Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Catholic School
Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s Nature Explore Classroom has continued to evolve, adding new components to further enhance both the productivity of our garden and the learning experience for our students. This year, we have introduced a worm garden, water collection barrels, and a greenhouse, each playing a unique role in enriching our outdoor educational space.
The addition of the worm garden offers students an up-close look at vermiculture, where they can observe how worms contribute to soil health by breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. This living lab not only supports our garden’s productivity but also teaches students about the vital role that worms and other decomposers play in the ecosystem.
Water collection barrels have been installed to capture and store rainwater, providing an environmentally friendly way to irrigate our garden. This addition helps students understand the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices. They learn how natural resources can be harnessed responsibly, seeing firsthand how rainwater can be used to nurture the plants they’ve worked so hard to cultivate.
The greenhouse is a significant new feature that extends our growing season and allows students to engage in gardening year-round. It offers a controlled environment where they can experiment with different plants, monitor growth patterns, and understand the various factors that influence plant health. The greenhouse also serves as a space for starting seedlings, enabling students to begin the planting
process earlier and ensuring a more bountiful harvest later in the year.
These enhancements to our Nature Explore Classroom reflect our commitment to providing a dynamic and comprehensive learning environment. By integrating these new elements, we are not only boosting the productivity of our garden but also deepening the educational experiences that help our students connect with nature and develop a lifelong appreciation for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
