Fariss Garden

After the spring 2018 renovation was done, we invited in the community to explore the space. Everyone was invited to take a tour and play. Signs were posted around the garden, to give information and also ask questions.  Everyone who came into the garden was able to choose their favorite variety of sunflower to plant! We also served lemonade! Inspired by the garden, there was mint, strawberry and plain lemonade.  We invited everyone to leave us comments on sticky notes. We learned that a lot of students loved the lemonade, were excited about gardening, and some even requested a tad pole pond addition and wondered if we could grow food to eat.

The process. This past spring, Extension worked with a group of Upper School students to renovate and design a garden space in the natural cove area of Fariss Hall. Students started the process by interviewing adults on campus we had identified as stakeholders, as well as students of various ages. From there, we looked at images of other school gardens in the Portland area grow our inspiration and ideas. Then we reflected on what we had heard, what our biggest take aways were, and what our inspirations were. Finally, we went through a design thinking process - using gathered information and ideas, and being in the space together, the upper school students began to plan. We ended up working as a whole group each morning to design and build beds, pathways and stairs. In the afternoon we formed smaller sub groups around water, wood, art and plants. Before. Mapping it out. Bringing plans to life. Partnering with Beginni...