Did you know that the gardens out the front of school have a name? They have been named the Purple Pollinator Gardens. Parents and students have come together and donated their time to make it grow. Last year they brought in a lot of new plants that are purple to show Laker pride. If you look at the front terraces you will see the freeform gardens. There is also a huge area by the Old Steps that has been improved. They nursed some plants back to life and removed weeds and overgrown areas. In this area you will see native Minnesota plants, pollinator friendly annuals and some vegetable plants. In the big pots you will find some herbs. The best part is that anyone can take some snippings to add some fresh herbs to their lunch. If you look close enough you might see some rusty patch bumblebees. They used to be a common bee in Minnesota, but now they are considered an endangered species. It is pretty amazing that they have a colony so close to us. In June parents and students will be adding new nutrient rich soil and more new plants to enjoy. Teachers are welcome to have their classes come and join in on the fun.
Lynn Meyer, parent and one of the SWHS Garden Group leaders shared: “The SWHS Garden Group is an informal group of students, parents, teachers, staff and neighbors devoted to improving the appearance and functionality of the outdoor spaces at Southwest while adding pollinator habitat, helping the ecosystem, improving student experience and teaching others.”
Other exciting news is that the phase II plans use far more sustainable native and very tough perennials. All must all be extremely drought tolerant, stomp resistant and less than three feet in height (for security). All plants will also be purple or white flowered or foliaged – SW school colors! There will still be little breaks in plantings for students to sit but several new tables have been purchased for students to eat lunch or wait for rides and these are both safer and nicer.
“We’re very excited to see these new plans put into action. The new flowers and foliage will not only make SWHS a more visually appealing school, but also a more environmentally friendly school. We thank all the parents, students, neighbors and other volunteers that have contributed to the Purple Pollinator Garden.”
“We would love more students, parents, staff and neighbors to get involved. There are a number of ways to do so:
- Via the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/swhsgardengroup.
- Join the SWHS Garden Group email list by messaging [email protected] (note: emails are not frequent).
- Students can join the Courtyard Club. The club currently meets most Mondays after school to work on cleaning up and maintaining the courtyard.
Students can message Meyer if interested in doing a project in the area, writing other articles or want to develop a website or Insta page for the group.
