Community Garden

Beginning in the fall of 2007, the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies departments began offering a Community Garden class. Taught by Jennifer Rudgers and Anne Swain, the course introduces students to the fundamentals of community gardening, with an emphasis on applying ecological principles to the practice of community agriculture.   The goal is to re-shape the Rice garden ecosystem in ways that contribute locally grown produce to the campus food supply.

In the fall of 2007, students from the class relocated the garden to the southwest corner of Wiess College, just near the Wiess grove. Six plots were planted with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including radishes, beets, chard, basil, carrots, chard, garlic, onions, tomatoes, bok choy, and strawberries, which will periodically be served at the college serveries.  

The course and the community gardens have been an overwhelming success. The course will continue to be offered -- enrollment and interest in community gardening at Rice is growing wildly. The Community Garden is also expanding, as plots are currently being constructed at Sid Richardson College.

As the fruits of the first harvest are enjoyed, expect to see Community Garden plots popping up around campus.

An engraved stone at the Wiess garden plots

The Wiess plots next to the Wiess Grove

More of the Wiess plots

The first sprouts!