02 Feb Greenway Gardens Wish List
Greenway Gardens is a pilot program, offering garden design classes to Fairfax High School students through the money raised from the Melrose Trading Post.
Recent studies on the mental and physical health impacts of gardening (by Kathleen L. Wolf PHD. from University of Washington and Ellison Chair International Floraculture) show that gardening and working with plants lowers blood pressure, increases focus, improves mental health, improves memory, increased energy levels, increases positive outlook on life, strengthens social connections and creates a cultural awareness of the importance of the natural environment.
After a great semester of observation, decision-making and design implementation, the Greenway Garden Designers have made an impact on the space. The Fairfax Friendship Garden transformed from a pine tree and jasmine patch to a garden space filled with a variety of plants.
The Garden Designers focused on habitat building, encouraging the jasmine plants to grow to attract insects, adding bird feeders and baths (enjoyed by a variety of creatures), and selecting plants that are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.
2017 brings a review of the garden as it is now and plans for improvements. Seating for visitors is a big priority this semester, along with the ground soil revitalization, creating walkways, and building more habitats for insects and animals. We are excited to see what the year will bring!
If you would like to contribute to the Fairfax Friendship Garden, check out the wishlist below.
- Stones, Brick, Gravel, Concrete blocks or pieces
- Organic Compost
- Long-lasting Pots and Planters of any size (Preferrably with Drainage Holes)
- Benches / seating
- Gently used or new garden tools
- Bamboo or wooden sticks, stakes
- Garden décor and structures (trellis, arch, etc.)
- Insect Habitat Supplies
Coordinate a donation drop off with Natalie via email at Natalie@
To learn more about the Greenway Gardens Program, visit our website.
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