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A project that began two years ago has finally blossomed on the west side of Kincardine District Secondary School.

Carol Blake and the Kincardine Township-Tiverton Environmental Green School Project (KttEGSP) group have put together a recycled garden for the secondary school students and staff to enjoy.

The garden contains plants that were split from personal gardens, compost from municipal digesters, and furniture that was salvaged from the landfill site and painted.

"We want to make the community aware of what can be done with the incredible stuff people discard at the landfill," said Blake, "and we want the kids to become accountable for their garden and bring their own recycled furniture to sit on."

Blake found the old bench, the steel chairs and beach chairs and beach toys, all at the landfill. She spray-painted the bench and steel chairs with gloss black Tremclad and they look great.

The hostas at the school were split and planted in the new garden, along with perennials donated by Annabelle Campbell, and annuals donated by the Municipality of Kincardine. Plus, the school's picnic tables have been moved there from the courtyard so students and staff can sit down and take a break.

Originally, there was a garden at this location, with a plaque in memory of Eric McCallum. That plaque is being cleaned up and will be returned to the new garden.

Brooke Hoover (L), Melissa Fabry and Angelina Smith sit in the beach-themed part of the garden

Blake encourages the students, staff and the public to take ownership of the recycled garden. "If the public is aware of it, people will protect it," she said.

Anyone who wants to donate recycled items for the garden can contact Blake at 519-396-5170.

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Tuesday, June 01, 2010