Vision

The goal of this project was to establish a small community garden space or a “garden of hope” that would become a focal point of learning and sharing for the school and surrounding community.
This garden responds to our commitment to learn about and reduce climate change, to learn and model sustainable habits and help shift attitudes in our school community.
The garden served as a catalyst for rich learning throughout the year by provoking deep thinking and hands-on inquiry. We invited and learned from Knowledge Keepers as well as guests from the agriculture industry and worked closely with members of our parent community.

Action

Students learned about plants and how to grow them. They learned about seed starting by starting their own. They explored more in depth where food comes from. They explored the ideas of food scarcity and security. By establishing a Three Sisters Garden, we learned about the benefits of companion planting. Knowledge Keepers shared traditional stories and Knowledge to deepen understandings of our Treaty Partners and our own relationship with the Land.
We were able to install and seed a Three Sisters Garden in our schoolyard. Students helped plan the garden, including its location with regard to drainage, orientation to the sun and proximity to water. Students moved the container into place. They participated in filling it with soil and learned about organic fertilizer, mulching to conserve water and various ways to compost. They learned about and used worm castings. They received Teachings about planting with regard to companion planting and the phases of the moon. Students learned both about direct planting and transplanting seedlings. Students tended the garden daily to weed and water. Important partnerships were forged with the parent community and the local daycare to share garden progress and maintenance. As the seasons advance, the garden will allow us to explore seed harvesting and sharing.

Reflection & Celebration

This project has been transformative in so many ways to the entire school community. Students have not only learned a great deal but have altered habits and attitudes. The project has served as a catalyst to many other initiatives including other gardening opportunities. They have been learning how to build healthy soil and have learnt about composting, decomposers, pollinators and beneficial insects and companion planting. Students have greatly benefitted from Indigenous teachings about the Three Sisters garden. We are very grateful for this wonderful opportunity.