Under the guidance of garden resource teacher Eliza Leineweber ’92 Lathrop, Punahou’s gardens are flourishing with greens, herbs and vegetables, and providing a rich environment for students to learn about growing food.
Sixth graders recently learned about composting by layering carbon and nitrogen-rich materials, including campus grass clippings and cafeteria food waste, which are then broken down by bacteria and fungi. The compost, which turns waste into rich soil, serves as food for the gardens.
“My favorite part about teaching gardening is seeing the kids get excited about what they can do,” Lathrop said. “The students can truly see the garden transform, rather quickly, from their efforts. It is not the same space after just a couple of weeks. It truly comes alive.”