Get Involved in the Teaching Garden!

This week, I interviewed my Grow Local teammate Liz Cardinal to find out more about the exciting changes in the SFC Teaching Garden happening this spring, what she is excited about, and some ways you can get involved!

What are the newest additions to the Teaching Garden?

We have recently installed an apiary that will house honeybees to help pollinate the SFC Teaching Garden, St David’s Foundation Community Garden and other neighboring gardens. There is a viewing area to allow visitors to view the hives at a safe distance and a beekeeper that will be teaching classes on home beekeeping and the importance of pollinators for our food supply. We created an interactive children’s garden that features plants to taste, smell, touch, hear, and see. We also have a new greenhouse to propagate plants and teach people how to extend growing seasons as well as two large rainwater catchment cisterns to practice and teach methods of sustainable gardening.

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What are you most excited about?

I’m really happy to be able to harvest the rain! I feel it’s a necessary component for sustainable gardening in Central Texas. I love using the rainwater instead of metered water, and it was fun and easy to install.

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Tell us about what kids do in the Teaching Garden on field trips?

Kids experience so many things in the garden, and they are learning by doing. They get to see vegetables growing, taste fresh herbs and vegetables, and enjoy being outside in the elements. We sweat, get dirty, and have fun learning together. They receive a short grade-specific lesson on a topic related to food and gardening and then explore the garden. We conclude with a hands-on activity like potting a plant. They usually bring a picnic lunch and eat in the garden as well.

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How can people get involved with the Teaching Garden?

They can volunteer on Friday mornings individually or as a group. Paula Arciniega, our Volunteer Coordinator, can get them set up with opportunities to work and learn alongside other staff and volunteers. They can schedule a group for a tour of the garden or a field trip, or they can visit on their own. There is educational signage throughout the garden for a self-guided tour.

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Are there any specials events coming up?

Yes! We are going to have a big celebration to welcome the bees to the apiary the week of April 17-23. They will arrive on April 17th, and we will have a family-friendly event that day from 2-5 pm with music, planting demos, and a pollinator parade. We also have classes coming up on beekeeping and harvesting rainwater. Check out our SFC Classes & Events page to register and stay in the loop!