Gardens in the air

Books and computers aren’t the only ways to learn for the fortunate students who attend Triangle Elementary School; they are also nurtured by nature. Colorful butterflies are attracted to their lush butterfly garden. Students stroll through the peaceful garden or sit serenely on one of the benches to help calm nerves before a test.

In addition to delicate and dazzling butterflies, the school provides a delicious way for students to learn through growing their own fruits and vegetables. A recent report from Cornell University states students who grow their own vegetables are four times as likely to eat them. Triangle Elementary students pick what they want to grow and participate in planting, weeding, and harvesting tomatoes, strawberries, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts in garden boxes.

The fruits, vegetables, and herbs that grow in the air in hydroponic towers also amaze the students. The school had four towers and has just added four more.

“Gardening goes along with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program). Kids learn how plants are pollinated, seeding, and what nutrients plants need. Lettuce is a big hit, and is served in the cafeteria’s lunch buffet. That’s how our cafeteria salad bar came about,” says Principal Kathy Billar.

Kim Taylor, cafeteria manager, adds, “Kids are not exposed to gardening anymore. They grow up in apartments…If they get a chance to seed it, grow it and pick it, they might try it just because they grew it.”