Chances are, if you’ve strolled by Washington Elementary School (WES) lately, you’ve noticed that a group of gnomes that moved in. The main gnome, Bob, stands cheerfully in front of their new home: a tree trunk with a bright red door. The setting looked so beautiful against the newly fallen snow, that I was inspired to find out the story behind the gnomes.

Gnomes are the new theme of the revitalized Washington Learning Garden. Beth Hedin and other committee members created the garden about twenty five years ago.

In spring 2024, the PTA formed a new garden committee and decided to start a much-needed garden revamp. Committee leaders Beth McCabe, Sara Ryan, and fifth grade teacher Rose Davidson spearheaded the initiative. The volunteer group also included Justin McCabe, Neil Davidson, Molly and Jeremy Simpson, Breanne Makatche, WES Principal Brook Webb and many other dedicated parent volunteers. The group came up with lots of fresh ideas and then got to work. 

Over the summer, moved plants, added new ones and put in additional elements, including a flagstone path situated beneath a newly installed sunsail shade. The space was thoughtfully designed as an outdoor classroom, equipped with a teacher’s bench donated by Rollier’s. According to Beth McCabe, the goal was to “add a bit of whimsy to the school experience and inspire teachers and students to engage in the creative process through discovery and storytelling.” Indeed, the teachers put the space to good use, frequently bringing students out to read in the garden and enjoy the flowers and fresh air. 

As for the gnomes, Beth’s father, John Hruby, made the adorable gnome house from the base of a tree. After their hard work was done, the PTA organized a celebratory garden party, advertised as “a night of whimsy in the Washington Learning Garden.” The party happened in September while the garden was in full bloom. Musician Matt Dull serenaded guests, who enjoyed gelato by Piccola Piazza and scones from the Sconeman. Principal Webb, who goes above and beyond to attend and help with PTA activities, read a special garden story about backyard fairies. Attendees were invited to submit name suggestions for the main gnome. The anonymous suggestions were collected. Then, each class at WES voted for their favorite name. Bob was the clear winner and made up at least half of the original submissions.

Students are invited to make the garden their own. Kindergarteners painted rocks with their fifth grade buddies. Groups of students planted zinnias, sunflowers and allium bulbs. Teacher Chelsea Geyer brought her Life Skills students out to plant herbs in the newly installed raised bed section of the garden. Art Teacher Jodi McKeever, along with Tim Cadman, worked with students to make a Bug Hotel for the garden. Mr. Cadman is a former member of the WES custodial staff and has designed many art projects for the school. Look for the Bug Hotel’s debut this spring!

WES is even using the gnomes as a way to inspire the students to hone their creative writing skills. Each gnome has their own mailbox, located near their house in the learning garden. The mailbox contains a newsletter: the Gnome National News. Students submit stories about the garden or the gnomes for the newsletter. Mrs. Davidson notes that “the students have loved the connections with gnomes and the Gnome News.” Recent writing prompts include “Who really is Bob the gnome?” and “What does Bob the gnome do after school?” 

The next time you visit Uptown, make sure to stop by the learning garden, see the gnomes and maybe check out the latest newsletter. It’s guaranteed to give you a smile!

Interested in getting involved with the WES Garden Club? Email them to learn more: wesgardeners@gmail.com.