Today more than ever, the importance and value of knowing where your food comes from are critical. We are hoping to inspire you to cultivate changes in your own world in order to be healthy and live your best life.
Richard Gagnon, School Board Commissioner at the time, came to visit the garden center where I was working. He wanted to know if doing a vegetable garden in his retirement was a good idea. I agreed that it was an excellent idea, but I suggested that prior to his retirement, why not give the students of the school that opportunity as well?
Once a space where Dad would coach and mentor all the local boys in hockey on the rink. We decided this space no longer in use, was ideal for a garden. Private, off the beaten path, and right in the school’s backyard.
The vision was simple – to create a safe place where learning is free (and fun!) and where we share what we learn. Because this way, everyone wins! With tremendous local support from experienced gardeners to electricians to grant writers, magically, the garden continues to grow and evolve.
In the Secret Garden, children connect with nature and with others to learn the benefits of growing their own food. They also learn about the importance of stewardship while benefitting from the fresh produce they grow.
Through this shared space, we introduce young people to what they can grow from seeds, and with the sun, water and love, they are able to produce for themselves an abundance of quality fruits and vegetables.
Many thanks to now-retired principal Renalee Gore and Jennifer Ruggins Muir.
As is, the Secret Garden continues to grow and evolve as each year passes.
Before...
The vision was simple – to create a safe place where learning is free (and fun!) and where we share what we learn...
After!
Snapshots from the garden over the years
Valued members of our growing community...
Jennifer Ruggins Muir
& Renalee Gore
Heidi Neil
Matthew Quesnelle
Kayla Soucy
Shelley Judge
BCHS Heritage Garden "A-Team"
Salamander Summer Visits the KA Secret Garden
The school garden at Knowlton Academy plays a vital role in bringing together children from the community, including French, English, and bilingual students, as well as summertime residents. Through the Salamander Summer municipal daycamp, kids of all backgrounds work together to co-create and learn about where their food comes from. They experience the joys of harvesting fresh garlic, making kale chips, sowing seeds for the future, and even tackling the fun task of weeding, all while building a stronger sense of community and appreciation for local food production.