Garden Plan Details

So, at the CCS I have been considering the space and what we want to create. It is not as simple as laying out rows and throwing seed on top while mumbling to the powers that be. The school is really a beautiful structure, so I took into consideration that we needed some formality. This also helps provide boundaries for the students. Yet, we also want the space to be loose and playful. So I took the square foot gardening method since that is the one I have fallen in love with. But I must say Bartholomew lacks a certain panache for my taste. So I've flipped the squares on their sides and created something I think will invite meandering and a slower pace while still taking advantage of a great system.
The diamond pattern will be punctuated by bentwood trellises for deciduous native vines. We'll soften the edges with an informal native planting to encourage butterflies, bees and birds near the garden providing pest control, pollination and shelter. We'll use bentwood trellises to further create a sense of informality with a touch of nostalgia. Children can easily make these structures themselves which is why we chose them. Having the children involved in as much as the planning and creation of the garden is important, which is why I have eschewed the more traditional options.
The majority of the vegetables we want to plant are heirloom. The variety provided by these seeds will keep the children excited over their crops. Imagine the blue potatoes in their little hands! All will be organic as this makes sense on so many levels.
Next up I'll lay the plan on the ground and then we will commence moving out the crabgrass and the fire ants.

Jamie