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Urban garden benefits all

Feature slider by CHRISTY FLOM '13 | Clubs Editor

JACK CHASE ’13 | Staff Writer

Conservation Club is showing its green thumb with the construction of an urban garden that will be positioned in the patio area between the S building and the Main Building.

Garden plans have been bounced around for a number of years, but actual planning began in the fall of 2011, Conservation Club President Sarah Fentin ’12 said.  There were a multitude of obstacles to overcome before the garden was officially approved.

The process started with a proposal that was written to the administration introducing the idea, Fentin said.  Conservation Club also needed to find teachers to support the project before a meeting was held with Principal Dr. Matt Outlaw.  Once he approved the plans for the garden, the Mothers’ Club agreed that it would benefit South.

By JACK CHASE '13 | Staff writer. The Conservation Club poses for a group picture.

In hopes of providing fresh produce for Commercial Foods free of charge, the garden will be run by South students, for South students, Fentin said.  Conservation Club will be growing foods such as carrots, garlic, basil, cilantro, lettuce and other produce of a similar nature.

“I am hoping that we get herbs and vegetables,” said Commercial Foods Teacher Patti O’Hare.  “Herbs are very expensive to buy and fresh herbs are wonderful in food.”

Along with helping to sustain the Commercial Foods program, Fentin said they wanted to create an enjoyable environment for students to have lunch and want to be outside.

“We want to have a nice environment where people involved in the garden and not involved can enjoy it,” said Fentin.

Any food that does not go to Commercial Foods will be donated to local food banks, Conservation Club Officer Rebecca Brewster added.

Many different supplies had to be aquired before production began, club member Erin Donovan ’13 said.  Seeds, soil, and wood for a small fence, which purpose is to keep out unwanted animals, were donated for the garden.  Money that was earned through bake sales held throughout the year went toward paying for the supplies, such as anchoring stakes and waterproof laquer for the wood, which were not donated.  The club was only responsibe for paying $22.

Construction began Thursday, April 26, 2012, and hopefully seeds will be planted by Monday, April 30, 2012, Fentin said.  After planting has finished, the garden will be maintained through the summer by members of the Conservation Club.

By JACK CHASE '13 | Staff Writer. Members of the Conservation Club hope to have construction of the garden completed by the end of the year, Fentin '12 said.

“We hope for the whole South community to be involved one day, but for now we kind of have to start small,” said Brewster.  “However, anyone who wants to help can help.”

There is a strong underclassman population in the club that will help to keep the garden maintained and growing, Fentin said.

“Once it gets bigger, it can hopefully be a community thing where kids and classes can go out and hopefully get involved,” said Fentin.

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