Four years ago, Hillsdale Elementary School decided its garden needed an upgrade. There had been a space but it had seen better days, so led by a knowledgeable teacher and a group of dedicated parents, they scouted a location, raised some funds, built some beds, got some soil, raised some more funds, added an irrigation system, partnered with the West Chester Food Cupboard, worked with the teachers, planted some veggies, organized volunteers to keep it running over the summer, donated the harvest, hosted a fall clean-up day, and then, asked themselves, “What the heck were we thinking?”

No, they didn’t. They celebrated their success and kept right on trucking but it’s easy to see why school gardens despite all their proven benefits – nutrition awareness, environmental awareness, community building, and even higher test scores – can be a challenge to maintain.

I chatted with the Hillsdale Garden Committee (Form a Garden Leadership Committee: Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #6 for a thriving school garden) on their success so far and their plans to keep the garden growing. (Sorry.)

HWC: So, tell the truth, after three years, how is the new garden doing?

GC: 2024 has been both a very successful year and a year for change for the Hillsdale Garden. Every Hillsdale student got involved by planting a seed or seedling during our annual Planting Day on April 19th. We’ve had the help of 10 families who have taken a week over the summer to harvest, weed, water, and love the garden. As a result, we have donated over 542 pounds of produce to the West Chester Food Cupboard. (Partner with local organizations: Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #7 for a thriving school garden) We are just over halfway through our harvest season and have seven more families who have volunteered to help keep the garden thriving.

HWC: I know your inaugural teacher liaison (Ensure adequate school support. Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #1 for a thriving school garden) retired earlier this summer. What are your plans for keeping up support for the garden going forward?

GC: The Hillsdale Garden wouldn’t be what it is today without Mrs. Marilyn Quinn. She has been involved with the Hillsdale Garden for 15 years when it began with six wooden beds shaped in two H’s for the Hillsdale Huskies. Also moving on this fall is Garden Club founding member, Rebecca, who will be at Pierce with her now sixth grader.

[ELL teacher] Mrs. Robyn Gardner King has been added to the team as the new teacher liaison and founding members, Courtney and Sara will continue to serve the garden club in leadership roles. Third-grade parent Liz will fill the final position. The Garden Club is also hoping to find new kindergarten and first-grade parents interested in joining the team to help continue this amazing tradition.  

HWC: Well, congratulations. I know this has been no easy feat. Have other schools in the district expressed interest in starting their own gardens?

GC: With the amazing success of the Hillsdale Garden, a few other schools have reached out for information and ideas on how to create and continue excitement at their gardens. With the retirement of Mrs. Quinn, she is grateful to have the opportunity to help other schools work on a plan to create a garden to fit their space and community. We are excited about the collaboration and hope to offer advice or encouragement along the way. (Provide teacher garden training: Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #4 for a thriving school garden)

Thanks, guys for the update, and best wishes for continued success with that garden! If you would like information on starting your own school garden, send the garden club a note at hillsdaledirectory@gmail.com. They would be happy to point you in the right direction.