The Dormont Elementary School garden was established in 2003 under the leadership of former teacher Leslie Holmes. A path made of rescued bricks from Connecticut Avenue leads through this lush and colorful garden that is designed, built, and maintained by the Dormont Elementary community. This “outdoor classroom” gives students hands-on experience in arts, science, and wellness throughout the year.
The garden expanded in 2017 with touches of food and art. Lisa Thoft’s 5th grade art students created totem poles adorned with positive messages that now decorate the garden. Girl Scout troops painted stepping stones and bird feeders to add to the garden. Some students painted a rain barrel that is now collecting water for use in the garden. The EDS summer camp program has been learning about composting and creating fertilizer for next year’s garden as they toss their food scraps into the new compost tumbler. Students planted herb and vegetable seeds indoors in April and by June they got to witness the food growing outside in several new raised beds. Families and troops continue to tend to the garden throughout the summer months and are enjoying the harvest. The garden committee is currently working to raise funds for further expansion of the garden including a greenhouse for year-long learning and more raised beds for food and flower production.
