Plans

Tentative future projects, pending approval and sufficient volunteers

Improving drainage

Uphill, runoff that now bypasses the garden needs to be directed towards the garden by a combination of shallow berms and ditches--both on the building side and near the sidewalk.

Improved signage

• The main sign needs replacement.
• An additional sign is needed to highlight how we are building an alternative to the lawn, that was mostly barren due to too much shade.  Our sedge alternative can tolerate shade and doesn't require mowing--just clipping to remove old growth once a year.

Improved borders

...Especially close the building to discourage trampling.  But it must be designed in a way to avoid damage by snowplows.

Expanding the garden uphill

The garden provides a major health benefit for students by reducing air pollution and blowing dust.  And, research shows student grades and attentiveness are improved by green areas near a school. 

A diagonal pathway from sidewalk to the school entrance needs to be left without garden plants.

Installing a compost bin

It's a waste of time to haul old leaves far away, and it robs the garden of nutrients.  Students need to understand that composting is an important part of sustainability.  But in the past, parents have objected to our use of a conventional plastic compost bin nearby.

So a bin needs to be attractive.  I'm proposing we build a bin from old lumber that can double as a seat parents can use while waiting to pick up their children.