Peabody Public Library Youth Services:

Joseph Fox, Peabody Youth Services Librarian, has been designing, coordinating, and building his raised bed gardens since early spring. The Whitley County Master Gardeners awarded him a grant to recreate the beds that were destroyed by snow and ice during the previous winter. At the group’s September meeting, Joe reported on how he uses the gardens to teach children how to grow from seeds, plant propagation, identify diseases, plant rotation, composting, and harvesting.

Even more exciting, Joe has plans to establish bee hives, bring in more native plants, set up rain barrels, add perennials, and pollinators. He’s also in the process of organizing groups to pick up trash in the community. Supply kits can be checked out to those who are interested. Another project in the works is repurposing an old card catalogue as a seed library. Peabody Public Library is an excellent model for the promotion of sustainable horticultural.

The Giving Gardens:

In 2021, The Giving Gardens of Indiana received funds to supplement their Farm and Forest School and the implementation of a strawberry bed.  They will be doing a presentation later this year on their project.

Columbia City High School (Spanish IV) :

The Purdue Extension Whitley County Master Gardeners awarded grant money to the Columbia City High School Spanish IV class.  They implemented a “traveling gardens” program.