The History of Alexandria's Garden Project
The idea of a school garden began in the spring of 1997. Using an area which was
unused and neglected, one small 20 x 20 foot portion of a 90' x 30' parcel was cleared,
tilled, and framed by volunteers from a local youth group. The plants that first
spring, with seed spread by a class of 3rd and 4th graders, consisted of a wildflower
patch and some beans, which were started indoors by a teacher who was looking for a
place to plant what had started as a lesson in her classroom.
In February 1998, hoping to build upon what had been started, team teaching partners,
Mrs. Charkoudian, working with 5th graders, and Mr. Hernandez working with 3rd and 4th
grade students, secured the necessary funds to expand the garden to the full 90'x 30'
ft. area. These funds were used for materials to begin establishing walkways, building
bed perimeters, purchasing tools, fruit trees, rose bushes, other seeds, bushes, and
starter plants for the garden.
The next three months consisted of clearing the area of weeds, rocks, trees, and laying
blocks for a walkway and building three new beds. In April, 1998, we planted a lemon,
an orange, and a grapefruit tree. At this time we also planted 10 rose bushes, and
bougainvillea and jasmine bushes.
That spring we planted wildflowers, sunflowers, tomato plants, corn, watermelons,
cantaloupe, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and a few spices. We were very lucky and
amazed when everything grew. We had ourselves quite a wonderful, living, growing garden!
Go to Gardening Photo Album Page 1
Go to Gardening Photo Album Page 2
Go to Gardening Photo Album Page 3
Go to Gardening Photo Album Page 4
Back to Alexandria's Showcase Page
Alexandria's Home Page
Henry Anker, PumaLANd Central
pumaland.central@alexandria-es10.lausd.k12.ca.us
Last modified: October 11, 1999