49: Biodiverse School Gardens

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The Secret to Low-Maintenance, Biodiverse School Gardens

In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, host Leila Mireskandari dives into the concept of biodiversity and how it can be the game-changing secret to creating thriving, low-maintenance school gardens. Drawing from her background in Permaculture, Leila explains how the principles of observing nature, using renewable resources, and integrating diverse plant species can transform school gardens into lush, self-sustaining ecosystems.

Leila discusses four key Permaculture principles that align with biodiversity:

1. Observe and Interact – How learning from nature can foster hands-on learning experiences for students.
2. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback – The power of a growth mindset in gardening and education.
3. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services – The benefits of inviting natural helpers like pollinators and pest predators.
4. Integrate Rather Than Segregate – The ancient wisdom behind companion planting techniques like the Three Sisters and why diverse plant groupings create stronger, healthier gardens.

Leila also highlights how integrating plants like tomatoes, marigolds, basil, and beans can deter pests naturally, reducing the need for summer maintenance and chemical interventions. Plus, she explains how inviting beneficial insects like ladybugs can keep aphid populations under control, freeing up teachers’ time and reducing stress over summer garden upkeep.

Resources Mentioned:

• School Gardens with Almost No Summer Maintenance Class

Listen to this episode to learn how to harness biodiversity in your school garden, making it more resilient, educational, and magical for your students.

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