This year, the High School Gardening Club has transformed a corner of campus into something truly special: a vibrant outdoor space and community project rooted in sustainability, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
Located just across from the Tiger Café, the new “learning garden” features six raised wooden beds—three of which are shaped like a T, H, and S. Students have planted herbs like chives, sage, and thyme, along with garlic, radishes, lettuces, and different types of beans. A wildflower patch and a small strawberry garden add bursts of color, while informational signage throughout the space highlights the science behind composting with coffee grounds, the historical significance of the “Three Sisters” (corn, beans, and squash), and even includes QR codes linking to recipes using the garden’s produce.
The garden also serves as a “Seeds of Hope” garden through the Jane Goodall Institute, tying the project to a global movement of youth-led conservation efforts.
A key part of the garden’s success has been a growing partnership with the City of Taunton’s Garden Club. With about ten active members, the Garden Club has made weekly visits to mentor students, share expertise, and offer ongoing support. In addition to their time and guidance, they have donated cobblestones, tools, gloves, eggshells, plants, and even a wheelbarrow to help students bring the garden to life. Their generosity and mentorship have made a lasting impact.
“This garden has become a place where students can connect with nature, explore science in a hands-on way, and take pride in building something meaningful together,” said Dawn Houlker-Azar, a Social Studies teacher and advisor to the Gardening Club. “We’ve had incredible support from our school community and the Taunton Garden Club. The mentoring they’ve provided has made a huge difference in what our students have been able to learn and accomplish.”
“For us, this garden is all about giving back to the school community,” said Jasmine Barsalo, president of the Gardening Club. “We wanted to create a space that other students and teachers could enjoy and learn from, and that shows how much we care about our school. Gardening is for everyone.”
The garden site itself had once been used for planting but had become overgrown in recent years. Thanks to the help of Mark Freitas, Director of Facilities, and Steve Green, Head Groundskeeper, the area was cleared and made ready for new life. Their hard work and support were essential in preparing the space for students to begin building and planting.
In the spirit of community and partnerships, the garden has been a true cross-department effort. Teachers donated fencing supplies and some seeds for the herb garden. Other departments that contributed include:
- Carpentry students cut the boards for the beds.
- Graphic Arts designed and printed garden signage.
- Art Department students created beautiful sun catcher centerpieces and decorated signs.
- The Art Club painted flower pots.
- Culinary Arts will soon use the garden’s sage, mint, and radishes in student-made dishes. The department also supplied chocolate chip cookies for the Garden Club Open House.
- The CTE Office helped with laminating signage
- Students from Math, Animal Care, Book, Drama, Sci-Fi, and Knit Wits clubs painted bricks to add personal touches throughout the space.
Special thanks also go to Dr. John Harrison, Taunton High School Principal, for championing the project and guiding its growth.
This garden is more than a place to grow plants—it’s a place to grow ideas, creativity, and community. And it’s just getting started.