A decade-long partnership between Meeting Street Academy and the Green Heart Project celebrated a milestone on Nov. 19 with the opening of a student-run garden.
The new garden in downtown Singleton Park is a testament to years of fundraising, community support and partnership. The garden came to fruition through a collaboration of the City of Charleston Parks Department, the Charleston Parks Conservancy and Clemson Architecture Center’s CommunityBuild Program
“With everyone working together, we’ve built something that’s not only beautiful but also purposeful, creating a space for our community to learn, grow, and connect,” said Jesse Blom, executive director at the Green Heart Project. “This garden represents everything Green Heart has learned over the past 15 years. We’re calling this garden our ‘new standard’ because it’s the best of what we’ve done so far.”
The new garden features 13 garden beds. A beautiful wood-framed pavilion offers shade for groups to gather for a lesson or discussion. The garden floor is padded so students are comfortable during outdoor lessons, and its rainwater collection system gives young gardeners a hands-on experience with sustainability in action. And with a wash basin on site, fresh-picked produce can be rinsed and enjoyed immediately.
“Singleton Park isn’t just a garden; it’s a full-on outdoor classroom and a community space built for connection, learning, and growth,” Blom said.
The space was designed and primarily built by Clemson Architecture Center’s CommunityBuild Program. It’s directly across the street from Meeting Street Academy, making it easier and safer for students to access. The school donated $25,000 to help fund the project.
Each week, Green Heart employees will teach students both in and about the garden. The goal is for students to learn about teamwork, sustainability and agriculture.
For Xavier McDaniel, a farm and garden assistant with the Green Heart Project, this partnership hits close to home. Xavier was part of the first graduating class at Meeting Street Academy, and he’s come full circle, returning to his alma mater to teach students.
“Working with Green Heart has filled a spot in my heart that I needed,” he said. “Coming back to the school was an eye-opener. All of the kids are different and coming back as a mentor, I get to help them learn something new.”
Xavier discovered a love of gardening from his uncle, and he hopes to inspire the next generation through this work.
“A lot of these kids have never had a teacher that looks like them,” he said.
