• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Adventures in the Fourth Ward community garden

The raccoon in the park next to the garden created a bit of excitement amongst the Wilson Elementary School students learning to identify birds for their summer school class. That is, until Janesville police officers tried to serve a warrant next door. The teachers rushed the kids in and contemplated going into a soft lockdown. The PA system advised all teachers and students to stay inside. After the police left, without their suspect, classes ventured back outside to learn about birds and plants.

It's just another adventure in the Community Gathering Garden in Janesville's Fourth Ward.

Kay Deupree heads up the teaching effort with assistance from Billy Bob Grahn and me. We're finishing up the second summer school session bringing kids out to work in the garden and learn about plants, insects, birds and such. Judith Romstad and her colleagues bring the kids out class by class. They split into sections: one section learns a lesson while the other section works in their garden bed. Then they switch.

Last year, each class planted vegetables and flowers in a raised bed. This year, the neighbors near the garden adopted the beds before summer school started. Their crops are coming along nicely. The kids planted various perennials, annuals and edible plants along the hillside near Monterey Stadium. Each class has a bed flagged with a sign featuring the students' autographs.

Tuesday, July 7 marks our last summer school session for the year in the garden. Some students have already expressed concern that their plants won't be watered over the summer. We're having talks about how to take care of them. Summer school is only one aspect of our work in the community garden, but there are lessons inadvertently learned there.

While bird-watching, one of the younger students said,

"I saw someone smoking weed there in those trees! It was last night. Can I smoke weed, too?" I told him that's probably not a good idea.

"Can we eat/drink this?" It doesn't matter what it is, someone is going to ask if they can eat or drink it.

"How did you know my name is [unique name]?" When you get into trouble, the teachers say your name. If I know your name, it's probably because you're not doing what you're supposed to do.

"Can we touch the poison ivy? Will it kill us?" No and possibly yes, if you're allergic.

"I wish you were my mom!" Um, thanks.

Over the weekend, I used my first attempt at a stepping stone to create one for the garden. It says "We Grow Together". The kids were all very well-versed in teamwork concepts when I asked them what it means.

Stop on out to the garden, if you'd like to see the results of our teamwork. It's at 419 Rockport, next to Wilson and above Monterey Stadium. Or, if you're near Mercy Hospital, check out the Look West Community Garden in Washington Park. Both gardens are a product of the Neighborhood Action Team, funded mostly through donations, and free to neighbors.