The UBC undergraduate course, Environmental Ed. Theory, spent 2 1/2 weeks using the garden as an outdoor classroom for discussion, presentations, planting projects, and even yoga (!). While the time was split between an indoor classroom and the garden, the students spent regular time outdoors getting their hands dirty.
students weed area to be planted
students plant perennial bee forage & herbs: echinacea, monarda, heather, lavender, rosemary, chamomile & hibiscus
finished planting
students weed and plant French breakfast radishes (a great quick-growing crop to grow with children and in school gardens. radishes are harvestable at 30 days)
students wash veggies for salad
mid-morning salad of kohlrabi, sugar snap peas, dried cranberries, purslane & orange vinaigrette
A percentage of their grade was based on "giving back to the garden"- projects that contribute to the beauty and functionality of the garden. We (and the bees!) are very grateful for the perennial planting bed and hope the students return to visit their plants.
On a side-note for our team, we regret that due to the late summer schedule (various planned vacations...) we were not able to attend the class each day. This was a test run for all of us and hope to continue refining our offerings going forward. We look forward to feedback from the students via reflective journals kept throughout the course.
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