The Harper Garden was created in 2003 when Kathy Hofschield, then a first grade teacher, received grants from both the Chicago Botanic Garden and the District 39 Educational Foundation. Harper students, parents, and teachers worked side by side with the horticulturists of the Chicago Botanic Garden to conceptualize and build the new space. Currently, the garden features six raised beds for planting fruits and vegetables, a cozy tree stump reading nook, a relaxing bridge over a Mexican Pebble “river,” and a beautiful hand-painted rock path through a wild prairie garden. The space has stayed true to Ms. Hofschield’s original goal to provide a sanctuary that encourages children to rest, reflect, and care for the environment.
Parent volunteers are absolutely vital to the success of the garden and the quality of each child’s experience while in it! Students work in the garden planting, weeding, harvesting, and watering. Be prepared to get a little dirty while volunteering!
The Organic Gardener is ready to get started on our garden beds!!
- We are planning to prepare the garden beds for planting this Thursday, May 4th.
- We are planning to plant the garden on May 24th with summer growing crops that will be harvested in the fall.
- Starting June 8th, we will maintain the garden every other Thursday afternoon.
- When school resumes in the fall, we will welcome classes into the garden twice a month on Thursday afternoons.
More information on volunteer sign ups coming soon! Please email the Garden committee at garden@harperpto.com with any questions.
