Keeping it green

Friday, May 28, 2010

David Patz

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Caroline Barrett, David Patz

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Lauren Depasquale, Caroline Barrett, David Patz, Caroline Barrett

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Kristina Buckle, Caroline Barrett, Spencer Black

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David Patz

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Kristina Buckley

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David Patz

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While a nation of concerned citizens attempt to “go green,” a group of environmentally conscious students at Hollis/Brookline High School are looking to “grow green” with an organic garden that will produce fresh organic vegetables for the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter.

The Grow Green Garden project began in mid-May and will be maintained throughout the summer by volunteers. The garden is 25 feet by 50 feet and is near the high school driveway where it intersects with Jeff Smith Way.

The project was started by juniors Lauren DePasquale, Kristina Buckley and Korissa Blinn, as well as high school teacher Ann Melim.

The goal of the project is to decrease carbon footprints while also addressing the ongoing need for fresh vegetables. The group plans to grow substantial foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, carrots, radishes and potatoes.

According to DePasquale, volunteers have been working toward the creation of the garden almost every day. They wanted to only use man-power to show how hard work can yield results and add to the surrounding community.

“We don’t use manpower as much as we should. We use machines because it is easier,” Melim said. It would have taken them two hours to prepare the land for gardening with a rototiller, but so far it has taken them 40 hours to do it without one.

Kristina Buckley believes it is worth the time and effort to make sure the garden is made without machinery.

“There is a lot to be said for the human power that goes into it,” she said.

Teachers and students are doing their part toward the new garden. Some teachers have donated money for the project, and student Jill Ackerly is donating compost from home.

DePasquale said there are usually up to eight people helping with the garden daily.

The biggest challenge so far, besides limited funds, has been breaking through the hard ground and removing all the sod.

Local businesses are also helping to ensure the garden’s success. For example, Brookdale Farm donated $10 worth of seeds, Amherst Earth Works donated seven cubic yards of super soil and Lull Farm will donate starter plants for the garden.

But, according to Melim, the whole project would not be where it is today without Hollis Grain & Hardware owner Brian Spence. He donated the land on his property to use for the garden and will help water it, as well.

“It’s an agricultural town, and it ought to be used as such,” Spence said. The property given for the organic garden used to be a dairy farm for about 80 cows.

“We couldn’t do this without Brian,” Melim said. “We couldn’t ask for a better location.”

The garden’s location can be seen by passing drivers, allowing for greater exposure of the effort.

The inspiration for the project came from a class trip to D-Acres farm in Dorchester, an “educational center that researches, applies and teaches skills of sustainable living and small-scale organic farming.”

Many students were attracted to the benefits of creating a hand-dug garden with no pesticides or chemicals.

“You get a tan and good exercise. It keeps you in shape,” said David Patz, who has been helping. He also said he appreciates the outdoors and wants to do his part to preserve its beauty.

“It does not need to be a flower garden to be beautiful,” Melim said. “It can still be art when you get something back.”

Planting began earlier this week, and although the garden is not on school property, there are hopes that it could become integrated into classroom curriculums in the future.

For the moment, they are looking for as many volunteers as possible and welcome any donations toward the project.

Those looking to help with the project can send an e-mail to growgreenhollis@gmail.com and keep updated through Facebook on the “Grow Green” page.