Club Green

I love this fountain and it is my FAVORITE piece from this garden.  It reminds me of a beach in Rocky Point with coral and shells abound.

One of the things that came to mind while putting together several posts was our school garden. A biology teacher, Mr. Ewing, began this special project several years ago and today it's a lovely oasis for teachers and students alike.  I enjoy being able to go down and visit the garden area on my prep time to grade papers or just take a stroll.  While it takes some maintenance, I believe it's important for schools to have a garden.  Most high schools won't bother with something like this, but I'm glad someone was forward thinking and started this project. My 4th Year Spanish class donated an orange tree to the garden and today it has grown quite large.  Let's take a look at some of the highlights this natural and wild garden offers.

The roses in April are fantastic!!!  This plant has taken off with late morning sun and afternoon shade. 

While in this wildlife garden, you will notice all kinds of birds fluttering about....sometimes having a little bird fight. 

The entrance to the garden is warm and inviting from the sterile concrete hallways of our school.

All along the garden, you'll find rustic benches and ramadas for people to sit and take a break.

During this photo shoot, there was a bird war over some seed.  This little guy takes a break from the territorial anger:)

Agaves took a beating this past winter, but blooms remind us that some of these plants have recovered.

A pond was placed in the garden and is maintained by students during the day.  Several critters that come to visit.....javelina, rabbits, snakes, lizards, and other desert fauna. This picture is taken from a teacher's second floor window.  What a view!!

I think this garden represents peace in a dark time for education.  With all the cuts going on and happening throughout the US, we are facing some very depressing times for our kids.  There comes a breaking point for everyone and I don't know when that will happen, but we are losing wonderful teachers and programs due to cuts.  In Arizona, some interesting laws are being passed that are changing the face of the public school system here.  Most people feel saddened by what is happening....and powerless.  But in a time of sadness, it's good to know that there is a place you can go to let the bad thoughts disappear.  Mr. Ewing has done a great job educating kids and extending the classroom out into the garden.  I know it takes a lot of time and effort to care for this garden and I'm thankful we have it.