Something’s Missing

We stood on the playground mulch looking up at the hard stone wall, wondering what to do.  “We could get a new bench or a little statue of a mother reading to a child…perhaps a small garden with flowers would be nice…” we said to each other as we pondered how to remember all the children who had been a part of the school community over the years, as well as honor beloved teachers, several parents and small children who sadly have departed this life.  “I want to do something that will be a part of the Nursery School for generations to come,” said Caroline Hauser, Director of the Nursery School, “something special because they all were so special.” 

And so the dream began.  The Memorial Children’s Garden at St. Thomas’ Nursery School was embraced by the parents, grandparents and teachers from the moment the plan was unveiled at the end of year picnic just before Memorial Day last Spring. Within the first few weeks of Summer enough money had been raised to begin the first phase of the project. Transforming the existing large playground from simply a typical play space with playground equipment, swings and lots of mulch into a vibrant, living garden that includes a series of sensory, educational, musical, artistic and contemplative spaces is happening right now.  The transformation is creating an unprecedented sense of excitement within the Nursery School and unexpectedly, strengthening the sense of community that has been nurtured under Caroline’s guidance for the past eighteen years.  Parents are buzzing with ideas and plans to host planting mornings, to come together for “friend raising” and socializing while working together to plant bulbs and garden together.  Moms want more opportunities to get to know each other better and are cultivating the possibilities that the new garden is inspiring.  But most of all, the needs of the children are being considered.

Link to Memorial Garden Plan

Caroline recognized the shift in our culture that the digital age and today’s highly scheduled families succumb to which has unfortunately limited exposure to nature and she wanted to include green spaces that promote unstructured natural play, discovery and nature observation.  Children are multi sensory, physical beings. The younger the child the more the child learns through sensory and physical activity. So, The Sensory Garden was designed to wind along an engraved stepping stone pathway surrounded by a little grove of trees under planted with tactile, fragrant and curious ground covers shrubs and flowers like Red Twig Dogwood, Ostrich Fern, Bleeding Hearts and Lamb’s Ears.

The Story Circle Outdoor Classroom comprised of tree trunks set in a little circle has already inspired counting activities, climbing and jumping games and, of course, story telling and poetry readings to little learners.

Three interesting bird feeders will be installed just outside of the classroom windows. Climbing hydrangea vines will be anchored to the stone walls providing shelter and nesting areas for birds as well as color and beauty for the garden.  The luckiest of birds will discover nearby what has been a longtime favorite for most students at the Nursery School, the Worm Box.  The Hummingbird Haven will feature a mini habitat of specialized shrubs and perennials and vines to attract the little flying jewels.

For the children who just want to get away from it all, The Quiet Place made up of fence sections set into a little maze will provide an area to escape from the crowd but will provide lots of peep holes from which to watch the action. 

The Tic Tac Toe playzone, a sidewalk chalk and outdoor painting space and bubble pathway have already been installed and are providing fun zones for little artists, jump ropers and skippers.

Next Spring, look for the lettuces and radishes that will be planted by the children in the raised planting box and cutting flowers in the summertime for the summer campers.  Additional backless benches are planned to support the tireless teachers.  But the most endearing and unforgettable element planned for the  children’s garden is the set of Pneumatic Train Whistles with pull cords that will sit atop wooden posts. 

“I just want something to remember these special people,” Caroline told me.  “When I retire at the end of this school year, I don’t want gifts or a party…I just want to see that garden completed.  That’s all.”  The life affirming, vibrant Memorial Children’s Garden that began as a tribute to those from our past will forever reflect the dreams of one individual, among us now, who has the vision to leave us with something on which to grow relationships, love of nature and families that will support and nurture our community the way she has patiently, and lovingly exemplified.

Donations to support the Memorial Children’s Garden are gratefully being accepted at this time.  Please write your check to St. Thomas’ Nursery School and send today.   A permanent list of all donors will be framed and hung in the school hallway. Names can be printed on brass plaques for many of the garden elements and engraved on benches and stepping stones.
     
Robin Waché
Past Parent, St. Thomas’ Nursery School