Franklin Garden News

Franklin's present garden has roots dating back to the early 1990's.  Project LITES (Mills College/Lawrence Hall of Science) initiated a science program to help us in our efforts.  The Lakeside Garden Center also offered us their support as we forged the beginnings of a new partnership between establishments in the local community and our school.  Through the late 1990's, Ms Apgar added new trees, bird houses, wild flowers and vines.  Also, volunteers from the Coast Guard came and laid in flowering bulbs.

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By the year 2002, double dug beds were transformed into raised beds under the direction of Ms. Hung and the Garden Committee.

The Oakland Unified School District, Lawrence Hall of Science and landscape consultant T. Brand joined forces to assist our staff, students and community members to create eleven beds with a timed sprinkler system. 

This spring of 2004, with the assistance of Oakland Parent's Literacy Project, Asian American Club (UC Berkeley) and the ongoing support of the Franklin community, we tackled the remaining stretch of ivy, bobcatted, trenched, excavated and hammered our way to an expanded garden.  In addition, an outdoor classroom seating area is currently under construction and promises wonderful opportunities for the children to learn in a natural setting.     

The seeds have been planted and we hope that with continued inspiration, our future generations will reap many unimaginable benefits from the Franklin Garden of Learning. 

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