BOISE, Idaho — An effort is growing at Taft Elementary to save the school's garden.
The community garden was planted back in 2010, with the help of community donations. But the school has had a hard time sustaining the garden, and it could soon be removed.
“We have struggled to gain enough ongoing support to maintain the garden on a regular basis, especially over the summer when school is out,” Principal Tim Lowe said.
It’s a decision Lowe didn’t want to make, but felt it was necessary.
“Being that it's at the school, we like the idea of teachers and students coming out and being participants in the whole process, but the fact of the matter is, classroom teachers have an awful lot on their plates already and adding a garden as a responsibility and expectation was too much,” Lowe said.
Bobbie Aitchison, a parent of two former Taft students, was devastated to learn about the garden. She is now coordinating a “Save Taft Garden” effort.
“I just started talking to friends, who started talking to their friends and before I knew it there were lots of people who seemed to care about this garden and want it to last,” Aitchison said.
The Boise mom is now asking the community to adopt the garden beds.
“Last year, it was me with 17 beds and that was just too much with weeds growing faster than I could pick them,” Aitchison said. “If a lot of community members have some ownership, this garden is likely to last and that's what we're looking for - longevity.”
Aitchison said they are also looking for donations and anyone who may have expertise in gardening and watering systems. Her efforts are now giving the school a budding hope.
“My vision since I came to Taft was to get this garden back up on its feet, but to be honest it was just too much for me to run individually,” Lowe said. “I’m optimistic that we can get the garden back up and running and growing vegetables and flowers and all sorts of good things."
The garden is scheduled to be destroyed on April 27.
As of right now, plans for the garden include turning it into an area for kids to play soccer.
Anyone interested in helping save Taft Garden can check out the Taft Community Garden Facebook page.