If you haven’t visited the Ben-Hem garden this school year – why wait any longer? This year we have a more diverse crop that includes sunflowers taller than even Ben-Hem parents! Check out the parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary and lavender in the herb garden; the peppers, asparagus beans, corn, kale, brussel sprouts and variety of tomatoes.

The garden space will soon have a new look – with colorful panels painted by Kate Clancy that will be installed this month. Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped with the digging and installation.

Program organizers – Kathy Cappellano, Maureen McMahon, and Kate Clancy welcome your ideas for garden related activities. They are busy planning activities to involve Ben-Hem students and are presently seeking volunteers for the following:

Composting:  We are recruiting a parent(s) to work with cafeteria personnel and teachers to select and assign third and fourth grade students as compost team members during their lunch periods.

Thanksgiving Food Panty Donation: Second grade parents to help plant, nurture, harvest and deliver garden produce to the Natick Food Pantry in November.

Farmer's Market: Parent volunteer(s) to work with students on a mini Farmer's market at Ben-Hem. We don't anticipate a large volume of produce, but third or fourth graders may be interested in participating (harvesting produce, weighing and/or packaging and conducting sale transactions).