A Garden Grows at Wilton High

Peppers, tomatoes, and basil are just a few fresh and healthy edibles commonly found in a garden, but you probably wouldn't expect to find them growing at Wilton High School.  Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher Jim Hunter has changed that.

"I wanted to teach kids about where their food comes from," said Hunter. 

The educator has been teaching at Wilton High School for the past nine years and believes students benefit greatly from a hands-on learning experience. 

"You can teach from a textbook, but kids learn more when they get their hands dirty," he said.

And getting their hands dirty is exactly what students have been doing since the garden's opening.  A month ago teens did all the plantings in the beds.  Special Education continues throughout the summer break and students have been maintaining the crops during these hot months. It was a bit late in the season to get started, but hopefully the school will be able to reap the benefits of the newly planted garden this year because once school is back in session, the cafeteria will be serving the foods the garden grows.

"It's a great pairing," said Hunter of the blossoming relationship between the school and Chartwells Student Dining Services. 

Director of Dining Services Brian Reynolds has been working in the garden six to eight hours a week weeding and maintaining the space. 

"We are donating to them, so he is donating time here," said Hunter. 

In addition to time, money has also been donated over the last year to cover the fees for the installation of the garden, and all other costs involved.  Hunter and his students had fundraisers to cover costs, since the project was not paid for by the Board of Education or the town whatsoever. 

The Newman's Own Foundation donated five-thousand dollars. The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation and Millstone Farm in Wilton were collectively also very involved in donating time and money.  Betsy and Jesse Fink are the proprietors of Millstone Farm and Master Gardener of the farm Annie Farrell was especially integral in the entire project's process. 

"I worked with Annie for three or four years and I learned organic gardening from her," said Hunter who was impressed with her knowledge and skills.  "She is gifted!"

"The Fink Foundation funded a fairly large amount," said Joan Briggs, Director of The Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation.  "Millstone's role has been in terms of logistical support. Last year Millstone helped with the tomato plants in-kind, and the farm also helped with seedlings.  Annie's time and expertise was in-kind as well."

Teich Garden Systems was hired to install the garden, including deer-proof fencing and the raised beds. Teich specializes in sustainable garden systems, especially ones built for schools.  "We have done 51 school gardens and we have another 16 lined up," said Teich President Jamie Friedman. 

The garden in Wilton is universally accessible and even has a mobile bed that allows for wheelchair access. It is watered by an automatic drip irrigation system.   

In the beginning, Hunter and Farrell approached Friedman, whose company had completed a bunch of projects in the area.  Farrell and Friedman had worked together on previous projects in the past. 

"Jim tirelessly pursued this project for over a year.  He was the impetus behind it," said Friedman. 

Michael Labriola from New York is the subcontractor who actually built the garden.  Snow's Farm in Eason donated the soil.

In addition to observing seed germination and plant growth, students will also be learning about sustainability and will have a hand in feeding fellow students. Any student of Wilton High School is welcome to be involved in the garden.  And kids don't have to be science savvy to participate; students of the Art Department are encouraged to take photos of the school's new green addition. 

"I want to get everyone involved in sustainability," said Hunter.