Experiencing the gradual growth of a living being from something minuscule to thriving is a universally rewarding experience. Luckily, a small garden tucked just behind the athletic fields offers this opportunity to step away from busy schedules and grow more than just plants.
In 2016, current chemistry teacher Ms. Janet Fenker and her Feeding the Future class founded Mitty’s garden as well as the Garden Culture Club. Although the course – which taught sustainable agriculture – no longer exists at Mitty, its legacy continues in the garden as a space for students to connect to our natural environment.
Beyond Jack Russi Field and right next to the beach volleyball court, the Garden Culture Club serves as a bridge between its members’ busy lives and nature’s steady pace. Senior club leader Imogene Koch explains that “it connects people to the effort and energy put into just growing food.” Especially in fast-paced Silicon Valley, appreciating the sheer amount of work behind the agriculture sector necessary to meet our food demands is all the more important to understanding the world through a broader lens. In addition, the garden strives to be “as organic and environmentally friendly as possible,” reflecting their efforts to interact sustainably with the natural ecosystem.
Not only has the Garden Culture Club provided students with a natural learning environment, it also offers hands-on volunteering opportunities. Mitty’s Cornerstone, Freshman Day of Service, and Faith in Action programs all bring participants into the garden to provide service to the community.
Throughout the school year, the Garden Culture Club often donates its surplus harvests to the broader community. Just last fall, the club donated an astonishing nearly 200 pounds worth of organic tomatoes and persimmons to West Valley Community Services. Earlier this year, they planted daffodils at John Mise Park in collaboration with the San Jose City Government for America’s 250th anniversary. Another project of the club involves improving its garden beds. Over the past four years, they have gradually replaced the wooden sides of all their beds with termite-resistant, durable composite boards.
The members of the club have always worked diligently, planting a seasonal rotation of plants. Intriguing past plants have included pineapple guava, wild grapes, figs, amaranth, and rhubarb. While winter peas, garlic, and bok choy are still growing in the garden, the club is currently preparing a variety of seedlings – eggplant, pepper, and tomato – for the summer season.
Above all, the Garden Culture Club is a tight-knit community open to all students interested. Led by teachers Ms. Janet Fenker, Ms. Christian Cahill, and Mr. Mike Targgart, it offers a welcoming environment where members can learn and contribute at their own pace. As Ms. Cahill puts it, “It’s fun to get your hands dirty in the garden. You choose [your tasks] and you have time to talk and have fun [while you’re working].” Students interested are strongly encouraged to get involved at any meeting with the club.