Something new is growing at South Piedmont.
A community garden is coming to the Tyson Family Center for Technology, creating a hands-on space where students can learn, connect, and unwind while getting their hands a little dirty.
Located behind the Tyson building, the garden is already taking shape, with the fence installed and a storage shed set to be built in the coming weeks. Once complete, the space will be open for students, faculty, and staff to come together to plant, learn, and collaborate.
“This garden grew out of cross-campus collaboration and a shared vision for an inclusive, student-centered space that enhances experiential learning and community connection,” said Director of Compass Education, Nikki Meyers. “Students in the Horticulture Academy play a key role in planning, planting, and maintaining the garden, applying classroom learning in a real-world setting while building academic, vocational, and life skills.”
The garden will feature mostly seasonal vegetables, with some flowers, and this spring the college plans to reintroduce beehives to campus. Academic programs will oversee the day-to-day operations, and while there isn’t a current plan for the produce, the long-term goal is to sell it at the Monroe Farmers Market.
Students, faculty, and staff can get involved by joining the Beekeepers and Garden club or enrolling in the Continuing Education class that will be working in the garden. The space will also serve as a living classroom for student clubs and academic programs, supporting class projects, leadership development, service learning, and student-led initiatives.
The community garden reflects South Piedmont’s commitment to experiential learning and fostering meaningful connections across campus, creating a place where the college community can truly grow together.
Get Involved