Willow Creek Elementary Garden Project Plants Seeds of Learning, Confidence, and Community
Willow Creek Elementary students, staff, and families have come together in a new way this fall—by getting their hands in the dirt. A collaborative garden project, spearheaded by Ms. Lauren Briley’s class, the Willow Creek PTO, and Spring Creek Growers, has created a new space on campus that blends outdoor learning with life lessons, teamwork, and personal growth.
What began as a simple idea to start a classroom garden blossomed into a full community project, with support from families and local business Spring Creek Growers, who generously donated all the plants for the new raised bed garden.
“I wanted my students to have something they could truly take ownership of,” said Ms. Briley, who teaches a class that thrives on experiential learning. “So many of our lessons focus on real-life skills, and gardening brings those skills to life in such a natural way. I also wanted them to have a calming outdoor space where they could explore and learn at their own pace.”
The idea took root during a PTO meeting, when the garden was first mentioned. The PTO embraced the vision, purchasing mulch and an additional planter to support the project. Then came a pivotal moment—Spring Creek Growers stepped in to donate all of the plants.
“Spring Creek Growers’ donation was truly a game changer,” Briley said. “Their contribution made the project feel real and exciting for the students. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to create such a vibrant, accessible garden space.”
The excitement was evident when students found out they’d be planting the garden themselves.
“Their faces lit up,” Briley recalled. “Some were eager to get their hands in the soil, others were fascinated by the tools or the plants. Watching their pride as they helped create the garden was pure joy.”
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Learning, Growth, and Real-Life Skills
Beyond the smiles and soil, the garden has become a powerful educational tool. Students are using it to practice everything from counting seeds and identifying colors to building vocabulary, strengthening motor skills, taking turns, and problem-solving.
“Gardening lets us build so many skills in a way that feels fun, meaningful, and accessible to everyone,” said Briley.
According to the Children and Nature Network, school gardens have been shown to improve academic performance, encourage healthier eating habits, reduce stress, and increase overall student engagement. A study from the American Journal of Public Health also reports that students who participate in garden-based learning show improved science achievement scores and enhanced social skills.
For Briley’s students, those benefits are already coming to life.
“Many of my students learn best by doing,” she said. “The sensory, concrete nature of gardening helps them understand concepts that might otherwise feel abstract. It also supports independence, problem-solving, and following routines—all big goals in our classroom.”
Community Connection Through Gardening
Willow Creek Elementary Principal Deanna Porter emphasized the powerful impact this kind of project can have on school culture.
“Having the PTO and volunteers involved has been incredible. Their support has turned this garden into a true community effort,” Porter shared. “It gives our students opportunities to interact with caring adults outside the classroom, which builds confidence and social skills. The PTO’s commitment has made this project sustainable and meaningful.”
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She added, “Projects like this garden create shared experiences that bring everyone together—students, families, and staff. It’s more than just planting seeds; it’s about growing connections.”
The involvement of Spring Creek Growers was especially meaningful in bringing local support to a school-based initiative, helping the students feel valued by their broader Tomball community.
A Garden for All Seasons—and All Students
Looking ahead, Briley hopes to continue weaving the garden into her class routines—from science lessons to literacy practice to daily sensory breaks.
“I want them to see that they are capable of making something thrive,” she said. “The garden gives us a living, flexible space to connect learning to real experiences.”
The heart of the project, Briley shared, lies in making learning accessible to all.
“All students should have the chance to learn through real, hands-on experiences,” she said. “Outdoor learning supports sensory needs, encourages exploration, and builds independence and curiosity. I’m so excited to grow this space into a beautiful learning oasis—not only for our students, but for all students at Willow Creek.”
At Willow Creek Elementary, the garden is more than a school project—it’s a place where confidence blossoms, learning flourishes, and community takes root.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
