History of the Greeley Garden

 

Here's the history of the Greeley Garden located across from Gill Park. During the 2016-2017 school year, Ms. Kendall worked with a local church, a professional gardener, other teachers and Greeley students to improve the garden located on Sheridan Rd. across from Gill Park. Here is a little background information. At that time, Chicago Public Schools did not fund landscaping for schools of our size. Due to budget cuts, our building engineer was cut to half time and is now responsible for 2 schools. The PTO fundraisers and Cubs parking money were used for instructional materials. As a result, the garden was mostly just weeds. The gardener, who generously donated her time, suggested "layered gardening." Layered gardening, also known as lasagna gardening, is inexpensive, low maintenance and chemical free. 

 

During the following summer, Greeley parents got creative and created planters by repurposing old tires. What a great way to keep materials out of the landfills. All of the labor was provided by the students, parents, and teachers of the school. All of the materials were funded by individual staff members and parents. And, like any garden, it is a work in progress.

 

In 2021 we added beautiful picnic tables to the area. Greeley teachers Mr. Sandquist, Ms. Nunez, and the Greeley PTO added beautiful plants. Keep your eyes on the Greeley Garden. Greeley is blooming!!!!