Of the many new programs growing on campus this year, the lawn and gardening program has begun to “grow” what it is really made of. 

The lawn and gardening program has recently transferred from Franklin, when the school district received a grant to provide for it. 

It was brought here to join the Environmental Science and Engineering small learning community. 

Jim Griffin, who teaches the program for special needs students, describes the skills as, “Doing basic maintenance and learning how to use the lawn equipment.”

Maintaining the “greens” of the garden is not an easy task and requires students to learn basic skills, including math. This program is hands-on and lets students learn physically and mentally. 

  They work on life skills, vocational training, lawn and garden maintenance, and design and mathematics.

It also provides the tools necessary for students to do the job, such as lawnmowers for when they travel. One project that they have begun this school year is the garden between the F and G wings.

Since the garden from last year had some progress, they build from what was left.

They began by leveling the ground and cutting 4x4 redwoods in half. After that they had to put soil and place a weed mat in each box.

Once that was finished, planting began. 

They grow a variety of vegetables from squash to cucumbers which are then sent to the Campus Café.

 In the Campus Café, their hard work is transformed into breakfast for teachers.

That job remains unfinished and a period has to be dedicated for the garden. In order for plants to grow they have to keep the garden clean. 

Lawnmowers are used to trim down the grass when needed and when weeds grow tall, the weed hacker is there for the job. 

“Day to day water, and planting is something that has to be done on a daily basis,” said Jim Pettis, who runs Campus Café.

The responsibility and teamwork that students put into this program have been the keys to this garden’s success. 

They also do lawn work at Kohl Open Elementary, Walton Development Elementary, and a local church. 

  Since the summer is coming to an end, and winter is approaching they are getting prepared for the new season. They will be planting winter vegetables and begin ornamental flower planting. 

This program has a set goal for their students and that is to help them get a stable and beneficial job.

“We are trying to make students employable and we are trying hard to find a job for them,” said Griffin.

The garden has made Stagg greener with its vegetables and plants. Every week there is a student doing something good for the environment. 

The enthusiasm and hard work of these students has made a difference in their lives and has helped the world, environmentally.