The Lower School Outdoor Garden and Classroom continues to be a blessing to the Whitefield community. Since its creation three years ago, the garden has given students a concrete way to learn about multiple scientific topics such as erosion, photosynthesis, fertilization and composting. In addition, it has supplied a means to teach character education and spiritual truths such as sharing, sowing and reaping, and God’s provision. It has united families and students from the Lower School as they share time together planting, weeding and building new additions for the garden. Lastly, the garden has provided fresh, healthy food such as beans, lettuce, radishes, carrots, and potatoes for Lower School lunches.
Now the list of valuable experiences in the garden will also include a direct connection to the wider school community as Lower School students open their first Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, October 23 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. by the football field house (during Mileage Club).
Lower School classes (not PreK) have planted a variety of fall vegetables that will be ready soon in
order to supply the market. Vegetables for sale will include three colors of beans, different varieties of lettuce, radishes, zucchini, herbs, mini-pumpkins and North Georgia apples.
“Students grew and harvested most everything that will be sold,” said Brian Coski, Lower School music teacher. “They will be involved with setting up and selling the produce too.”
“A seed to harvest goal is the normal goal of a garden program like ours,” said Sally Fikse , Lower School science lab instructor. “Students learn about germination requirements, care, companion planting, and many other topics. With the market, we are adding the community education and business aspect to it as well.” (cool with the quote)
Coski, Fikse and Jackie Tolford, Lower School Spanish teacher, initially thought of the Farmer’s Market idea as they watched the abundance of produce that was possible.
“It’s just a great way to get kids involved in educating their community about how awesome the garden is,” said Tolford. “We hope to turn this pilot day into many future occurrences.”