Kids ready to get their hands dirty

The Sisters Elementary School Garden Club is set to start their 13th year next month. The humble club, run by volunteers behind the Sisters School District bus barn, began in a small greenhouse with just shy of 50 kids participating. Over the years the passion of the students has blossomed just like the garden they work in.

Last year the club, led by volunteer Shannon Pollard, boasted nearly 120 kids - that's roughly 25 percent of the student body at SES.

"I love the kids' enthusiasm and excitement," says Pollard. "Every year I am surprised how many kids come in that haven't been able to 'play in the dirt' and experience the joy of growing something on their own."

The cost to participate is minimal - just $5 per child for a weekly class. Parents have an option to choose either one lunch recess a week or an after-school program.

"No student that wants to participate in the club will be left out, regardless of need," says Pollard.

Garden Club classes are taught throughout the year. Pre-screened volunteers teach things like how to collect seeds in the fall; plant starts in the spring; the dos and don'ts of worm composting and much more.

Pollard, a mother of four, has been involved in the club since it's inception.

"I do this for the kids - it's all about them. Seeing their excitement every day."

Although not a Master Gardener herself, Pollard has vivid memories of her father's garden.

"There is something magical about going out the back deck and picking a tomato off the vine; or plucking beans to eat," she says. "I really love to share that magic with the kids."

This year is a big year for the Sisters Elementary School Garden Club as they plan to fill their greenhouse with plant starts and hanging pots to sell at their annual Garden Club Fair in the late spring.

"We could fill two greenhouses with the amount of items the students plant every spring. We hope to add an additional outdoor garden space for the kids with the money we have raised from the Garden Fair," Pollard said.

Plans for a fenced area near the greenhouse, with raised beds and a drip water system are in the works.

Pollard says, "I would love for the club to be able to grow food to share with the school cafeteria, have students have the opportunity to take some items they have grown home - or even grab a snack right there in the garden."

There are several ways to get involved and help the Sisters Elementary School Garden Club. Volunteers are always needed to support classes and workshops (all volunteers must be pre-screened by Sisters School District). In addition, the club would always accept donations of soil, four-inch pots, gently used garden tools, and seeds. Support for the outdoor garden space is also welcomed.

For more information about the Sisters Elementary School Garden Club, contact Shannon Pollard at [email protected] or 541-815-2163.