Home Depot Sponsoring Orchard School Garden Project

A dozen employees from retailor Home Depot will be descending on Orchard School on Arbor Day to help tend to the elementary school's garden.

The workers on Friday, April 26 will modify raised vegetable beds and install a fence around the edible greens to protect from small animals and pests. Workers will also provide weeding, planting and mulching work, as well as assist with constructing a new bench, new door and installing sculptures designed by students.

Home Depot is donating the materials and labor costs.

“Our students, faculty and parents are so grateful for the support of The Home Depot," said Orchard Principal Margaret Loonam in a news release. "This is a wonderful gift for our school!"

The Orchard Community Garden was the original vision of art teacher Judy Malhotra. With the help of teachers and parent volunteers, Jennifer Dresner and Lori Weil, it came alive in 2010.

Once the upgardes are complete, teachers will again be able to use the garden as an outdoor classroom. Lessons on nutrition and the environment will be integrated with math, science, art, health, physical education while fostering cooperation and teamwork.

The garden will also serve as an artist's refuge.

“The garden offers students an exciting way to come together and share their artistic talents," said Malhotra. "The garden gives the students a chance to take what they have learned in the art studio and recreate it outdoors. Just ask any artist, the kids will tell you that nature truly is the best teacher!”