One of the perks of the fresh spring air is the burst of color and life with plants being reborn and revived. Gardening Club plans to take advantage of this by engaging students in hands-on environmental education.

During the spring of last year, juniors Talia Cairns, David Schumacher, June Dalton and Annie Zhang were deeply fascinated by the Brassica rapa growing lab in Biology class. Filled with a passion for growing plants, they set out to create a club that was oriented towards gardening.

Schumacher feels that “the school might not be super aware about what we do,” but after reenvisioning the club this year, he hopes for that to change.

Their new plan provides a space for students to germinate and grow plant seedlings.

Schumacher emphasized that “the hardest part of growing plants is making sure the plants have enough water,” so having a controlled environment to grow the plants will make it easier for people to start their own gardens, or simply learn about the way plants grow.

Physics and Advanced Science Research teacher Karissa Baker has recently “provided space for the student leaders to plant and grow their seedlings.” Baker agreed to this as she feels that the club will “allow students time and space to learn about plants.”

While the gardening club did not begin growing until spring break, they are actively setting new goals for the future year.

Cairns mentioned that the club leaders are talking with Dean Tepp and the grounds crew about getting a gardening plot outside. Cairns feels as though this “would have a positive impact on Minnesota ecology, and help teach students about conservation and the role of plants in ecological balance.”

Schumacher added onto this by mentioning the possibility of turning the plot into a pollinator garden. This would not only add to the goal of broadly benefiting Minnesota ecology, but it would also teach students about the interplay between various aspects of ecosystems.

For people who are interested in growing their own garden over the summer, or just having some fun seeing plants turn into seedlings, the gardening club meets in the ASR room during club-designated X-periods.