Editor’s note: This article and photos were provided courtesy of Liesl Schultz Hying.

Colorful picture books that document and share the journey of each season of the Lincoln Elementary Growing and Learning Garden are now in the Irvin. L Young Memorial Public Library in Whitewater. The books are on the top shelf in the Whitewater Room with the local youth collection.  In May, they will be a part of the gardening display in the library. 

The  garden books feature the students, families and community members tending to the school garden over the past eight years!  From the very first seeds planted in the spring, to sunflowers reaching high for the sky to harvesting and tasting tomatoes during recess in September, so much happens in a season of a school garden. 

2023 will be Season #9 for the Lincoln School Garden. This week, seeds that can endure the cooler soil and air temperatures will be planted in the school garden. Spinach, lettuce, radishes and more! Then by the end of May, students will be able to taste the food they planted and have tended to. 

School gardens encourage healthy eating, connect students to where food comes from, enrich school curriculum, build community and foster inquiry about the natural world around us. Life-long, healthy habits are being learned, hands-on, sensory-enriched learning is happening every day and having great pride for a project all happens in this garden and nature space.  

Big thank you to W3 -Working for Whitewater’s Wellness for funding these books for the public library. 

Two copies of each book are also in the Lincoln school library for students and staff to check out. These books were funded by the Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership group. 

Helping hands are always needed in the school garden. To get involved with the school garden project, please email LINCSgarden@gmail.com.