Community Gardening at Parker Academy
In Spring and Fall months, Parker offers a community gardening program. Students learn gardening techniques that go beyond planting and harvesting to cultivate a sense of community and connection with nature.
Gardening provides an opportunity to unplug and engage with the natural world. It fosters social interaction, teamwork, and communication skills as students collaborate on tasks and share experiences. Moreover, gardening promotes physical activity, relaxation, and mental well-being, contributing to reduced stress and improved mood.
What to Expect
Group Gardening Sessions: Our large garden plot is located at the Concord Community Gardens less than 5 minutes from Parker Academy. Students come together for group gardening sessions where they work collaboratively to tend the gardens, learn gardening strategies, and engage in journaling, group reflections and meaningful conversations.
Field Trips: Students have the opportunity to visit other gardens, gaining inspiration and knowledge from a variety of gardening practices.
Harvest Lunches: We host harvest lunches for students, celebrating the fruits of our labor and fostering connections.
Healthy Snacks: Students and staff prepare and enjoy nutritious snacks made from our garden produce, promoting healthy eating habits.
Student Leadership: This program is student-led under the mentorship of staff. Students decide what to grow, researching various techniques, and collaborating on the best ways to enjoy our harvest
A Multifaceted Approach: Students may participate in garden related art, shop and music projects such as constructing trellises and structures to support climbing plants, contributing to a communal playlist of nature related songs to provide a backdrop for weeding sessions, and creating garden related art and flower arrangements.
Meet Our Instructor
Danielle Krautmann, MS OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist and avid gardener who resides in Canterbury NH. With her background in Occupational Therapy she will incorporate therapeutic elements into gardening activities promoting sensory exploration, fine motor skills development and stress reduction through immersion in nature.
Questions? Contact us today to schedule a tour or meeting with one of our team members.
Thank You!
Thank you for contacting us today. We will be in touch soon.