The evolution our garden
TMA gardens in our Cary campus started in 2010 with a sunny, flat piece of land, a couple old raised beds and the determination of a group of parents and staff to make a stimulating, enjoyable and educational environment for children.
In our fruit and vegetable garden we have plum trees, fig tree, pomegranate tree, newly planted apple trees, along with blueberry and mulberry bushes, strawberries, cilantro and spring onions.
No harmful pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers are used in our gardens. Weeds are hand pulled, not sprayed. Nutrients are replaced in the soil through use of compost and occasional organic fertilizers.
Our Gardening Curriculum
TMA Cary is unique in the fact that we have implemented a Gardening Curriculum, designed especially for us by an educator and expert in the field. The curriculum involves educating the students on everything from soil health, planting, plant care and harvesting. Food the children grow in the garden is harvested and used in the classroom cooking projects highlighting the importance of “Farm to Table” nutrition.
We host two school wide gardening events, one in the spring (Earth Day) and one in the fall. Parents, grandparents and friends can spend the day on campus with the children, preparing beds for the seasons and planting seeds or bulbs. We enjoy hosting guest speakers, sharing their gardening knowledge and lunch outdoors.
TMA Cary was granted acceptance into the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Program. This program recognized schools and other natural areas that have been developed and protected with the interest of birds, insects and other animals in mind. These amazing areas are havens for native and migrating species and provide wonderful learning environments for all of us.
