The brainchild of the PTO, the garden was inspired by a desire to build community within and around the school, and to create healthy learning environments for students. Students, families, and neighbors are invited to sign up to help tend the garden. A portion of the garden space is dedicated to classroom plots, while other plots have been made available to interested parents and neighbors on a first come, first served basis.

In 2007, Brown received a $5,000 grant from Department of Health and Human Services to help construct the garden. The school also formed a critical partnership with DUG, a nonprofit organization that operates and assists with the creation and management of over 70 metro-area community gardens and small parks. DUG (www.dug.org) developed Brown’s initial garden design with plans for school and community plots, and continues to be an active consultant on the project. DUG has also generously offered to supplement the $5,000 grant with an additional $3,000 from the Gates Family Foundation, as well as in-kind donations of materials and consultation, all to help cover the costs of the garden.

"The Brown community garden was a natural for DUG to support, with wonderful potential for the kids to experience hands-on learning in the sciences, health and cultural studies, while providing real opportunities for the school to connect with neighborhood residents,” said Michael Buchenau, executive director at DUG. “We look forward to seeing how the garden brings this very active school community even closer together for the benefit of the children."