Mint Valley Plan Approved!

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Did you know that Mint Valley has a Student Leadership Council?  This team of students, along with some VERY passionate and dedicated teachers and families, have helped plan the garden at Mint Valley Elementary.  Longview School District quickly approved the plan so we are cleared for takeoff!  As soon as some money comes in, construction will begin, starting with the fence.  We have applied for a few grants and are waiting to hear back.  This garden will be unique in that all the raised beds will be placed directly on existing pavement – no muddy feet makes for happy custodians!

FUTURE GARDEN OUTLINED BY MINT VALLEY KIDS

A new garden at St Helens Elementary!

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So much has happened in 2011!  It’s hard to believe it all took place in about 8 months.  Made possible by major grants from the Cowlitz Fund and Lowe’s, generous donations from local families and businesses, and LOTS of hard work by adults and kids alike.  Here are a few of my favorite St Helens moments:

Ryan's Tractor Service donated lots of time doing initial excavation and waterlines. Tim Alwine hauled 8 dump truck loads out of there! Remember what a soggy June it was?
Wayne Alexander and crew pour concrete donated by Knife River Concrete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neighborhood kids came out of the woodwork in the summer to help. Dr. Darin gives a lesson on proper hammer technique.
These volunteers put in A LOT of hours over the summer!

 

 Kyle and Mikail said “You HAVE to tell the other kids that we helped build this shed when school starts, because they’ll NEVER believe us!”

 

 

 Squaring up the shed floor with Parks and Rec Summer crew.

Working at recess - check out the kids outside the fence.... "No fair!"

 

 

Hardworking kids with volunteer Shawn Higgins

 

Planting... finally!

 

Mrs. Kiffe spreading the love.
Ms T and Alberto talking care of business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A young garden, buzzing with activity!

 

 

Monticello Garden Update

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Welcome to the Lower Columbia School Gardens blog!  First, raise your hand if you like the word “blog” ….. anyone?  No?  That’s what I thought.  Me neither. Sounds like cold oatmeal.   Anyway, here are a few photos of Monticello Garden Club kids planting the new area a few weeks ago.  They’ve been working hard all year to get to this point – they’ve spread yards and yards of gravel on curved paths, formed mounded beds, moved the greenhouse…. and now they’re doing the really exciting stuff!  Kids are now planting fruit trees, Japanese maples, blueberries, wild strawberries, lavender, and more.  This Thursday Nov 17 we’ll be harvesting potatoes and roasting them with olive oil, fresh herbs, onions…. stop by for a taste, 2:30 to 4:30.  500 free tulip bulbs are waiting to be planted too, so there’s lots of fun to be had.

 

That’s all for now!  We’ll take a break and be back at it in 2012!

Cheers,

Ian