 60 students, took on the challenge.
Black plastic and burlap were used to smother the grass growing in the medians of our parking lots. After several weeks of baking in the sun, the plastic and burlap bags were removed and the soil tilled up by master gardener, Jeff Young. Farm to school coordinator, Heather Smith, and Jeff dug up and split many of the perennial plants surrounding the school building. These plants needed to be removed anyway because in the summer of 2016 the sidewalks and garden beds around the school will be torn up and replaced. All remaining plants will likely be trashed. Travelers students help shift the plants to their new home. Heather Smith instructs the young students how to plant the flowers. Jeff Young ensures the plants are well placed and watered in. A barrier is placed around the freshly planted beds to prevent students and parents from walking through them. Compaction of soil and plant damage has been a big problem in these areas in the recent past (the area photographed to the left is our former blueberry bush location). In spite of numerous signs and repeated requests to honor the garden site, people have continued to walk through. The plan is now to put in a stepping stone pathway along the edge of the garden bed nearest the cars. There will also be a split rail fence routed through the middle of the median to discourage foot traffic. Some vocal parents are not happy with the new garden beds and the "restriction" of access. However, there is a designated walkway that is properly marked for safety. That is where we want foot traffic to go. |