Gardeners of the Galaxy

Volume III

Written by: Mrs. Schell's Sixth Period Class

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/ad6ajeu4jnty

Cover Art by: Mrs. Desiree Schell

Back Cover Art by: Grace Hu, Seventh Grader

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the written consent of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing, 2016

The edition first published by www.storyjumper.com

StoryJumper, Inc. 850 E Greenwich Pl Plato Alto CA 94303

Foreword

This outdoor learning experience incorporated lessons from Language Arts, Reading, Science, and Health. To further this lesson for our students, this project also met the social and emotional needs of our truly gifted learners, which has led to the publishing of these stories. Our hope is that our students have bonded and formed lifelong friendships, in addition to gaining more of an appreciation for learners of all ages and nature itself.

Table of Contents

1. Aiyana and Catherine...........................p. 5

2. Gabriella and Kenn...............................p. 14

3. Nic and Sawyer......................................p. 25

4. Tara and Gina........................................p. 29

5. Alex and Marco......................................p. 34

6. Meera and Anne....................................p. 38

7. Brian and Michael.................................p. 42

8. Joey and Brianna...................................p. 46

9. Angela and Arielle.................................p. 51

10. Ben and Ezekiel.....................................p. 57

11. Acknowledgements..............................p. 61

Aiyana and Catherine

(OONI AND KITTY)<3

The first time I met Aiyana, I was in the fifth grade. However, I do not remember how we met, so for your benefit, I will make some reasonable story. Anyway, I met her on the one hundredth day of school. (That is a nice day isn't it?) I don't know how she didn't come up to me before, as I was so cool. When she finally did approach me, she walked up to me and said....

"Hi!"

I gasped and remonstrated her,

"You should always say hello."

She was in awe of my coolness and we have been friends ever since.

Unlike Catherine, I ACTUALLY REMEMBER the first time we met. UGH, she could've just asked me, but no! She didn't! Anyway, here's the real story. We actually met in the third quarter of fifth grade. Our teachers let us pick seats. I sat on the very end of the row, and she settled herself about three seats away. We didn't socialize very much until then. I don't know why, though it might have been because I thought she was a little bit INSANE.

Aiyana and I don't have much in common, but we're both outdoorsy and for some reason, have ridiculous nicknames (i.e. Polarbear, Kittykat, Ooni, Mulletina, Chunkymonkey... I think you get the gist...). We love cooking tastiness (now I am hungry). Not to mention that the both of us couldn't paint nails to save a life!

Um, this is supposed to be important things we have in common, my inability to paint nails probably doesn't need to be in there. We both have an interest in STEM careers and we balance each other out; we are also in advanced math together. I am surprised we have anything in common, honestly, she scares me sometimes.

Wow, I guess we do have a lot in common! I would like to add the non-long hair. When I first saw the garden, my original impression was of disappointment. I do not know what I expected, but it was not a few sickly looking plants. It was almost as if a winter chill had settled in and withered the crops so that pale yellow and light brown dominated the green of the leaves. There were messy weeds sprouting from between different tomato plants, and the little plant sprouts were oh so tiny. Being a gardener myself (I know, can you believe it?), I worried over those little buds that seemed much too small. (In retrospect, probably shouldn't have put the hair comment in there. Oh, sorry for startling you with my sudden outburst of good writing there. )

As for me, seeing the garden made me want to try nurturing those seeds myself. I never had the chance to plant or grow anything before. It seemed as if some of the plants were drooping in the blistering heat of the hot sun, and others didn't look too green. On the other hand, it seemed that there were a few healthy, vibrant green plants. Looking at the vegetation I am quite indifferent as it didn't leave much of an impact since I see shrubbery all the time (It is not hard to find). To wrap up my thoughts about the garden, while I believe that there are plants out there that I would be perfectly content with just watching, I think it would be much more fun to be able to raise the seedlings.

'In the garden setting' (read that in an old lady voice), I learned that Aiyana has, oh my gosh, an actual sense of humor, AND she can be really sarcastic! Yay! I also found out that she has no pets, only one sibling, and no favorite color! Poor, deprived child that she is!!

(Although, I must admit you aren't missing much with your lack of siblings.) I didn't think I'd learn anything, because most of the time, I know WAY too much information about my friends. Like this one time when- "NO! Bad catherine!"

"Ok, two questions. First, my name should be CAPITALIZED! Hello, what am I chopped liver? And second, OW, WHY DID YOU HIT ME!?"

"NO negativity! This is supposed to be a positive environment."

"Is negativity even a word?? No wait, of course it is. How silly of me! Wait, is it?" (Also, I WAS POSITVE!! HAPPY?")

Ok, back on topic; Catherine, a bundle of energy, corny jokes, puns, and hyperactivity. What else do I know about her? Oh yeah, she loves books. Put her in a library with a lifetime supply of food, water, and reading material, and she will be just fine. I also know that she is a good cook. Trifle, tiramisu, and brownies are some of her specialties. I learned that she is a gardener and has a plot that she watches over at home. Yeah, I think I'm done now.

Leaving the stage so soon?? It is okay, more cake for me!! Wait, that doesn't make sense. Hmm, insights that I have gained from working in a partnership thing-a-ma-bob. Well, generally, I am a very independent person. I don't work well with other people because I am too domineering and am also a control freak, not to mention a perfectionist. But, when I was allowed to choose my partner, I picked Aiyana because I knew that she was my friend; and I have learned that not only am I able to work with people that can work with me, but I have also realized that it's not so hard to get along with others as I thought. I just have to learn to control my angry instincts. I guess that, in an extremely subtle way, this project has helped me to make tough decisions like letting go of people or leaving things that I have been clinging to behind. It was really hard, but I am glad I did it. Wow, I went way too deep there didn't I?

Catherine really took the words out of my mouth, however, you would not want to read the same exact thing twice so I will write something slightly different.

I actually love doing things with other people, but sometimes being in a group just doesn't work out. Sometimes I try controlling the whole project and try incorporating all of my ideas, usually without meaning to. In elementary school, we would work in pairs occasionally and my teacher would always tell me not to give any answers away so that the other student would do the work as well. Now I just offer my ideas as a suggestion and it is their call whether or not they decide to use it in the final draft. Other times we are all assigned a certain job and my teammates would come back with incomplete or sloppily done work from time to time. What I am trying to say is this; the insight I have gained from cooperating with Kittykat is that we work really well together and are quite the duo.

Hehe, dynamic duo. :) You know, like the movie....... That's not a movie Catherine! ….... :l So, what is your big dream? I guess that I want to make a difference. Maybe not for the whole world, but at least for one person. I agree, maybe I will be this world peace coordinator that dead-heads the world of violent people, like myself. It is just that I feel like it wouldn't really

matter to me if I did not know, way deep down, that somebody loved me, and depended on me, and looked up to me. It may sound crazy, but one person's approval and love could mean more to me than the attention and adoration of an entire nation. Well said, I believe that the difference you make doesn't need to be a huge thing.

For example, you don't have to save their life or anything like that. It can be small, like simply being their friend or someone they can easily talk to about their problems. No, Aiyana, save my life. SAVE IT! Don't look so serious, I am only kidding! I agree with you. I mean, maybe you do help this kid through a tough time. You help them by sharing some of their burden, kind of like leaching the soil of your garden. Then, maybe that kid that you helped get through a tough time learns to cope with problems and goes to school to become something great, a doctor, a lawyer, or someone who will be able to help others in a meaningful way. That would have a way bigger impact than some ridiculous life-saving.Yeah, we think alike. By helping people in this way, you help their self-esteem and confidence.

Like raising a seedling into an established plant. I feel the same way. Except for the fact that you just TOOK MY IDEA when you said we think alike. Did you say it first? NO, I did not think so. Anyways, in order to stay in professional mode for the reader, we should probably wrap up now. What professional mode? We have a professional mode? Well, being in the garden has definitely changed me, though I am not sure how. It is like knowing you are taller, but not feeling it. I can always tell when I am taller, because everyone gets shorter! No one asked you Catherine. I am taller than you, therefore, I am always right. I am older than you though. DID I SAY YOU COULD SPEAK!?! Well, I do not have much else to say, but I do want you to get out there and experience nature. Maybe it will change you, and maybe it won't. You will never know till you try though. OK, a big goodbye in 3......2.......1!

Good-Bye!!

Written by: Aiyana Sales and Catherine Bricker

Gabriella and Kenna

This story begins with nothing more than a Language Arts project. I had no idea how it would change me. I had no idea how much I would grow. I walked into Language Arts one day, expecting to receive a fourth grade buddy to write with. I was already bracing myself for the challenge, but when I walked in the room, I came to the realization that the fourth graders were at lunch during our class. I looked around at my classmates. One of these people was to be my garden buddy. But who? When class officially started, Mrs. Schell informed us that we could choose our own partner. I breathed a sigh of relief and began scouting the classroom. Kenna and I immediately made eye contact.

The first time I met Kenna, I didn't really know who she was. I remember that I had heard of her before...

She was basically the smartest person in the grade, according to just about everyone I talked to, and in my opinion, she has proved this true as I got to know her. I really only talked to Kenna a few times, one of the most memorable times being the sixth grade awards ceremony.

was sitting only a few rows in front of me, and we had spoken a bit at lunch about how uncomfortable I was wearing a dress. I detest wearing dresses. Never. Unless. Absolutely. Necessary. During the awards ceremony, we congratulated each other on the way back from the stage (for her that was quite often), and that was the only time I remember talking to her. We became friends more-so this year, as she was the only person in my Language Arts class that I knew, and it was nice to not be alone on the first day of seventh grade in the class right before lunch. I may have mentioned that we used to sit in the same general area at lunch, by the picnic tables, so we walk to lunch together every day. No, what...I didn’t mention that? Well I did now.

Also, I believe that at this point it would be important to mention that Kenna is much taller

than me, therefore, until I got used to looking up and talking to her, I had a constant crick in my neck every time I looked up at her. Do you feel my pain? I know you have...

You know, many great friendships have great stories as to how they began. I'm sure you're expecting me to say something about how my garden buddy, Gabriella, and I have been attached at the hip since we were three, or that we met in Europe while eating croissants. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I met Gabby a long time ago at a lunch table far, far away (not really though). Being that it was lunchtime, I was likely very hungry. In the beginning we weren't that close. Sure, we ate lunch together, but we had never had a real conversation. Until now. Our relationship had stayed dormant through the sixth grade, but once we were in the same language arts class, the dynamic duo that is Kenna and Gabby began. The many, many group assignments from Mrs. Schell brought us closer as the year progressed. Especially this one. This has really showed me how I am almost certain that Gabby thinks I've gone off the rails.

Drawing on Kenna’s last comment, I have decided that Kenna and I have very little in common. For one thing, just by looking at us, you can tell we are polar opposites. Kenna is tall, has short hair, and blue eyes. I, on the other hand, am short, have long hair, and hazel eyes. Kenna is completely right, however, when she says I know she has gone off the rails, so we can both agree on that, whereas I am the more logical one. I believe that these projects with Kenna are also beginning to influence my mental wellness. Remind me to call the therapist. This has taught me that opposites do attract, and that Kenna’s insanity is almost always balanced by my rationality. Almost always…

My first thought when the prompt said, “write about your commonalities” was that we had a lot in common. I mean, it’s difficult to be friends with someone with whom you share none of your interests. After a while, I started to believe that we really didn’t have much in common, but after one class period of long thought I came up with this: we both love the beach, and we share our favorite TV shows. We both enjoyed sitting in the garden and working outside. I'm not sure

I want to add that neither of us knew what insight meant before this project. We had sort of understanding, but really could not explain it. I remember trying. It was a little painful to watch. So, I guess what I’m trying to say, is that Gabby and I may not have much in common, but opposites attract!

My first impression of the garden itself was, “Wait…. We have a school garden?” I had not really heard anything about it, as the most noticeable thing in that region of school are the solar panels. After I came to that realization, I loved the idea that people so different could be brought together by something as simple as a small school garden. As my class slowly filled the garden, the tranquility it conveyed was shattered. I learned very quickly that not everyone could clearly see the calm and peacefulness that it truly revealed, and even quicker, I learned that most of my classmates do not know what the words “quiet,” “whisper,” or even “talk,” actually mean. Sadly, their vocabulary is very extensive in the words “loud,” and “yell,” and “I’M STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO YOU BUT I’M GOING TO SCREAM ANYWAY!

No wonder 0.38% of the U.S. is deaf and only a little over half are actually over the age of 65! OK. I’m good now. It’s all good now. I’m changing the subject. Once I miraculously tuned out the loudest people in the class, I could fully experience my surroundings.The plants seemed to be generally flourishing, with the exception of the ones that had been partially eaten by fourth graders and seventh graders. (The vegetables on them were eaten… You knew what I meant, right?) Some of the plants were a bit overgrown with weeds, but for the most part everything was healthy. My garden life was great… Then Kenna saw a bee, and well, you know how that went. In case you don’t know, it went badly.

My first impression of the garden was that I was going to get to plant actual plants and flowers. As it turns out, the fourth graders in fourth period planted everything and our plot of soil in the garden was full. So walking in, I was a little disappointed, but my mood brightened when I sat down and just relaxed outdoors. It wasn’t painfully hot as it usually is in the wonderful Sunshine State (pick up that sarcasm), and it wasn’t cold (hey, 60 degrees is cold to

Floridians!), but it was warm and comfortable. So my first day in the garden was lovely, until a bee flew over to the bench I was sitting on. Then I decided maybe the garden wasn’t for me.

I actually learned a bit about Kenna from our garden experience, but trust me on this, I was fine before I discovered Kenna’s feelings about insects the hard way. (At this time, please acknowledge the fact that I do not enjoy being used as a human shield.) Kenna has a fear of any bug that stings, bites, or well… Kenna doesn’t like insects. Except for butterflies. I think. Also, did you know that Kenna does not like tomatoes? I did not. Another thing I learned is that Kenna has very strong opinions on the school dress code and no, I do not remember how that specific conversation came about. I do remember, however, that disagreeing with her on this particular subject is potentially life threatening. Truthfully, there is not much that I did not know already about Kenna, so basically I realized that she is, for the most part, an open book.

I think I learned very much about my garden buddy over these past few months doing this

project. She is kind, trustworthy, and always lends a listening ear whenever I decide to take a rant about god only knows what. I have determined that she is always responsible for anything that she does, whether it be homework or this super long project she did at home while I sat and watched TV all weekend. She is always mature and keeps me on track when I’m doing work, and I can always count on her to be there when I catch a case of the Mondays. Which is every Monday. And Tuesday. And sometimes Wednesday, but that’s beside the point. I learned that Gabby is a great friend, and this class wouldn’t have been the same without her.

Hmmm… This is a tough one. Insights I have gained from this experience. I’d like to first say that this has been an amazing experience. This is the first huge project I have done with Kenna and I believe that it was great fun for both of us. There were the days that we were both completely sleep deprived from late night studying and days we were just out of it all together. There were days that I learned how to spell (i.e. vegetable, not veegetable and brought, not briyght). Both were real typo mistakes I made.

Quite often I was wide awake and Kenna was almost in a walking dead state. Either way it was always fun and after every class my stomach hurt really badly from laughing. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that an insight I learned from this experience is that, with a friend on your side, you can never really be lost to stress, or any other problem. A friend like Kenna can brighten your day in a second and this project has helped me realize the little things that people say and do every day that really count.

They count towards lessening the weight of the world off of your shoulders, and they count towards simply making someone’s day. This project forced me to think about the details I never noticed in words, and in our school’s own personal bit of flourishing nature, the school garden. It is amazing to know and appreciate the fact that just a small plot of land and a few seeds and plants can hold so much meaning in a person’s heart if they would only take the time to stop and search for it. I have learned that the combination of a garden, an insightful writing project, and a great friend is quite possibly the best way in the world to understand the meaning of friendship,

and I am lucky to have shared this experience with such a great writing buddy.

The insights I gained from this experience were mostly about myself. I went a long time thinking that I was an indoor child. I hated any park or open field apart from my backyard. I would’ve taken a book in my bed any day, but after writing in the garden, I discovered that sitting out in nature is calming. Just being outside and relaxing in the sun was nice, and I always felt better after going there, even if I wasn’t having a particularly bad day. I also learned how to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, even if I’m doing something as simple as doing my homework or reading a book on my lanai. Spending time in the garden taught me that nature is a beautiful thing, and if you spend all of your time cooped up inside, you’ll miss that wonder.

Our goal for the future is on a more global scale. We felt that the fact that everyone enjoyed being together doing something as simple as caring for a school garden is a wonderful thing.

We hope that we can put this feeling of camaraderie and happiness into everyone’s hearts someday and create a world where all people can get along. The garden has definitely had a lasting impact on our lives forever and this project forced us to look more into ourselves, and the world around us for peace and happiness. Thank you Mrs. Schell, this is the world we want to know and remember.

Written by: Gabriella Gentile and Kenna Bartlett

Nic and Sawyer

Earlier this year, Mrs. Schell's seventh grade language arts class read a book called Seedfolks. In Seedfolks, a group of people living in a community came together through a garden, and they all learned about each other. We tried to replicate this, and partner up with a classmate, discussing each other while meeting at the garden every week. I was partners with Sawyer, and here's what we wrote.

I'm Nic. When I first encountered my garden buddy, Sawyer, we weren't immediately such great companions. He didn't really hang out with my friends and I, but I had begun chatting with him and I guess my mind registered that we actually did have a lot in common. I think Sawyer can see eye to eye with me on this one. I guess I talk to him a lot more now.

Hi. I'm Sawyer. When I first met my garden buddy, Nic, I thought he was a nerd, and a bit of an introvert. Then he became more of a geek in my opinion, which is the same thing, but a bit more outgoing My garden buddy, Nic, and I have been friends for years now.

Another thing about Sawyer and I, is that we are both fond of the same video games and talk about similar subjects. One of the video games that we still play together would have to be Agar.io. There are a lot of reasons that we play video games, too much to explain here, but it's just what we love. Sawyer and I both like to talk about, well, mostly these video games, but also the things that happen in our lives.

Nic and I both like similar things. We both have similar friends, play the same video games, and read the same books. Nic and I both like the Percy Jackson series and other books by Rick Riordan. It is an interesting series about Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and other cultures' mythology, like most of Rick Riordan's books.

Something about the garden that connects us is that when I first discerned the garden, I

perceived it as lifeless and empty because not many plants were in bloom, but now it is fruitful and green, filled with all different kinds of plants! Integrated with the sounds of young children playing games and sunshine, it gives an indescribable feeling of life. I think in the future, I'll miss being here.

The garden is a great place to socialize, because it removes a lot of the distractions of life and allows people to talk amongst themselves, but when I first saw the garden, I thought it was barren, but I think it grew dramatically in the past few weeks. I like it better like that.

Sawyer loathes kale, but I can’t get enough of it. Even though that's really the only fact I can come up with about a difference we happen to have, it's still quite a bit. I've been acquainted with Sawyer for a long time. Sawyer can back me up on that.

We both have many differences. One of our big differences is that I am a lot more athletic than Nic. Even though I am, we still get along perfectly, because, as they say, opposites attract.

Finally, while I was spending time with Sawyer, I took in a lot of insight in this whole

experience. One thing that I did absorb was that the garden wasn't only a region full of plants, but a social experience. Sawyer and became familiar with quite a bit about each other we had never known, despite possessing an abundance of time to do so prior to now.

In the end, I found out that gardening is fun! It teaches you about the nature around us. We got to learn about the plants and animals that inhabit the world around us.

In conclusion, (I think Sawyer can agree), we both aspire that the seeds that represent humanity as a whole will bloom into a beautiful tree by the time we become aware that we are all equal. There are many problems in this world, and only then will the world will be closer to being peaceful and free from disturbance for all.

Written by: Nicholas Butakow and Sawyer Pollard

Tara and Gina

After sixth period ended in Mrs. Schell’s class, the day before we went the garden, we were anxious to go to class the next day. When we found out that we were going to experience class in the garden, we were very excited. We had already met each other, so we weren’t scared; just excited. Before we visited the garden, we had no idea what to expect.

The first time Gina and I met was at the end of fifth-grade, at the fifth-grade graduation and from then on, we have been good friends. She seemed like a nice person that I would want to be friends with. Sitting on the bus with her has also enhanced out friendship, because we tell each other everything! If I hadn’t met Gina, bus rides wouldn’t be as fun.

Tara and I met at the fifth-grade graduation and because of that we have been friends since, I can trust her. Sitting together on the bus brought us together even more. Tara and I have done many things together. We met Taylor Caniff together and we go to the mall and hang out. We know a lot about each other and we have more to learn.

Gina and I ride the same bus, we went to the same elementary school; Southside Elementary, and we both have dogs. We share a lot of the same interests. For example, we both like the same type of music. We know a lot about each other. I remember, when Gina and I went to the mall once, and we shopped at a lot of the same clothing stores.

Tara and I both like the same type of food, we played volleyball together, and we have been through a lot together. We have created so many memories together. For example, when we went to Tampa to meet Taylor Caniff, we listened to the same music on the way there. We both enjoy playing volleyball.

When I first saw the garden, I expected it to be subdued, but it was very lively! There were a lot

of vegetables and plants. Even though I do not enjoy gardening, the garden at Pine View was pretty interesting, because I hadn’t seen so many plants in a garden like that before.

My first impression of the garden was that it was very pretty and it had a lot of delicious fruits and vegetables. Most of the fruits and vegetables that the garden contained, were strawberries, pineapples, and bananas; my favorites. Even though I don’t like tomatoes, they complimented the garden.

While spending time in the garden, I discovered that Gina doesn’t like tomatoes. This was surprising to me, because one of her favorite foods is pizza. This also surprised me, because she is Italian. I already knew Gina very well, before we went to the garden.

When I was in the garden, I found out that Tara doesn’t like bees. I learned that she has never been stung by one but she is aware of how painful it is. I mean, no one enjoys bees... right? Before we went to the garden, we already knew a lot about each other.

One insight I realized was that I don’t really like to garden. I have grown up in a family that loves to spend time in nature and grow their own plants, vegetables, and fruits, but I have never really enjoyed it as much as they do. First of all, I am not a big fan of getting dirty, so that might be a possible reason why I don’t garden with my family. I also would rather buy food from the grocery store than grow it myself.

One insight I learned is that I enjoyed the garden. I think that gardening is very peaceful and everybody should embrace it. Up in Massachusetts, my grandmother has a garden in her backyard, and I have spent a lot of time in it with her. She uses the plants she grows in her homemade recipes which never fail to remind me of her.

In the future, we hope that our friendship remains strong and we go to the same high school together. Even though we have only known each other for barely three years, with many more to come, we hope to remain friends into adulthood. We hope to find each other in high school as we share the same goals for success in our futures.

We have gone through many ups and downs in the previous years, but we still remain good friends. We have created many permanent memories together that we know we will never forget!

Written by: Tara Track and Gina Giovannone

Alex and Garett

When I first met Garett, it was in Mrs. Schell's class right after we had taken a test. I was fairly confident that he was going to be a nice person because I had heard things about him before. When I asked him what he thought when he met me he said he had heard similar things about me. I knew that we would definitely get along. It was the start to a great and long-lasting friendship!

The next time I met Garett, was in the garden. I was surprised by how much he knew about the plants. However, I do recall he was a little bossy when it came to telling what to observe and what to write. As I started to talk to him though, I started to see he was a nice guy and all he wanted to do was help and get work done. I feel that he is a good person, but he should to try

to come off as a nicer person.

When I first met Alex in the garden, I thought of him as a popular "cool kid". As I got to know him, I realized that he actually has a passion for plants and is super non-athletic. He only plays sports when they are on the Xbox...Even though he is non-athletic, we both enjoy sports and talk about them a lot. I enjoy his company because he is so down to earth and doesn't care what people have to say about him.

Well, I don’t know about Garett, but I love Hiresh! He’s is a seventh grader that we know and we really have a good time together. Garett and I have so many similarities, including the fact that we enjoy sports, and dislike tomatoes and spinach. We realized that though we want the same thing in life, as well. That is, of course to be rich, and help the world through charity donations. I also figured out we love playing video games. Alex and I enjoy some of the same things. Some of these things include sports and video games. We love watching and playing volleyball, but we never realized how much hate we share for TJ! We both want to be rich so that

we can travel the world with our kids, and show them all the possibilities the world holds for them.

The garden, when I first saw it, looked messy and dull. The plants were hanging out of the boxes and the tomatoes were dying. The plants there were plants that I've been familiar with for my entire life. That was until we planted our seeds and the garden sprung to life. The colors, the taste, the everything! It was too good to be true.

When I first saw the garden, I thought it was very colorful and vibrant. I felt like I was in the Amazon forest, with luscious plants of all colors and sizes. I felt at home with nature surrounding me on all sides.

Garett taught me that when you fall into a daily routine, you start missing out on stuff such as the little details that life brings, which sprinkle pleasure all over it. These pleasures include seeing nature in all of its forms and seeing the butterflies flutter around the garden. He also taught me that I need to savor life and live it to the fullest.

Alex taught me many things. He taught me to take my time, and not rush things when I'm

in the garden. I learned to just relax and take things in peacefully, instead of always being busy with something. He helped me realize how much Earth has to offer if only I take the time to look.

An insight that I grasped from the garden was that life is short, and you have to take it in every day and enjoy it. It showed me to look at nature and not just think they’re plants, but also realize that they live life to. They have lives just as limited as ours if you look at it in a different perspective.

One insight I gained was that you can really enjoy nature when you spend time with someone and take in its beauty. It helps you realize how small you are, and how much you don't know.

One day we plan to help make the world a better place by giving and donating money to poor countries and organizations to help the poor countries. We would like to both go to college and get good degrees to go far in the world.

Written by: Alex Lubas and Garett Parisi

Meera and Anne

When Mrs. Schell first told us that we were going to explore the garden with buddies, we were confused. We wondered why we had to see plants in the garden, and what the purpose of it was. However, when we first step foot in the garden, our realization came to us. We figured that nature seems to bring people together, and that it’s a sustainable idea. So, we were both very excited to explore the different plants, because of the many textures and colors.

My garden buddy, Anne, was very energetic the first time I met her. She was vibrant and enthusiastic to explore the garden. Anne was very excited, and commented on all the plants she saw. Anne was very interactive with the environment. She touched all the plants, and was eager to find out what they were.

My garden buddy, Meera, was calm, cool, and collected the first time we met. She respected the plants by taking a minute to take in different types, and liked to explore the different plants. She looked very intelligent and focused, judging on the way she treated the garden environment.

We both want to study science in the future. Discovering new ideas, by physically taking part in as many different experiences as we can, is the way be both learn best. Also, in the setting of the garden, we both really took advantage of this learning strategy. Our interests relate in the garden, because the types and species of the plants really interest us.

When my buddy, Anne and I first went to the garden, my first impression was the many plants and vibrant colors. It was a diverse setting of plants, and I liked the experience a lot. I felt that creating a garden was a creative idea. I would want to do this again, because it really aroused my interest.

When my buddy, Meera and I first went to the garden, my first impression of the garden

was that the garden was very green and full of different plants. I thought it was a cool idea that I was getting to plant this garden because nature is really important. I felt good embracing the idea of planting in a garden.

I learned that my buddy, Anne liked many textures of the plants, and likes to explore. Her personality was a very engaging one, and she liked to explore one-on-one with the plant environment. She was engaged in her environment, and took the time to learn all the names of the plants.

I discovered that my buddy, Meera didn’t like sunflower seeds in the purest form, when she tasted them. I learned that Meera was more sophisticated than I thought. I learned that she was kind, funny, and pretty relating to the garden setting. She also really liked to learn about plants, and nature in general.

During Anne’s and my experience of the garden and nature, I felt stress free and free of all worries. I learned that gardening is a very interesting hobby, and is a great thing to do in your

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"Gardeners of the GalaxyVolume III"

Name: Gardeners of the GalaxyVolume III
Author: Desiree Schell

Desiree Schell

A collection of collaborative narratives by sixth and seventh-grade students reflecting on friendship, nature, and personal growth while working together in a school garden project.

(63 pages)

Privacy level: PUBLIC

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