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WSU Teaching Garden

By

 Pascual Vasquez, Ricaury

January 25, 2024

The WSU Teaching Garden Highlights


I interviewed Isabel and Dylan last semester, to learn more about the highlights of the WSU Teaching  Garden and how the growing & harvesting seasons went this past year. Isabel is the Manager of the Worcester State Garden. Isabel shared her difficulties with the Garden and her proudest moments this year. Isabel stated that her most challenging moments were frosts that happened in the middle of May which affected the growth of the plants, making it difficult for her and the community to harvest/produce. Additionally, she explained the water was shut off for a whole month which made it quite difficult to get water for the plants, having to travel to different places and making sure they were getting enough to keep the plants alive.

Another thing Isabel would have preferred is less rain, as it was very rainy this year. Isabel's highlight when working in the garden this year was helping the children at Chandler Magnet Elementary. There were over 159 elementary students that came out to the Garden and it was exciting for Isabel because the kids were learning and having fun at the same time. My experience discussing the garden with Isabel, is that the best way to learn better about something is to be able to experiment and have hands-on learning. Before this interview, I didn't know how huge the garden was or what they did in the garden. However, Isabel and Dylan shared intel with me about their experiences this year. 

 I also interviewed Dylan. Dylan is the work-study student at the WSU Teaching Garden. Although Dylan had similar ups and downs with the garden, Dylan's challenges were more related to the cold weather as opposed to the rain. Dylan had also interacted with the elementary kids from CMS but it was more difficult for him because of his class schedule. 

Now, during the winter season Isabel and Dylan will discuss the strategies they want to try next growing/harvesting seasons. They're both excited for what the Spring will bring. Part of Isabel and Dylan's excitement for the spring is working on a Watermelon patch, implementing more flowers into the garden, and introducing new plants. They are excited to reopen the garden soon. Isabel also commented that she looked forward to many people who lived in the area coming to walk around the Garden, share about their plants, and give advice for the garden and how to improve it. 

Lastly, the Garden manager, Isabel, said part of her favorite thing was harvesting with community members. She explained that she enjoyed it when people would volunteer to work in the garden with them. “Worcester Green Court volunteered for four days” Isabel stated. On the other hand, Dylan, the work-study student, enjoyed the physical labor of the job. He said it was not too tasking but was very therapeutic. Dylan also shared that his favorite plant/vegetable in the Garden is broccoli because when it was scorching they would bolt and turn into flowers. 

The WSU Teaching Garden is open to the public. Stop by and enjoy some time in nature, as well as all the garden has to offer! Come join us in the spring.

Here are some picture of the Garden :







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