Creating a school garden: A model project

Alessandro High School, Hemet Unified School District
Alessandro High School students collaborated with Eastern Municipal Water District in the 2002-2003 school year to create a model native California landscaping garden.

The purpose of the garden, located on the continuation school campus, was to teach social skills, teamwork and goal achievement. The garden would help reduce litter and vandalism and promote water conservation.

Students were responsible for every aspect of planning the garden project including financing, budgeting, finding a location for the garden, organizing a student gardening schedule, coordinating with school staff, and safety.

Holding a plant sale focusing on native California landscaping started a school-wide business. The proceeds were used to sustain the garden.

Alessandro High School students demonstrated that hard work, collaboration and education are a good mix for creating a water-wise garden that will benefit students for years to come.