Farmington Woods Elementary School Garden

09/29/2026

FWES Courtyard garden in the Fall

09/29/2026

Thanks to Ms. Riley’s first grade class today for a funtastic garden work day!!
Besides the usual okras, green beans, peppers, we got to harvest hibiscus for the first time today. It is actually the calyx that is used for tea/syrup/soup etc.. it can be eaten fresh but is quite sour!! More on that another day.
We also sowed some winter crops.

09/23/2026

For Ms. Anna Watkins!!
I always knew that Anna has put so many hours of physical and mental labor, sweats, and dedication to our gardens and campus. I just never felt it until now that I’m doing some of the work myself. Thank you, Anna!!
-Danthu

09/23/2026

Happy first day of Autumn!!
We celebrated by planting some cool season crops! Thank you, Ms. Horrigan's 1st grade class and parent volunteers, for your hard work. We got some garden beds refreshed and some others sown with Swiss chards, cilantro, onion, oregano, chives, etc... Our summer harvest is slowing down a bit but we were able to get 1lb of produce donated to NeighborUp Food pantry at Dorcas Ministry.

09/16/2026

Our pollinator garden is full of life right now. It doesn't look like much from afar but if you get close, real close (and under), there is beauty and wonder. That's the purpose of planting mostly native: support the insect habitat (some desperately need our help).
We intentionally plant a diverse food source that is available throughout the seasons. It won't be eye catching like a lot of landscaped spaces but if you look close, there's a whole eco-system living, breathing, and growing. I hope you'll stop by and take a look when you have a chance.

09/16/2026

Hello FWES community. Today was our first gardening session with our students. Mrs. Thompson's class was so enthusiastic and helpful. We refreshed 3 beds to get ready for planting fall crops. We harvested and donated 4lb+ of produce to NeighborUp food pantry. Okras, peppers, tromboncino squash, and sweet potato leaves are in season.

On top of that, the weather was just perfect for a day outdoor, soaking up some vitamin D, getting our hands dirty.

Speaking of dirt, we'd like to thank Town & Country Hardware and Coast of Maine Organic Products, Inc. for donating some organic and gourmet raised bed soil. We rely on such generosity and volunteers to keep our enrichment program growing.

06/06/2026

Can you help with watering?
Mondays (or Tuesdays) are urgently needed for June. Then we have plenty of slots open for July and August.
Can't do it every week? No problem. Just let Anna Carlton Watkins know and we'll work it out.

🌱☀️ Summer is here, and our community garden is growing faster than the weeds can brag about it!

We need helping hands - whether you’re a seasoned gardener or someone who just enjoys being outdoors. No experience is necessary, and we’ll provide all the instructions you need.

Help us keep the garden thriving and support our community 🌻🥕🌿

Signups here - https://www.fwespta.org/pta-dollars-at-work/garden

05/27/2026

🥕🥕 What a sweet harvest we had this week! 🥕🥕
This is the last week of regular gardening with classes. Stay tuned for summer gardening and watering opportunities for families.
If you might have an hour free next school year on Tuesday or Friday mornings, mark your calendar now to join us in the garden. It's the most fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity at FWES (at least IMO 😄).

05/14/2026

It's still amazing to us that tiny little seeds turn into such beautiful produce.

Many thanks to Mrs. Mooneyham's kindergarteners for harvesting radishes, carrots, and Kale today to share with NeighborUp's food pantry.

04/10/2026

Thank you to the PTA for providing funds to fix the water spigot in the garden just in time for spring.

The garden watering sign up is live. These new flowers from a NC State research greenhouse and our garden beds all need a drink. Can you spare a visit to the garden to help?

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084EA9AD22A7F94-54798852-fwes

Message Anna at [email protected] for a quick tour or for instructions over the phone if it will be your first time watering.