As a greenhouse grower, there is nothing better than seeing the plants you brought into this world at peak bloom in a beautiful garden. I recently had the pleasure of visiting some plants I had grown at the Puente de Hózhó school garden.
Establishing a garden so gorgeous from virtually nothing is no easy task, especially in Flagstaff. But a community of parents and neighbors of the school banded together to create something spectacular.
The terraced garden utilizes the thermal mass of concrete blocks to grow virtually anything, including some very impressive stands of corn, beans, squash and even Hopi watermelon. There is also an abundant display of native perennials throughout the garden, most of which were started in the Arb greenhouses. If you ask me, perennials intertwined with traditional edible crops creates the total package in gardening, and this garden is a perfect example.
The blooming Echinacea purpurea flows into a grouping of bright orange California poppies with bean plants entwining into the backdrop. The various squash plants are weaving in and out of irises and wild bee balm. Down at the ground level of the terrace, blanket flowers sway in the wind with red valerian and the biggest marigold plants I have ever seen.
Many teachers utilize the garden in lessons highlighting the cultural significance of the various plants and the garden creates a serene environment for the students and teachers to enjoy.
A school garden is a special place, especially when grown by such a wonderful community. Special thanks to Carla McCord for bringing us into the project, trusting my recommendations, and supporting The Arb, all the while enhancing the beauty of Puente de Hózhó.
It is partnerships like these that help The Arb carry out our mission to increase the understanding, appreciation and conservation of plants and plant communities native to the Colorado Plateau. If you are interested in placing a special order of native perennials for a community garden, please email gina.goegan@thearb.org to discuss options.
Gina Goegan is the Greenhouse Manager at The Arboretum at Flagstaff.
