Explore: Y7, S5, W3
From Garden Plans to Garden Beds
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This week in Explore marked a shift in our Garden Quest. After two weeks studying plant science, including cells, photosynthesis, seeds, and pollination, learners began moving from understanding how plants grow to designing and preparing their own garden beds.
Seed Teams began exploring what they want to grow using the “Sow What?” activity. Learners examined various vegetables, herbs, and flowers and reflected on their taste, smell, appearance, and growing conditions before beginning to design their team gardens. The conversations quickly moved beyond personal preferences as teams considered what might realistically thrive in the space they will soon be responsible for caring for.
Midweek, the quest turned to soil health and composting. Learners explored vermicomposting, using worms to transform food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, and discussed how everyday food waste can become a valuable resource for gardens. Several vermicomposting bins were set up as part of the experiment, giving learners a firsthand look at how scraps can return to the soil rather than the trash.
The week also included a special visit from Robyn Metcalfe, who shared a glimpse of her own Hero’s Journey shaped by curiosity. From crossing deserts on foot to writing books, producing films, and exploring the global food system, she spoke about how following these questions can lead to unexpected paths. One lesson she emphasized was that discomfort is often part of discovery.
Robyn also brought an imaginative art installation to campus. Learners stepped inside an antique car and watched a short film from 1955, creating the feeling of traveling through time and imagining what everyday life might have looked like from another era.
The week ended with one of the biggest milestones of the quest so far: building the garden beds. Several parents joined us on Friday morning to help move materials and assemble the first structures. Their support helped turn a plan into something tangible in just a few hours, and we are grateful for the time and energy our parent community brings to projects like this.
With beds now in place, the studio is getting closer to the most exciting step yet: planting the gardens and watching them grow.
