June 22, 2021 -- School gardens can provide all kinds of benefits to students: real-world application of science and math concepts, building community among students from different classrooms and grade levels as they work toward a common goal, inspiration for trying new healthy foods, the responsibility for caring for something living and growing, and, in the case of Fairfax’s new student garden, an opportunity for incorporating art into a permanent installation.

A project that was set to be launched prior to the COVID shutdowns and then halted during remote schooling, the garden has finally been opened. Teacher Eric Cohen worked with CH-UH parent Todd Rogers to plan and install the garden on an unused portion of the school’s property facing Lee Road. It includes multiple raised wooden beds for vegetables and herbs, a picnic table and several whimsical pieces of collaborative student art.

Generous funding from Rox Arts in Tiger Nation, the Heights Schools Foundation and the Fairfax PTA covered the cost of raw materials, some professional landscaping help to clear the land, and funding for an artist-in-residence from the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning. Mark Yasenchek spent Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the school for six weeks meeting with every classroom at least twice to design and paint signage, picnic tables, an entry trellis, and smaller plot signs.

Mr. Cohen facilitated the indoor growing of weather-sensitive plants in several classrooms outfitted with grow lights. Other classes were responsible for planting hardier vegetables directly into the beds. He is working hard to engage every student in the building so they truly feel like the garden is theirs, both to take care of and to enjoy. The ultimate goal is to have a harvest day in the fall and to incorporate ongoing outdoor education into the curriculum. “I hope this is the springboard for getting kids outdoors,” said Mr. Cohen.

The garden was officially unveiled at an end-of-year celebration on Wednesday, June 2. Every class had the opportunity to explore the garden itself as well as enjoy outdoor activities and gather information about summer programming throughout the Heights.

Several student families have offered to care for the garden over summer vacation. Mr. Cohen has urged all Fairfax children to pick veggies and herbs if they see them thriving. “I really want them to think of this as their garden.”

 

View the full photo album here.