OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AND GARDEN DESIGN 1. Site Analysis
Read the landscape and develop a garden design that responds to the landscape. An ecological design
strives for a balance between the site’s natural history, it’s ecological setting, and human interaction with
the area. The collective vision of what the sight can become will transform the school grounds from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Note existing features: measurements, drainage patterns, existing erosion, amount of sun the area
receives (must have 6-8 hours of full sun ), location, distance and availability of water, and soil analysis. Take soil sample
by the Clemson Ext. Service for an analysis. Make sure there is no underground electricity, sewer, or water lines. Secure
the site with fencing or block any views such as a dumpster or busy road? Does the garden need to be handicap accessible?
Put together a summary of the site conditions for the space, light, and soil available on the sight and find plants
with matching requirements. If you are building raised beds then I suggest that you not make them more than 3-4 feet wide
so that children can reach plants.
2. Purpose of the Garden
The outdoor classroom is an interactive opportunity
for students and adults to learn how math, history, literature, art and music are influenced by nature and our natural resources.
Who will the garden serve? What kind of garden or gardens do you want to build?
Butterfly
Garden Herb Garden
Tree Garden Salad Garden
Root Garden
Rain Garden Flower
Garden Rock Garden
Dye Garden
Art Garden History
Garden Zoo Garden
Sculpture Garden Ethnic
Garden Clock
garden Vegetable Garden
3. Safety
of the children means considering access to water, shade for gathering, the enclosure of the garden, a design for optimal
sensory experiences, maintenance of the garden and clear boundaries and pathways. Have the group come up with a set of ground
rules. Crowding leads to conflict. Paths should be at least 2 feet wide or 5 feet for handicap accesibility. Children should
be able to touch anything in the garden. Chose materials wisely and plan for all seasons. Signs should be consistent with
the purpose of the garden and the outdoor classroom activities. You may want to include a place for children to eat such as
a shaded picnic area.
4. The Participatory Process means inviting anyone who might have an interest
in the school grounds to give input and participate such as teachers, caretakers, parents, principal, administrators, neighbors
and most important students. Reach out to the community and develop partners for materials and support.
Student involvement in the initial design and future upkeep are essential to the success of the project. The collective vision
of the group will determine the agenda and carry the agenda out. Create a physical plan, a to-do list, a time line and a list
of needs.
Suggested Committees needed:
1.
Funding and resource development
2. Youth activities and action projects
3. Construction
4. Public relations
5. Connect to the Curriculum
and the school grounds can provide a wealth of learning opportunities. Integrate the development, monitoring, and maintenance
of the grounds with what happens in the classroom. The opportunities for engaging students are broad and cross the full range
of subject areas. Design activity sites where children can investigate. Plant so that the cycle of life
becomes transparent to students. Some schools have taken advantage of this by creating a full time school garden teaching
position. A responsive and adaptable design, broad based participation and opportunities to connect to the curriculum and
the broader community are the keys to a successful and sustainable school ground initiative.
6. Recognize People’s
Efforts and expressing appreciation for their support is very important.
7.
Elements of a Sustainable Landscape are:
Plants that have low water requirements
Native plants
Ground
areas are not hard to mow
Healthy
soil means healthy plants
Ground
cover or mulch to manage erosion, soil temperature, evaporation, and weeds
Use of organic methods to prevent and reduce pest problems
8. Some
Components of an Outdoor Classroom:
Weather Station Compost Bin
Worm Bin Labyrinth
Sundial
Shaded gathering area
Rain Barrel
Recycle Bin
Weaving Loom Trails
Tool Shed Bamboo
teepee for beans
Willow Hut
Activity Centers
Fire
Pit Outdoor
kitchen facilities.
Fossil mound
Cereal Maze
Arbors
Solar Fountain
Bird Baths
Bird Feeders
Sculpture Wall
Please visit Life lab on the web to see a great
program at work and also for support the Cornell University site "Garden Mosaics" and the Brooklyn Children's Garden
are great programs and garden references.
