A Beautiful Weekend to Plant A Garden

families spent the weekend digging, planting, watering and painting. Basically getting dirty … all for a good reason. It was the school’s "Garden Groundbreaking Weekend" and students, parents and teachers came out to help build the new garden.  

Designed and managed by the school’s “Green Team,” the garden includes raised beds for each grade, strawberry patches, rain barrels, compost bins, and an outdoor classroom area complete with amphitheater style seating.  

“The garden would not be possible if it were not for the generous grant from the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools,” said Lindsay Thomson, third grade teacher at Norfeldt and co-leader of the school’s Green Team, which initiated the garden project. The grant is made possible from a donation from .

Alicia Brown, who co-chairs the Green Team with Thompson, said it was wonderful to see so many families and teachers come out and help this weekend. “Great things are growing!” is Brown’s motto, and she pointed out that many local companies and individuals donated to the garden. 

In addition to Whole Foods, sponsors include: Green Cycle, , North Central Conservation District; and Lyon & Billard Lumber. Kindergarten teacher, Judie Goldenthal, donated the $500 grant she received as a finalist for Teacher of the Year. The donation was used towards the purchase of garden benches and a special tree in her honor.

“This is one of the finest projects I have ever heard of,” said Sherry Feinglass, from the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools. “It touches everyone in the community.”

The Norfeldt Green Team, which consists of students, parents and teachers, hosts educational assemblies, outdoor Farmer’s Markets and various programs throughout the school year which encourage families to “go green.”