GROUND BREAKING!

It was a beautiful day in the garden with a mix of families, friends, teachers, staff, WOHS Green Team members, community members, NNJ Slow Food members, all volunteering with 

pride, pleasure and heart.

It’s not too late; you can join us on May 7^th and 14^th

for more rewarding days.

HERE'S THE DIRT!!!

The WO recycling center, otherwise known as

Reliable Wood Products donated two truckloads of yummy dirt!

A company dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the environment ~ returning all of the recycled materials we process back to the earth.  Thank you Reliable Wood Products for your support and most generous donation!!!

http://www.reliablewoodproducts.com/westorange.htm

A BIG THANK YOU

goes out to the buildings and grounds crew for helping the garden launch.  Their heart-warmed support is most appreciated!

Gardening in the Classroom



To start the season, Ms Jackson's 2nd grade class read in the garden and is starting seedlings in the classroom in a creative greenhouse.



Slow Food of Northern New Jersey

"The mission of Slow Food of Northern New Jersey is to educate children about their food, including its origins, growth, taste and purpose to foster a deep connection that will last a lifetime.  This knowledge will help the youth of today become the leaders of tomorrow in responsible land stewardship."

Our New Composter: From the Table to the Ground and Back Again

Check out our groovy new composter that was purchased with a portion of the Slow Foods of Northern NJ grant money.  Woo hoo, now we're cooking!

And the first deposits, but the red packaging doesn't belong.  Our young gardeners have much to learn.

My Bonnie Lies Out in the Garden

Mrs Rella, one of our third grade teachers, pursued a program where every third grader receives a baby cabbage plant through the Bonnie Plant Program.  Once the cabbage plants are planted in the ground, each should grow to almost 4 feet!

Believe it or not, pictured below are over 100 baby cabbage plants!





Breaking Ground

The first Saturday in April found excited children from Redwood's student council feeling a sense of ownership, working toward a shared goal and having fun in the process as they measured and staked out the beds for the organic vegetable garden.  They also moved pavers, found fabulous worms, and learned about chives that happen to be growing wild in the courtyard. 

Mr. Powers, one of our fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Kavanaugh, our guidance counselor, Mr. Anderson, a parent volunteer and Ms. Schustak, the Art Teacher came to provide support and direction. Impact was immediately made when a student with the largest smile exclaimed, "Ya know, I never gardened before in my entire life!”

 

Beautiful garden tools donated by KMart!



It All Starts Here

The court yard space where our garden begins....



"Before"



Welcome!

Welcome to the official blog of the Redwood Elementary School Organic Garden.  Check in frequently for updates about the happenings in our new organic garden and photos of our progress.  Looking forward to a wonderful season of gardening!