Children at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary will not have to wait until summer to begin harvesting fresh vegetables. An indoor tower garden will make it possible to enjoy fresh vegetables all year long. Mary Beth Donaldson of Diversified Benefits Administrators donated the tower garden to the school

“When I saw the tower garden presentation at the Chamber of Commerce VOOM meeting, I immediately knew this was a project that I could help with,” said Donaldson. “My company is a third-party administrator for Group Health Insurance so I’ve struggled with what I could do to help the schools. I love this product and was excited to invest in it for the school.”

Garrison-Pilcher is grateful for the opportunity to have Ms. Donaldson as a BEE Partner and is excited to have the tower garden in the Media Center so students will be able to watch as fruits and vegetables grow.

The tower garden uses special bulbs to mimic daylight. It allows air and water to grow food without soil. A tank at the base of the tower pumps water and minerals to the roots of the plants. Other than root vegetables, almost anything can be grown.

“The tower garden is a great educational tool,” said Forrest Love, science teacher at Garrison-Pilcher. “Our students will be able to watch as the seedlings grow and have a taste of healthy fruits and vegetables as they are produced.” 

Pictured left to right are: Richard Potter, assistant principal, Forrest Love, science teacher, Sharonda Wilson, Mary Beth Donaldson, and Billy Donaldson.