What started as an empty grass field is now a 5,000-square-foot garden with flowers, fruits and vegetables for a community to enjoy. THE GARDEN in Goodland is a collective effort of several dedicated individuals who are committed to its growth and upkeep.

In 2021, members in the K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener program in Sherman County started a pollinator garden to attract and support monarch butterflies and provide an educational opportunity for students at North Elementary School. They called the 20-by-30-foot pollinator garden the “Milkweed Circle,” where students would watch and learn about pollinators throughout their life cycles. Following the successful hatching of monarch butterflies, the concept of expanding the garden became a reality.

With the help of several community donors and grants, a community garden containing a little bit of everything was created. The name came from a survey of students involved in the development. When the kids were asked what their favorite part of the garden was, one response read “THE GARDEN” in all caps. The name was right there in front of them the whole time.

From walking paths to green beans on the vine, THE GARDEN has it all. When you enter through an archway, you’ll see memorial benches, hand-painted rocks and bricks, raised garden beds, handmade steppingstones and 
flourishing flowers.

Finding its Roots

THE GARDEN is used as an educational tool for schools and groups within the community to learn about life cycles, invasive and helpful plants and insects, growing food and the importance of nature. The community’s summer school program includes observing and caring for THE GARDEN. 

“My kids came home from summer school this year with so much information,” Paige Snethen, a parent in Goodland says about her kids’ experience at THE GARDEN. “It did my heart good; it was so encouraging.”

One of the goals for THE GARDEN is for students and the community to feel like they are part of the process, not only in decorating the plot but also in building it and maintaining the grounds.

Materials donated from businesses in the community were essential to building THE GARDEN from the ground up. More than 200 handmade concrete steppingstones designed by North Elementary students are laid throughout the garden to serve as a barrier for weeds. Colorful hand-painted rocks donated by the community are scattered within the greenery. 

Creating the Creativity

Master Gardeners Karen Nelson and Jen Sanderson started a Junior Master Gardener program for the youth in Sherman County who are interested in learning about gardening. These budding enthusiasts help tend THE GARDEN, along with various groups from summer programs, elementary schools, Kansas 4-H and other organizations within the community.

The Junior Master Gardener organizers also partnered with Northwest Kansas Technical College’s Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter to teach the process of farm to plate. The program allows youth to get hands-on experience and learn about where their food comes from.

“Getting kids outside, having them connect with nature and teaching them about monarch butterflies was the main goal for THE GARDEN, and now it has grown into something so much bigger,” Nelson says.

All Hands In

Although THE GARDEN is not available for the community to rent or claim a space in, all are welcome to come and enjoy. No qualifications are required for maintaining THE GARDEN; anyone can volunteer. 

“If they see something ready, they should take it,” Nelson says. “If they want to pick a weed, they can pick it; if they just want to sit on a bench, they can do that.” 

THE GARDEN can be found in the lot next to North Elementary School at Second Street and Arcade Avenue in Goodland. THE GARDEN has been and will continue to be a community project with the help of businesses and volunteers.

“Even if you only have 10 minutes, come visit,” Nelson says. “If you don’t want to work, just come and enjoy it. Enjoy the surroundings because it really is peaceful here.”

Did you Know?

One out of every three bites of food we eat is because of pollinators — the buzzy and busy insects and animals that pollinate and fertilize plants. In fact, almost 80 percent of the 1,400 crops grown around the world require pollination. And some of the foods we enjoy most such as almonds, apples, pears, coffee beans and cocoa beans are heavily dependent on pollinators. Learn more about pollinator gardens and how you can help promote pollinators at www.kansaslivingmagazine.com/pollinators.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: