A group of Orono High School students are in the process of transforming a vacant courtyard into a space that could be used as an alternative classroom or provide quick encounter with nature.
Students formed the Secret Garden Club last spring to beautify the courtyard, which was created after the Performing Arts Center was completed in 2022 and is accessible only from inside the school.
Students built wooden planters and grew herbs and vegetables in the space, which has a gravel surface and doesn’t allow in-ground planting, with the help of donations. They are partway through building a wooden archway. The group has relied on donations so landscaping projects have been limited without funding, said Jen Branchflower, a teacher who mentors the club.
But now that the Secret Garden Club has secured nearly $2,000 in grant funding, it has the potential to expand more, particularly as a living, breathing classroom, she said. Students will use the funds for soil, wood for more planters and fruit trees, which they could use during plant propagation lessons. They will also get materials for composting the cafeteria’s food scraps. Remaining funds would cover the cost of supplies for a small greenhouse, she said.
“We really want students to drive the process,” said Branchflower, who teaches anatomy, biology and robotics. “Once the snow is gone, there will be a lot of potential for planting starters we’ve got in the classroom now or perennials.”
Sophomore Chris Bisson wants to grow strawberries and build wide, wooden steps that classes could use for seating as part of his Eagle Scout project. Junior Alex Kinnison helped revive a grape plant that lives in Branchflower’s classroom, and he imagines it growing over the archway. Caring for it sparked his interest in fruit trees, he said.
Another student plans to build a small stage for an Eagle Scout project that could be used for poetry slams or other gatherings, Branchflower said. The club, which has 16 students who meet weekly, eventually wants to add benches or other seating.
As the space evolves, she hopes more classes will find creative ways to use the space. Students could explore the installation of solar panels and other engineering challenges once a greenhouse is built, she said. A special education teacher has already approached Branchflower about having their students build a planter and fill it with greenery.
Kinnison said the space allows students to be creative with gardening and other projects, and it’s OK if mistakes are made. He also likes that students can learn about plants without animals and harsh winds disrupting the space.
Earlier this year, Branchflower received $1,000 from the Orono Education Association after applying for the second time on behalf of the club. Resident Sue Erich, who volunteers with the club, secured $950 from the town, which has a “mini grants” program that supports efforts to build community pride.
Erich, a retired soil scientist at the University of Maine, noted in her grant application to the town that the space could host club meetings, study groups and students who might want to step outside to recharge for a few moments during a busy day.
“Having a place where you can be with nature is awesome,” Bisson said.
