Come Alive Outside, The Kitchen Community and Michael Hatcher & Associates partnered with Memphis Catholic Middle and High School (MCMHS) to install phase two of the school’s Learning Garden. The concept was the award-winning design from the 2016 Come Alive Outside Design Challenge.

As part of the challenge, students from Auburn University, Hinds Community College, Louisiana University and Mississippi State University traveled to MCMHS in October 2015. The students worked with teachers and students to develop the Learning Garden’s initial design concepts. Once developed into final design proposals, the students and teachers of MCMHS chose Mississippi State’s design and began phase one of its construction.

“The challenge that all landscape professional and students addressed when working on and designing this project was both how to include nature as a part of our lives as well as transform an outdoor space into a place that would draw people off of the couch and back outside,” said Michael Hatcher, Mississippi State alumni and owner of Michael Hatcher & Associates.

The Kitchen Community and Michael Hatcher & Associates installed a central garden with raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables as phase one of the Learning Garden in December. This installation continued in April as both companies completed phase two of the design, which included the creation of a native wildlife habitat and installation of fruit trees, perennial flowers, pathways and addition seating areas around the perimeter of the space.

“From promoting healthy individuals to educating families on where our food comes from, the Memphis Catholic Learning Garden is a model for how schoolyards can reconnect with nature,” said Andy Paluch, executive director of Come Alive Outside. “We encourage all schools, and communities as well, to create awareness and opportunity for others to live healthier lives outside.”

Photo: Michael Hatcher & Associates