ATLANTIC CITY — As the final school bell rang, and most students began their summer break, the front-yard garden at Brighton Avenue School continued to thrive. Rather than let it go untended, the school’s Summer Program embraced the opportunity to make the garden a living classroom.

Each day, students and staff are greeted by the scent of fresh herbs and a colorful display of vegetable leaves. Caring for the garden has become a shared responsibility, building teamwork and a sense of pride.

“We all pitched in and helped,” said Brighton Avenue School Principal Jason Grimes. “The parents from our school leadership team donated the dirt.”

For many, the daily tasks of watering, weeding, and pest control were new experiences, offering important lessons in patience and respect for living things. Even staff members with little gardening background learned alongside the students. They tracked the growth of their crops, watching cucumber vines stretch across the soil and tiny fruits begin to form.

First Fruits: The Great Cucumber Harvest

Recently, the garden delivered its first bounty — thick, hearty cucumbers that rivaled store-bought varieties. “We taught the kids how to make a cucumber salad,” Grimes said.

Growing Together

The garden serves as more than a science lab. It has become a bridge between home and school. Parents who contributed soil and time at the beginning of the season continue to return to help weed and water — and to marvel at the garden’s progress.

“We will be tying in healthy recipes for the kids to try at home,” Grimes said.

Looking Ahead

As the new school year approaches, the summer school program is preparing to hand over the garden to the full student body. Staff and students will ready the soil for fall by planting cover crops and applying mulch, with the hope of harvesting pumpkins before winter.

What began as a classroom dream has grown into a vibrant community effort — one rooted in the wisdom of students, the generosity of parents, and the dedication of teachers.

“This is truly a community effort,” Grimes said.

Click the link to see our gallery of the Brighton Avenue School Botanical Garden: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ELeKWw8Lj9bQGZYK7

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