The Riverside instructional garden is one of the largest and most varied school gardens in New Jersey. It occupies a space roughly 40 feet wide by the length of the school soccer field. As Edible Gardens Educator, the late Dorothy Mullen led the building of the garden and the program, which, since 2001, has transitioned from voluntary participation on the part of the teachers to an all-school “residency.” K’s, 1’s, and 2’are the most frequent users, with 10 to 15 visits per year plus a winter “children’s literature and food program”. For 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades it is more like 6 to 8 visits per year. Garden-based education includes lessons in all subjects, and most classes integrate a gardening, cooking and/or eating component. An after school garden club is also in place.
