The Learning Garden is a cherished outdoor learning space located in the Elms Elementary School courtyard. Originally created in 2017 through a Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant, the garden has grown and evolved over the years into a vibrant, student-centered environment that supports hands-on learning, wellness, and connection to nature.

Designed as both a learning space and a place for calm exploration, the Learning Garden features a sensory walking path that allows students to experience the sights, smells, and textures of a wide variety of plants. The garden includes native, pollinator-friendly plantings, including common milkweed, which has allowed students to safely observe the monarch butterfly life cycle within the protected courtyard setting. Over the years, the garden has become a favorite place for students and staff to relax, read, and learn outdoors.

In addition to its sensory and habitat features, the Learning Garden produces edible crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes during the summer and early fall months. These harvests are shared with students and staff and are often used for taste tests and classroom learning experiences that connect students to where food comes from.

The space also includes a Trex bench earned through the school’s plastic film recycling efforts and a Little Free Library stocked with garden- and nature-themed books. In June 2025, Girl Scout Troop 35 partnered with Elms to revitalize the garden by planting additional native species and refreshing decorative features, helping ensure the space remains welcoming and engaging for all.

Today, the Learning Garden continues to serve as a living classroom where students explore science, sustainability, and wellness while developing a sense of curiosity, stewardship, and belonging.