When a group of McGregor Elementary School parents proposed starting a Garden Club at the school, it was an immediate hit. Over 20 families have become involved and the excitement is growing. “This is an extension of McGregor’s commitment to promote health and wellness for our school family through mindfulness and hard work,” said Tim Graner, McGregor teacher and club sponsor. Goals for the club include creating two peace gardens, restoring two native plant gardens and maintaining the courtyard pollinator garden. Four raised beds are cultivated for families in need of fresh vegetables.
Rochester Garden Club member Sue Dobblestein (far right) presenting the Special Projects Award to McGregor teacher Tim Graner, along with Rochester Garden Club member Susan Gerrits and McGregor Principal David Pontzious, and students Steve Buero, Jacob Martincic, Angelina Sehi, Maria Santos, and Sophia Hollanda
The Rochester Garden Club was eager to support this important endeavor, and the club immediately approved a Special Projects award for the McGregor Garden Club. A gift of $1385.00 will be used to support the gardens and the science curriculum at the school. Two compost tumblers, four LED light kits and timers will help the students grow plants from seeds and learn how to create compost from discarded plant material. “We are so pleased to be able to support the students of McGregor as they get their hands dirty and learn about horticulture,” said Susan Gerrits, Rochester Garden Club member. “By teaching these lessons at an early age, the kids may become life-long gardeners and naturalists.”
Funds for these grants, scholarships and other community services performed by the Rochester Garden Club are raised through the annual Gifts & Greens Market, a holiday destination for hundreds of area shoppers seeking beautiful, affordable holiday arrangements and handmade gifts. The sale begins the week after Thanksgiving. The club also sponsors the Rochester Garden Walk held this year on June 21. Visit www.RochesterGardenClub.org for details.
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