The future of the garden is looking bright. In the near future, Mr. Hodgdon said that they will spend the next two years researching container gardening, both indoor and outdoor. Then, once they determine what plants grow best in our climate, they will move onto researching different fertilizers. In the words of Hannah Sahr, “The future of the research garden looks lit!” The research garden at Richmond Hill Middle School is a student-run project taking place during Extended Learning Time (ELT). Head of the operation, Mr. Robert Hodgdon, has lead this activity since opening day, October 24, 2016.
\r\nSeveral students, (including Hannah Sahr, Anais Stuart, and Aurelia Siplon), planted herbs. Sahr planted cinnamon basil, and all three planted cilantro and parsley. Interestingly, not all students were limited to planting crops. Some built special shade structures to help the plants survive by, as the name suggests, shading them from the sun. Charlotte Burns and Gretchen Gray were two of the students who built these structures. \r\n
\r\nMr. Hodgdon elaborated on the dedication of the students by explaining how the garden work does not stop at the end of the school year, it continues all the way through July. Every year we have families that are committed to come and tend to the garden all through the summer. They help by watering the garden, picking crops, and collecting accurate data. The families are reliable, and the garden stays watered and picked. They are very committed to see success.
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