An Immaculate Garden with GrowingGreat
GrowingGreat has led hands-on garden, STEM and nutrition programs at Immaculate Conception School since 2021.
On a busy school day that can pass by quickly, there is something special about watching a seed grow. Across grade levels, GrowingGreat students at Immaculate Conception School in Downtown Los Angeles have been discovering that nature is not just something to learn about, it’s something to experience, care for, and protect.
In the Transition Kindergarten through 1st-grade class, Early Childhood Garden Educator Vermonica Orosco introduced students to the wonders inside everyday fruits and vegetables. Students dissected, inspected, and categorized seeds by size and quantity. What might seem like a simple activity quickly became a moment of discovery, inspiring excitement and curiosity.
For students in grades 3–5, guided by STEM Program Director Anthonia Ibrahim, the garden became both a classroom and a place for reflection. After observing how the garden had changed over the winter months, students participated in a mindfulness exercise that allowed them to see the garden as a living system. They then explored seeds from pepper and Thai basil to hibiscus and sunflower, sparking a deeper interest in the healing properties of plants. Anthonia and the students carefully planted a healing garden of sage, lemon balm, thyme, and mint. Watching these plants thrive, especially after rainfall, helped students understand how important it is to nurture the earth.
Meanwhile, middle school students in grades 6–8 took on the role of environmental stewards. Through regular garden maintenance, they learned responsibility and the importance of sustaining their natural spaces. Students explored and studied the cultural and historical significance of the hibiscus flower, examining both seeds and dried plants. They created and cooled off with a delicious hibiscus tea. Their hands-on learning didn’t stop there, they also designed and built an irrigation system, enjoying working together to find solutions that support water conservation.
Together, these experiences highlight a powerful theme: environmental awareness grows through connection. Whether it’s a young child discovering seeds for the first time, an elementary student growing healing plants, or a middle schooler engineering sustainable watering systems, each builds a deeper appreciation and awareness for the natural world.
Learning in the garden often sparks curiosity that continues beyond the classroom. These three children’s books help bring those lessons about nature, growth, and environmental care to life.
Plant the Tiny Seed: A Springtime Book for Kids - Christie Matheson
Water: Up, Down, and All Around - Natalie M. Rosinsky
We Are Water Protectors - Carole Lindstrom
HOW TO HELP:
Assist GrowingGreat’s efforts in hands-on STEAM learning by donating here: https://growinggreat.org/
Written by Jill Coons, Director of Education, GrowingGreat
