Rooster Spring’s Learning Garden is 6,000 sq ft nested between academic wings, with access from the school library, so the “inward facing” classes have a view of the garden. Our goal is to create a sustainable garden that allows teachers to effortlessly integrate the garden into their daily lessons. We have a rainwater collection cistern, in addition to a hose bib for potable water in the garden, so we water by hand. There are 33 adoptable plots. Classes voluntarily adopt and care for plots each year, primarily planting edibles.

The garden is a Certified Wildlife Habitat recognized by the National Wildlife Federation, and is also certified as a Monarch Waystation. Along part of one wall there’s a large area of wildflower and native planting that is maintained by our garden ninjas, aka volunteers. In the center of the garden we have additional wildflower and native plantings in an area we affectionately call the Butterfly Garden, also maintained by the ninjas. The garden is home to two peach trees and a persimmon tree.

1. Respect the plants and creatures (even bugs)!
2. Keep feet on paths or in the grass.
3. Put away tools when you’re done.
4. Take trash with you.
5. Make sure to lock the shed and close the gate when you leave.

Remember: Cistern water is great for plants, but not for drinking or washing hands.

A special thank you to Wild Birds Unlimited for supplying the garden birdfeeder with birdseed.