The Learning Garden

The Learning Garden at Venice High School (a 60,000-square-foot plot of land on the SE corner of Venice Boulevard at Walgrove) was launched in March of 2001. Since then it has quickly become one of the country’s largest and most successful school gardens.

It is a model example of how school gardens can transform the lives of students and teachers and the environment of their community. Today, the agricultural plots are filled with organic food grown by the high school students. Health-related classes such as tai chi, qigong, and natural food cooking are offered on its large stone patio. The garden has a large medicinal plant section for educational purposes, a pond with a water garden and waterfall, a California native plant and cacti garden and a permaculture garden.

The Learning Garden is much more than a garden. For the students of the high school it is an opportunity to be closer to nature, a place to learn about respecting the environment and taking care of plants and animals. For the teachers it is a place of solace. For the community it is a place of visual beauty. For those who have dedicated thousands of hours to making the inspiration of the garden a reality, it is a joyful and fulfilling accomplishment. For all who come, whether to a single event or as a regular volunteer, The Learning Garden is a remarkable and unique place that touches something deep in the heart and soul. The community garden is tended by local volunteers, and numerous groups and organizations use and support the garden.