Third Graders Partner With Alumnus To Plant Vertical Garden

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, third grade students began the morning by getting their hands dirty. As part of their science curriculum, and in partnership with a recent Crossroads alumnus, the Elementary Schoolers planted a vertical succulent garden along Norton Campus’ front driveway. 

Ruby Block ’24 came up with the idea after seeing her friend Annabelle Sebbag ’22 install a succulent wall on 21st Street Campus as part of an independent study project.

“I was inspired by the wall at the Upper School, which added so much beauty and life to campus,” said Ruby. “I wanted to put one on the Elementary School campus for younger students to enjoy.”

Multiple teams collaborated to bring the idea to life. At the start of her junior year, Ruby shared her vision with Upper School Science Teacher Anand Patel, Annabelle’s independent study project advisor. Anand was all in. 

“It has been a wonderful journey to see the desire and motivation to green our campus, and also to see how it brought smiles to the third graders and the rest of our Upper School community during this planting event,” said Anand.

Ruby and Anand coordinated with the Elementary School science teachers. Nacissé Demeksa and Laura Rosales knew the experience would be a great hands-on opportunity for their third grade students, who had learned about plant systems in the second grade. 

Third grader Sophia Axster Bingham, who enjoys gardening with her aunt outside of school, says that she was excited to pursue her interest at Crossroads and further build on what she had learned in science class.  

“In class, we talked about what plants would be good for hot weather,” said Sophia. “Succulents store a lot of water in their leaves!”

Ruby’s father, Steven Block, is a landscape designer and owner of Inner Gardens. Steven generously donated succulents and materials for the wall, including fabric pockets to hold each of the plants. The pockets were installed by Crossroads’ landscape team helmed by Landscape Coordinator Will Garcia, with assistance from Maintenance Engineer Clint Landreth and Inner Gardens’ staff.

On the day of the project, third graders clamored to choose a succulent to add to the wall. Their excitement at spending time outside and in connection with nature was palpable. Students pointed to bees visiting some of the succulents’ budding flowers. They learned the names of each plant, commenting on those with memorable monikers like Ruby Necklace and String of Fishhooks. They practiced gently breaking apart the dirt around each plant’s root system before transferring it into a felt pocket on the wall and carefully packing it with soil. 

In addition to enjoying the process of planting and seeing the vertical gardening come to life, third graders were thrilled to contribute to an installation that allows community members to experience the joys of nature. 

“I hope that they see beauty,” said Sophia. “And that we’re a really fun school!”