Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The three garden founders are completely driven by their ideals around social and economic justice. Their
explanation for starting the garden: “We wanted to do something to make a difference.” In the garden, they
show people that they don't need a lot of land or money to garden and grow healthy food. Right now they are
exploring permaculture and a move away from formal, traditional gardening.
GUADALUPE MONTESSORI SCHOOL GARDEN, SILVER CITY, NEW
MEXICO
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Guadalupe Montessori School garden in Silver City, New Mexico, is to grow fresh
fruits and vegetables for the school's lunch program, to provide a peaceful and carefully planned
learning environment for students, and to strengthen the school's relationship with the community
through education and entrepreneurial activities.
Are any existing organizations sponsoring or starting the garden? Do their missions need to be part of
how the garden is developed?
Garden founder Martha Egnal and other interested community members went to a local Earth Day celebra-
tion with a sign about starting a garden. The Montessori School director and board supported the idea of a
community garden and donated the adjacent land with a water supply, because the concept fit with their
philosophy of education. From the beginning, the school community rallied to make the garden a reality, and
has been an active participant ever since. The school sees the garden as a mutually supportive relationship
between their community and the larger community around them. Part of the Montessori doctrine encourages
hands-on learning. The goal of the garden is to offer just that—not only for the students, but for the surround-
ing community as well.
Are funders sponsoring the garden? Do the funds dictate the garden mission in any way?
Most of the funding comes through small donations from this community with limited resources. A longtime
local farmer helped them get going by working with Martha and one other person on the plan for the layout
and on building a fence. They have received small grants from local enterprises and the National Gardening
Association, and also hold fundraising events announced by the local radio station.
Does the garden location influence the build?
The garden is next to the school on school property, which was once a convent with a garden and vineyards.
The garden was structured as a community garden with families from the area and the school working to-
gether.
Does the garden location influence the mission?
Produce from the garden is prepared for the school lunch program. Parents of children in the school and other
community members often spend time working in the garden as part of their dedicated volunteer time. Every
week, all grades work in the garden as part of their curriculum of nature-based activities. Learning about
where what they eat comes from, and growing it themselves, is helping train the palates of these children to
have a taste for real food.
Who is the food being grown for?
