Patton Garden Project

Family and Consumer Science teachers, Betsy Ballard and Kimberly Hisler, at the start of the 2010-2011 school year, conceived the Patton Project and today boasts donations of over 3000 pounds of fresh vegetables to the local food cupboard. From the onset, rather than

approaching the school district for funding, Ballard and Hisler acquired all of the monies through grants such as the Lowe's Toolbox for Education, a Whole Foods School Garden Grant, and by winning a Tri-State environmental community service award.  Additional STEM grants, donations, and support from the Chester County Food Bank have provided the supplies and funding build the original 16 raised beds and a greenhouse directly outside the Charles F. Patton Middle School in Kennett Square, PA. 

Two years later, another 6 raised beds were added at the same location. At the same time a pergola was considered with a goal of serving as an outdoor classroom for use by all. A Unionville High School student, now an architectural major at Cal Poly, designed the structure that was constructed by the high school Tech Ed students. A local grape grower provided advice as to

the type of grape to grow up and over the pergola that would not only

be able to provide a healthy snack, but also shade when students were using the outdoor classroom. The grand opening was held in the spring of 2013.  In the fall of 2013, two 30-foot high tunnels were constructed a short walk from the original location with the idea of providing year round growing capabilities. At the same time, three hydroponic tanks were added to the greenhouse to grow greens over the cold winter months.  Partnering with the Chester County Food Bank, a local hydroponic gardening store, and nearby Longwood Gardens the Patton Gardens have a rich set of resources that have fully supported the garden initiative.

The gardens flourish throughout the year thanks to the creation of an Adopt-A-Bed program.

Families and organizations adopt a bed for a week each summer, which ensures that the plants are watered, weeding is done, and donations continue to be made to the food bank to help those in need. Groups are able to work together supporting the growing process and individuals know that they are making a difference in the lives of those in their community, while enjoying quality time outside in the fresh air. The benefits are intangible, as individuals are provided a chance to bond and work together towards a common goal. The Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, National Honor Society members, school district families, students groups, and other community members all help to keep the gardens growing even in the hottest months!

The garden project has been written into the existing Family and Consumer Science

curriculum and encompasses aspects of state and nationally recognized standards. Emphasis is placed on the science of growing with hands-on applications, math, reading, geography, and a written component further supports the initiative.  The project is aimed at teaching students how to grow and create healthy meals, as well as giving back to neighbors in need.  Parts of the yield are also used in the FCS labs, so the students can taste the difference in fresh grown produce and also taste the fruits of their labor. Being an integral part of the vegetables from seed to yield has even encouraged many to plant and cultivate their own home gardens.  In the coming months, some of the produce will also be incorporated into the meals in the school cafeteria.

The Patton Garden project teaches all of the students the importance of sustainability and how it impacts them now and in the future. In addition to the regular FCS classes, the garden project t is an integral component to the Sewing the Seeds of Kindness class that has a sewing component where the students make quilts and pillowcases for sick children at AI DuPont Hospital for Children in nearby Wilmington, DE. The focus is to continue growing the program and to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of students and in own their communities.

Betsy Ballard

Family and Consumer Science Teacher

Charles F. Patton MS

bballard@ucfsd.net

Kim Hisler

Family and Consumer Sciene Teacher

Charles F. Patton MS

khisler@ucfsd.net