Contain Your Enthusiasm

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Originally appears in the Fall 2022 issue.

By Todd Beasley

Prior to my current work, I led a school garden program that was nationally recognized and had a dozen thematic gardens on campus. But my horticulture experience did not prevent me from facing the barriers that many of these programs combat. Now, outside of my university obligations, I capitalize on my nearly 30 years of experience within the horticulture world by designing and consulting on sustainable gardens, including for schools. Sustainable, in this case, refers to gardens that are mostly native plants (over 50%), require little water or maintenance once established, are selected to fit the space, and/or serve a purpose, namely attracting pollinators and beneficial insects or providing habitat. 

When thinking about all the barriers outside of curricular connections that school garden programs and initiators face — time, space, funding, harsh growing conditions on school grounds, and maintenance (specifically during the summer holidays) — the use of containers is an alternative model that still accomplishes everything for which in-ground theme gardens are designed and intended.