Garden Deepens School’s Roots in the Community
Despite the sweltering summer and an ever-hungry deer population, the community garden on the western edge of Principia’s School campus is flourishing. Its bounty of produce is the result of a productive partnership between Principia and the local government—as well as avid gardeners, of course.
In 2008, the city of Town and Country, where the School is located, established a Green Team commission to guide environmental and ecological efforts. Many residents, including Principia alum and staff, participated in the discussion. “One goal was to make a public statement about doing something green, and the commission felt a garden would be a good way to do that,” recalls School landscaper David Swank.
Surprisingly, none of the city’s three parks yielded a site with sufficient sunlight or water access. So the idea of using a small section of Principia land was proposed: It was flat, received full sun all year round, and was right next to the fire station, which offered piping and access to a faucet. Alum Dirk Maas (US’80, C’84) was instrumental in drafting a proposal that was readily supported by the School.
“The new garden immediately drew great interest for the first 17 beds, and we had a waiting list,” says Linda Robson, a local resident and master gardener who is active on the commission and is part of the garden’s informal “steering committee.” Grants and donations for initial preparation—including soil, mulch, hardware, and fencing materials—were provided by many area stores and institutions, including Maryville University, Home Depot, and St. Louis Composting. Two Eagle Scout projects by members of Principia’s Boy Scout Troop 554 resulted in the construction of the deer-proof fencing in 2010 and benches and composting bins in 2011.
Under the arrangements with Principia, 40 percent of the beds must first be made available to Principia, with the rest open to individuals or groups who live or work in Town and Country. This year, there are 27 beds—and there is still a waiting list, Ms. Robson says. Each bed is 4x16 feet, and gardeners are individually responsible for their plots. They may grow what they wish, as long as it is 50 percent vegetables, but may not use chemicals for weed or pest control. Residents pay $25 a year and non-residents pay $35.
A year ago, Sandy Laurie (pictured above), who works in Principia’s Business Office, was a hesitant newcomer to gardening. “I’ve always had only silk flowers,” she jokes. But after attending a workshop and getting a few tips from fellow gardeners, she’s discovered her green thumb. To her surprise and delight, with a bit of careful weeding and regular watering, Laurie is enjoying a crop of tomatoes, kale, basil, and squash—which she happily shares with friends and colleagues.