Last fall, the Stonehedge Elementary School 5th Grade Student Council came up with a list of ideas to enhance the school experience for students. One of those ideas was a garden. Students from Mrs. Lyons class suggested we use the School Seedlings Project from the NYS DEC, which would provide free seedlings.
The students began planning in late February, starting with creating a Google Slide presentation for their principals. After getting permission from Mr. Suddaby and Buildings and Grounds, the garden began to take shape. With the help of staff, parent, and community volunteers they changed a patch of grass into a wildlife garden.
Several students staked out the site and after it was rototilled by volunteers, all students worked to prepare the soil with rakes, hoes, and shovels. They planted Silky Dogwood and Red Stem Dogwood seedlings, as well as Butterfly Weed plants. Cages were built to protect the seedlings and the area was covered with mulch.
With each class working 30 to 40 minutes at a time, all of this was done over the course of three days in May. They are planning to add some annual plants soon, so be on the lookout to watch as their garden grows!