Run by presidents Sofia Mickler and Irmoon Batbayar, the Austin High Gardening club strives to beautify Austin High’s campus, as well as make a positive environmental impact on the area surrounding the school.
On a pleasant, warm school day, it is common to see students working outside. Specifically in the Spanish and Art portables, wooden picnic tables lining the sidewalk are crowded with students chatting and completing classwork. Not only do these students get rays of sunshine and a breath of fresh air, but they also get to exist in harmony with the efforts of the Austin High Gardening Club. Fresh flowers, produce, and greens can be seen all around campus. Beyond the beautiful appearance, there is immense input of time and effort by members of the club to make sure each plant thrives.
“Right now we’re growing kale, cilantro, and some other things,” says co-president Sofia Mickler. Under the guidance of Club sponsor, Profé Lawrence Sclerandi, the gardening club prioritizes seasonal plants. Growing seasonally increases the odds that the crop will survive, as they are adapted to the changes in weather. Since winter is approaching, the club is currently focusing on cultivating tougher, heartier plants that will survive colder temperatures. Additionally, since the gardening club only meets once a week, selecting a stronger crop that needs less maintenance and careful attention will ensure a more successful harvest. The crops rotate every few months, keeping members busy and the garden space biodiverse.
The process of growing a healthy, sturdy plant is more complex than one might initially think. The younger sprouts need diligent, tender care and attention. In order to preserve the younger buds, they are isolated into milk cartons. “We do a lot of transplanting” says Sofia, “we start growing things in milk cartons and keep them shaded. Then we move them to the garden once they grow roots.” Another important benefit of this transplanting process is its impact on sustainability. By re-purposing milk cartons from the Austin High Cafeteria, the gardening club works to minimize waste, preserving the environment while cultivating even more biodiversity.
Indoors and outdoors, there are many clubs at Austin High that help to contribute positively to the community. Irmoon and Sofia, with the Gardening Club, have created a balance between teamwork, enjoyment, sustainability, and adventure. Next time you spot Profe Sclerandi watering the garden, pass by freshly planted flowers, or spy students working diligently to cultivate vulnerable sprouts, thank the collective work of the Gardening club that helps to beautify our campus.
