Parkway School Garden
Located on Parkway School Rd near Deep Gap, the Parkway Elementary School Garden features several garden areas and a state-of-the-art passive solar greenhouse. Students across the PreK-8 grade span utilize both the greenhouse and garden areas. |
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About the Garden
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In 2001, a special type of research and educational greenhouse was constructed at Parkway Elementary School. The sun is the only heat source for this passive solar greenhouse in the winter. South facing angled glazing, thermal storage, and adequate insulation are utilized in this unique design to maintain a year-round growing environment without the use of fossil fuels. This SunCatcher provides a very special opportunity for our students to experience a sustainable alternative for extending the growing season. It was designed by faculty in the Sustainable Development Department (was the Sustainable Development Program in 2001). The passive solar greenhouse is an example of a successful project that connects University researchers with K-12 educators.
Mr. Tidyman received a Watauga Education Foundation grant to help build the four raised beds outside his career and technology classroom. This garden is located in the front of the school where all visitors, parents, and teachers can easily see what's growing. Other garden beds are located near the playground and in the preschool area. A foodscape was added at the entrance recently and two pollinator gardens are being created. |
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What's Growing?
The school garden features multiple raised beds that grow a variety of produce depending on the time of year. In spring, the beds are overflowing with lettuce and other greens. In the summer, tomatoes, peppers, squash, potatoes, and cabbage are typically found growing. In the fall, students plant garlic and greens to tend until spring. The greenhouse is used to grow vegetables and starts year-round.