By Todd Beasley
The common challenge with school campus greening projects is to soften the institutionalized look (devoid of plant material and enclosed by some sort of fencing structure) of the grounds, while also creating a safe and appealing environment that doesn’t require more work for an already over-burdened facilities department. A sustainable approach to consider, then, is to look at the attributes that your school grounds have before modifying them into habitat-enhancing educational gardens. The majority of schools have several areas that are worthy of transforming into viable learning spaces. What you create on these spaces is very much dependent on their proximity to buildings, the flow of nearby traffic, and their accessibility for maintenance.
Chain-link fences
The vertical element is one of the most ignored aspects of garden design because it usually requires a structure, if we are thinking beyond the mature height of trees and shrubs. Chain-link fences are invaluable areas for garden projects and extremely underutilized. Vines that exist to grow on these structures fall within three major categories: perennial, annual, and edible.
Some great perennial vines that are habitat-friendly for bird nesting as well as attractive to pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees include native selections of Sempervirens (Honeysuckles), Gelsemium (Jessamines), Campsis radicans (Trumpet Vine), Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine), Passiflora (Passion Vines), and Aristolochia (Dutchman’s Pipes). A non-native, unique perennial vine to try is Stauntonia coriacea (Sausage Vine), while Clematis armandii is ideal for shady areas. Avoid the non-native Wisteria and Akebia as they are invasive but still commonly sold at retail centers. Climbing roses can be used, but the required skill level for their maintenance is a little higher.
Annual vines to consider include Lablab purpureus (Hyacinth Bean), Cochliasanthus caracalla (Snail Vine), Senecio confusus (A.K.A. Pseudogyno chenopodioides; Mexican Flame Vine), Thunbergia varieties, annual Clematis, and Passiflora, as well as tropical species such as Mandevilla and morning glories. Stay away from aggressive vines with self-sowing seeds.
If the potential exists to clear a small linear patch along the fence line, then planting climbing edibles would be a very enterprising option. Traditional climbing edibles include pea, bean, cucumber, squash, and tomato varieties, along with a Native American delicacy such as Apios americana (Groundnut). Non-traditional edibles for a school to consider would be Actinidia arguta (Hardy Kiwi Vine), grapes, and hops, with the latter two being potentially available (in the U.S.) through partnerships with a state extension service or an agricultural education school for research.
Parking lot islands
These sites are probably the most challenging, as they include several major barriers for suitable growing conditions. Considering that most parking lot islands have poorly selected tree specimens — as seen in most strip-mall and big-box-store parking lots across North America — shade does not exist. The combination of full sun conditions coupled with thermal updraft from the surrounding asphalt and concrete, soil that is usually construction fill, and no irrigation or nearby water sources creates a desert-like microclimate. Most gardeners would turn around immediately. I see opportunity for a xeric garden, which is not necessarily a garden with desert plants, although it does offer that potential.
Xeriscaping is simply a garden practice that eliminates the need for watering outside of natural occurrences. With proper plant selection and seasonal timing for installation, a very healthy landscape can be created. The problem that arises is with the soil. Again, with proper plant selection, this issue can be negated. No amending of soil is necessary; however, through mulching, the soil can be remediated naturally over time. Thinking outside the box for plant selection in these conditions is critical. In your specific geophysical region, consider what first appears in areas that have been disturbed by humans. Look at vacant lots, or along roadway shoulders and ditches, or along interstate highways. Wildflowers, grasses, and very tough and durable shrubs and trees appear, with many of these species being researched for their phytoremediation (decontamination) abilities.
One of the best plant categories to consider across North America for these conditions is native grasses and sedges, namely native species of Andropogon, Panicum, and Carex. Wildflowers come to mind, too, and it’s best to consider seeding procedures. With a little site preparation such as tilling the top few inches, fall and spring sowings can result in a wonderful wildflower patch that needs no watering or maintenance aside from perhaps one mowing a year. American Meadows is a great resource that offers regional wildflower seed mixes.
Other selections will be specific to your region. Worthy of pushing the boundaries of Zone 6 (of the 13 plant hardiness zones in the U.S.) due to their cold hardiness are selections of cacti, specifically Opuntia varieties; Agave; Hesperaloe; Mangave; Manfreda; and Sedum. Many Hypericum species also withstand these conditions as do Erythrina species. Bulbs are another category of plants that are often forgotten about. There is literally a bulb for every month and season, with the only needed maintenance being cutting back the dead foliage once the plants have gone completely inactive for their season of dormancy.
Compacted land between buildings
Like parking lot islands, these sites are also very challenging micro-climates. Full sun might not always be present; some areas might be in deep shade all day due to the cast of shadows from buildings. These areas will also be cooler and moister. Wind is also a major element to contend with, as it whips around buildings, gaining in velocity. One very simple suggestion when considering these sites that are extremely close to building but offer wonderful viewing from inside would be pocket gardens with containers. Containers are available in many sizes and shapes, from glazed to terra-cotta. Each container must have a hole in the bottom and quality container soil. The simple rule of thumb for planting containers (if they are not intentionally planted for a theme with a sole plant) is to include a thriller (focal plant), spiller (draping over and down the edge of the container plant), and filler (the interesting but basic plants that complement the thriller). If the area is in full sun and you are doing containers, planting dwarf fruit trees is a novel idea. Many varieties of apples and peaches are now available in compact sizes. Citrus is another possibility for creating an Orangery; however, if your area does not allow for citrus to be grown outdoors year-round, then transporting and winter storage need to be considered, with the latter requiring the brightest naturally lit indoor area.
The sites to be most concerned with are those situated away from buildings in full sun. On a very constrained budget, there is a simple idea that could be incorporated for short- and long-term environmental and natural science studies: a plant succession garden project. There is absolutely no financial cost to the basic project. Arguably, the larger the area, the more potential and benefits. To start, mark off an area with your desired shape and size, and include pathways. These should be a minimum of three feet wide. If the area is substantial, I would recommend pathways to be slightly larger than the width of a golf cart or tractor. These pathways will be the only regularly mowed spots. Once the entire area is marked off, simply let nature take its course.
The first couple of seasons might not be visually appealing and there may not be readily identifiable plants for most individuals, but this is where the opportunity for public education through documentation is important. Pioneering grasses and wildflowers will be followed by quick-growing species like sweetgum, maple, cottonwood, poplar, and some pines, for example. Eventually, the area will transform. Other activities can be incorporated, such as placing bird boxes, creating a bird trail, installing a Chimney Swift tower, or mounting bat boxes on large poles. Identifying any invasive plants and eradicating them with research projects demonstrating the effectiveness of student-generated “green” herbicides would serve to connect to classroom activities. Educational signage can provide passive learning opportunities. At any point, fencing such as a split-rail fence can be added to provide a historical connection as well as an additional structure for native vines. This type of project might be initially challenging to gain support for, but if citizen science can be incorporated to show the reduction in fossil fuel usage from not having to mow the entire area with machinery, it could develop into a district-wide model.
Project Learning Tree and Project Wild could serve as valuable resources for these first two project areas.
Rain gardens and run-off
In terms of areas that would require a little more strategic planning as well as financial and human resources, roof runoff offers great potential for the creation of rain gardens or seasonal vernal ponds on a small scale. Parking lot run-off can also be utilized if no stormwater diversion practices have been installed. Planning is critical, as estimating the amount of water that flows to your area will determine the appropriately sized garden. Partnering with an extension agency or a hardscape landscaper that specializes in this type of project is highly recommended. If the desire is for the area to hold water permanently, then investment into a liner will need to be considered. A cautionary tale, though, is that with any lined pond, stagnation of water will present algae and mosquito issues for which you will need to plan. A solar-powered pond pump can serve to provide the minimum necessary water movement. Do avoid adding ornamental fish. Simply let nature find its way there. You’ll be surprised by what appears in the most unlikely of places.
There are some great examples of rain gardens that include specifically channelized areas that divert water into a holding area or simply allow water to flow into a bioswale. The result will be sites that can be utilized for the monitoring of how surface water run-off is naturally cleaned as it continues through the environment. Plants for this project will definitely be region-specific. The end result may lead to a human-made wetland that can be used for enhancing Environmental Science classes through teaching wetland delineation, and applying place-based education with a focus on the importance of wetlands. Depending on the size of the area, a boardwalk can be constructed from reused materials such as pallets in a very simple structure, from a single six–eight-inch-wide plank system to a full three-foot-wide boardwalk. Over time, the area will transform as plant succession occurs.
Some school sites are fortunate to already have sites constructed as stormwater retention and/or detention ponds. Securing permission to utilize these areas is the first step, and looking into liability is critical. However, as habitat destruction increases on a wide scale, these areas have become critical habitats for migratory birds, such as ducks. Oftentimes, these sites are heavily maintained. A new practice, though, is looking at them as wildlife habitats and allowing plants to grow around them as long as the flow of water to any overflow drainage discharge area is not disrupted. Allowing the “pond” area to grow seasonally if water is only present after rain events will result in a carpet of wetland material such as cattail which offers plenty of lessons in itself, including Native American connections. For inspiration, the Timber Press publication Rain Gardens: Managing Water Sustainably in the Garden and Designed Landscape by Nigel Dunnett and Andy Clayton will offer many different inspirational ideas.
Of all the areas described here, rain gardens are some of the most rewarding, as children are fascinated by water, regardless of its form, and it brings visual and sensory pleasure. As another way to enhance these areas, plant selections can be molded to fit the theme of bird garden or wildlife garden. Whether in an emergent zone or along a riparian (riverside) zone, there are many berry-producing plants that are suitable to serve as bird attractants. Amelanchier (Serviceberries), Ilex verticillata (Winterberry), Sumac, Sambucus (Elderberries) and native Viburnum are all underutilized landscape plants that are highly valued by birds. Two great educational resources for rain gardens are WOW (Wonders of Wetlands) and Project WET.
Other sites
Power line right-of-ways
Continuing the trend of projects that require partnerships, power line right-of-ways are becoming increasingly popular areas to be maintained as wildlife corridors. In these cases, the utilities companies can do much of the work. Partnering with the power supplier as well as organizations such as Quality Deer Management Association leads to the development of wildflower buffer zones or food plots. While school administrators might frown upon the idea of partnering with an organization that assists landowners with enhancing their land for deer harvest, the food plots can actually serve to enhance soil. Winter food plots can be designed with materials that break up compacted soil, add nutrients back into the ground, and host cover crops that feed our pollinator friends like bees during the cool season when flowering material is limited. The goal is not necessarily to attract six-legged creatures, but to potentially enhance the soil to allow for vegetable food plots to be created for human consumption under the power lines in areas where no trees can be planted.
Vertical gardens and rooftop gardens
In recent times, the future of farming has often been described within urban settings as going vertical and onto the roof. In many areas, this is already occurring. Again, as with the concept of rain gardens, strict parameters need to be followed, not only for safety and liability issues, but also in terms of structural engineering. The payoff with this type of gardening is that it increases the potential opportunity for those schools that are constrained by space. The BeeCause Project is worth checking to help you bring pollinators to your site.
The indoors
While this topic is worthy of an article by itself, it is still necessary to mention, as schools are often designed in such a way that the interior light resources are unbelievable for indoor gardening. Not only is indoor gardening great for reducing indoor air pollution, it helps the tropics come alive with the diversity of plants that can withstand these conditions. Student artwork complement these areas very well. You may also get students to create containers from repurposed materials. The vertical element is also a possibility. Some of the easiest plants to care for indoors include Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant), Dypsis lutescens (Areca Palm), Rhapis excelsa (Lady Palm), Sansevieria (Snake Plants), and Ficus robusta (Rubber Plant) for hanging and Pothos, Philodendron, and especially Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) for climbing. If your light is truly strong, bright, and natural, there are many types of orchids to consider that could complement the many cultivars of bromeliads, adding a colorful dimension to your interior “greenscape.”
Another consideration for interior gardens is to incorporate hydroponics with artificial lighting to supplement natural lighting in areas with limited solar conditions. Hydroponics can be designed and outfitted with maximum lighting to accommodate a variety of sized areas, crops, and age/skill levels. Some of the easiest crops to consider are the different lettuce and arugula varieties as well as tomatoes. Hydroponic grow operations that include the usage of cargo shipping containers is growing rapidly and offers a great educational and resource outlet. Those with mushroom operations are also taking advantage of the advancement in interior grow lights. The future of farming comes alive in areas that are deemed nonviable garden spaces, such as beneath a stairwell, in an atrium, on a classroom wall, or even in an unused storage closet. If you are able to find it, The Wild Inside book from the Sierra Club is a neat resource for interior environmental education, as is the website Bottle Biology.
With a solid plan, including maintenance by students, administrative and facilities department support, academic connections, partnerships, and a sound budget, the sites described here cannot only meet the needs of environmental education, but essentially transform seemingly wasted, underutilized areas into treasured places for many students, year after year. Over time, these transformed spaces will add another dimension to the school grounds and a natural connection to the surrounding environment.
Todd Beasley has 25 years of experience in horticulture and education. Between stops at three botanical gardens, Todd taught 5th-grade Environmental Science and continuing education Horticulture classes. Todd also served as the School Environmental Education Director at Heathwood Hall in Columbia, South Carolina, USA, where his students created a nationally recognized youth gardening program. Todd wrote the proposal that brought the American Horticultural Society’s Annual Children and Youth Gardening Symposium to Columbia, SC in 2016. Todd is currently owner of Primitive By Design, an eco-friendly garden design firm, and is an elementary education professor at the University of South Carolina.