Gilfillan Garden Provides Local Bounty Bria Zegarelli, USCHS Senior, TODAY Intern Five years ago, the Alexander Gilfillan Garden, a collaboration between Upper St. Clair High School and the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, was born. The garden started with only five 4'x12' beds. However, due to the help of high school students and community members who planted, weeded, and harvested, it quickly became successful. After the first year, the garden expanded. With a grant and donations from local businesses, another five beds were added, and crops were planted in the field. The Three Sisters planting method—companion planting where three plants grow together to deter weeds and pests, enrich surrounding soil, and support each other—was used, but it was difficult to access the harvest. The next year was much more successful for the garden. The crops were now planted in rows for better organization, and they were covered in fabric to prevent weed growth. This method of planting helped the harvest to thrive, and the garden, which now has ten raised beds, as well as ten 40-foot rows in the field, has continued to grow each year. Lynn Kistler, one of the coordinators of the garden, as well as the high school’s science curriculum leader, explained that the garden’s biggest challenge has been access to water, especially since 2020 was so hot and dry. The year 2021, however, was Starting seeds much more beneficial for the plants due to nicer weather, as well as a proactive pest treatment. Lynn also wrote that members of the garden harvested over 3000 pounds in 2021, beating their prior best year of 1100 pounds. Lynn stated that in 2022, volunteers plan to incorporate a pollinator garden. As a result, students from the high school’s AP environmental science class are planting milkweed, as well as other native seeds to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Additionally, Lynn explained that another goal for this year is to include more hot peppers and fewer tomatoes, since SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Movement), a partner of the Alexander Gilfillan Garden, works with a total of 13 gardens in the South Hills and already has an abundance of tomatoes. USC high schoolers started growing the peppers indoors earlier this year. The garden includes a variety of crops, including pumpkins, corn, beans, squash, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, sweet potatoes, and several varieties of lettuce and greens. Lynn explained, “Some of the greens are things that we might consider to be weeds, such as lamb’s quarters and purslane, but these foods Preparing the soil are full of nutrition and a favorite of the refugee population that is served by SHIM. We’ve expanded to grow other Asian favorites, including long beans, hairy melon, and bitter gourd.” Another key individual in this project is Sue Wyble of Westminster Church. “Sue coordinates the work in the garden, contacting volunteers each week to let them know the upcoming tasks and possible changes due to weather,” said Lynn. “She also loads all of the produce into her car and delivers it each week to SHIM.” Lily Leggat and Bridget Boal, two USCHS students who are involved with the garden, both explained how rewarding the experience has been. Lily, who was in Lynn’s IB environmental science class, said that her entire family became involved through Westminster when she was in seventh grade, and she continued with the project once she was in high school. Lily explained, “I really enjoy combining my interest in sustainability with giving back to our community, since all of the produce goes to SHIM. It’s also a lovely group of people, and in rain or shine, Sue always shows up. She’s a wonderful leader and deserves recognition for what she does to facilitate the gardening and to coordinate everything. While I do get service hours for doing this, that’s not why I do it. I genuinely enjoy the work and the company.” Bridget, who became involved with the garden in June 2021, first started when Lynn asked students in her classes if they wanted to volunteer. Bridget, who had Lynn for both physics and AP environmental science, Raised beds at Alexander explained, “I initially got involved because I had been a remote student Gilfillan Garden all year, and I wasn’t able to interact with my teachers or classmates. But, 18
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2022
