Welcome to the Garden...

The School Garden was established in Summer 2008 by parent volunteers, who took a hillside on the west side of campus and turned it into a beautiful outdoor learning space for our Dragons. The garden covers three acres and has two orchards, an outdoor classroom, amphitheater, zen garden, iris garden, native garden, raised beds and a network of connected paths. Take a look at some of the amazing aspects of this magical space. 

Vegetable Garden

Our students plant herbs and vegetables in Fall and Spring, including artichokes, onions, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, parsley, lettuce and cabbage. We also grow flowers in them. In Fall 2020 we built three new planters on the upper level which also double as seating for an outdoor teaching space.

Iris Garden

The Iris Garden is an amazing project that began in September 2019, with the idea that every student and staff member can plant their own unique iris. Our student Campus Crew built a terrace into the slope below the raised beds and students planted 120 distinct irises. In October 2020 we started work on the second phase, which will see a further 100 irises planted. See our Iris Page for more photos. 

Orchards

There are a dozen mature fruit trees at the top of the garden, including peaches, nectarines, apples, apricots and persimmons. At the other end there is a second orchard with a much newer collection of apple trees, as well as a quince and a pear tree. In winter 2018 we planted 30 new trees and bushes including heritage apples, cherry, fig, kiwi and boysenberry. 

Zen Garden

The Zen Garden occupies a tranquil space at the lowest point of the garden, nestled under oaks and surrounded by matilija poppies and some newly planted jujube trees. The garden is formed from sand with an ornamental rock at the center.  In Winter 2019 students from Dunn school helped to give our zen garden a makeover. Take a moment of quiet contemplation as you walk by. 

Amphitheater

The Amphitheater was one of the very first projects built by parent volunteers when the garden first opened. It is surrounded by redwood trees that were planted at the same time and a verdant pepper tree provides shade. The amphitheater serves as an outdoor classroom and performance space. On Earth Day the whole school gathers there for a celebration.