What started as a simple Parent Teacher Association (PTA) idea has blossomed into a vibrant, hands-on learning space for students at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School. With support from volunteers, staff, and the broader school community, an unused plot of land adjacent to the school building became a thriving garden that’s now an important part of student life.
From the outset, the vision was to create a garden that could be used as a project-based learning tool. Since then, teachers across subjects, from art to science, have found ways to use the garden for students’ experiential activities and exploration.
The garden is full of life, especially in the spring and summer. A robust mix of warm-season crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, flowers, and even melons are available. Other plants being sown include birdhouse gourds, lamb’s ear (a favorite for sensory play), and tiny spoon tomatoes that are only about a quarter-inch wide. It also has purple peas, which is an exciting surprise for kids who are learning that not all vegetables look like the ones in grocery stores!
For Sarah Walsh, former Tucker PTA president, one of the most rewarding moments has been watching students connect with food in a new way. This spring, the school hosted a tasting session where several students tried edible pea pods for the very first time. These kinds of experiences not only spark curiosity, but also build a deeper understanding of where food comes from.
As might be expected, establishing the garden didn’t come without its challenges. It took time to secure permits and organize land use. The PTA also had to redesign certain parts of the space to avoid building over a major water main. But, thanks to creative thinking and community collaboration, those hurdles became part of the journey.
The garden has become a beloved part of the wider Tucker School community, including Cameron Station. Neighbors often remark of their joy on seeing what’s blooming during their walks. Looking ahead, the school hopes to involve more residents as volunteers to help with regular maintenance like weeding and planting. The school also plans to fundraise for a sail awning to provide shade, making it easier for teachers to use the space during the hottest parts of the day.
Walsh, who is also a Cameron Station resident, advised any school that is interested in starting its own garden to begin by engaging with city officials and identifying usable land. She further underscored the importance of having a solid team of volunteers as well as a teacher who is willing to partner with the PTA as a liaison. Having that direct connection between teachers and the garden helps align activities with the Virginia Standards of Learning – and helps the space grow into something truly impactful.
Ava Avila and her husband Justin, chose Cameron Station as their home in 2019. They briefly moved to Hawaii in 2020 and relocated back to the community in 2024. Ava serves as a subcommittee member of the Communications Committee for the Welcome Committee and The Compass blog. On most days, you’ll find her at the gym enjoying the workout classes or practicing with her choir – a passion that has taken her all the way to Carnegie Hall!
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