# data[].attributes.body
Having to follow rules and guideline

Navigating different ideas and plans

Water sources

# data[].attributes.body
Yes!

Finding the perfect spot, with a water source, that follows all the rules and guidelines of the district.

# data[].attributes.body
Continue to push and share the importance of the garden! If you are determined enough you can find a way. Work with your principle they are key!

# data[].attributes.body
How did you get around the safety my district is concerned about. Throwing objects at the windows, removing items, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
How did you get the community to support the garden over the summer?

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, It has been hard for our school to find a water source to use for our garden.

# data[].attributes.body
One way to overcome some of the challenges people might be facing is to get support from families and community members.

# data[].attributes.body
water sources

support from admin/community

funds

# data[].attributes.body
water sources that are easily available to the children

# data[].attributes.body
finding others who support the idea of a garden-based education

don't give up! Keep tryin new ideas until something works!

# data[].attributes.body
what sort of water sources has worked for other groups? how did you make it accesible for all?

# data[].attributes.body
I've done sign up genius for families to sign up for a week of watering. That worked really well!

This year in a new site, I'm going to try a few garden work/play dates for families to get together and work together.

# data[].attributes.body
A water source was also a problem for where to put our garden space along side things like sunlight and summer access.

# data[].attributes.body
If you are not a year round program how did you deal with the plants, water sources, access during the summer months?

# data[].attributes.body
One that really stood out was the funding and administrative acceptance.

# data[].attributes.body
Right now, it is who to talk to to start a garden and how to fund it moving forward, if it is acceptable to do.

# data[].attributes.body
Perseverance. If no one does anything, nothing will get done.

# data[].attributes.body
What was the hardest thing to overcome and how was it successful or if it didn’t work out, what changes were made.

# data[].attributes.body
funding issues

space issues

teacher issues

no water sources

# data[].attributes.body
Yes!

Funding issues

space issues (my yard doesnt have a lot of sun)

# data[].attributes.body
Just keep trying! Its only my first year and I have faith that this year will be better for my second year.

# data[].attributes.body
Where did you find resources and families to help you?

# data[].attributes.body
common themes:

funding

staff support

spaces

# data[].attributes.body
Physical challenges (Space or structural issues)

Licensing and policy (insurance) regulations

Keeping students involved and interested

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, we are currently trying to navigate licensing and accreditation standards while providing the best nature and gardening opportunities to our students.

# data[].attributes.body
Keep trying and admit your challenges - when you connect with others, you see that you are not alone (and can problem-solve challenges within your new community!)

# data[].attributes.body
Space

Keep children's attention and interest

Community space

Funding

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, space for sure. This summer we are hoping to claim some space at our schools.

# data[].attributes.body
Keep trying! It doesn't hurt to keep revisiting!

# data[].attributes.body
What steps counted the most? Who was your biggest supporter and how did they help you?

# data[].attributes.body
Surveys, questionnaires. Get as much feedback as possible.

# data[].attributes.body
A big takeaway and common factor I'm hearing is the lack of (or challenge to get) funding.

Grants are always an option, but they are only available certain times of the year, can be big undertaking to apply for (especially if you don't have experience doing so), and are quite competitive.

# data[].attributes.body
We certainly have. We are always looking for different funding opportunities, especially through grants.

The company I work for is fairly new (under 5 years), so it's really important to be mindful of money, where it's being spent, while still having the class' and children's best interests in mind. It's a tricky thing to navigate sometimes.

# data[].attributes.body
One thing that our Director has been really big on is building community to help raise funds. This looks like having fundraisers to build up enough money to help us.

# data[].attributes.body
Outside of grants and fundraising, did you have any creative and thrifty ways to help overcome these challenges?

# data[].attributes.body
getting staff and administration buy in

funding

rules and regulations

# data[].attributes.body
I had similar challenges with past administration but current is on board. Teachers in other classrooms buy in is hard, I find some of my fellow teachers think it's too hard.

# data[].attributes.body
Getting your director on board is key, and get parent help! My school is run by parent board and I'm in the midst of getting a garden committee together, so I can hve helps

# data[].attributes.body
Money, time, weather, ‘dirtyness’

# data[].attributes.body
Time for sure and it is hard for sure with infants that hate to be outside

# data[].attributes.body
Just keep trying. Community or enrolled family and staff help. Do what you can with what you got. Some days will be better then others for sure!

# data[].attributes.body
Knowing the best and worsts, pros and cons can be helpful for sure. Knowing what problems to expect before they arise.

# data[].attributes.body
The most common themes seem to be funding, longterm upkeep of the space, water sources, and navigating rules and regulations.

# data[].attributes.body
Challenges we have had within our program is in choosing the types of plants. They may be child friendly but that doesn't mean children can't be allergic to them. There seems to be a lot of fear about this due to possibly having a law suit. Whenever anything that demonstrates even minor risks the go to is to be reactive and simply eliminate these types of experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
In order to make these special projects work, you must have buy-in from all stake holders. Have a solid plan to address any concerns that might be questioned by those approving the implementation of your garden. Reach out to others who have already gone through the process so you have an idea how to navigate it.

# data[].attributes.body
What worked and what did not work? How would you approach it different next time? Were there any potential supporters that you missed that could advocate for your program?

# data[].attributes.body
It seemed like many organizations were struggling to find staff motivated and comfortable enough to garden

# data[].attributes.body
Not with gardening specifically, but with encouraging staff to try unfamiliar things

# data[].attributes.body
Make it fun! Add some kind of contest or prize. Create a safe space for participants to share their progress. Perhaps a monthly garden meet up for staff only.