Just steps away from Lawton Elementary School, a lush, whimsical garden serves as more than just an oasis; it is an outdoor classroom where nature is the teacher.
“I like them to be able to come out and really be able to explore and walk around,” said Dr. Jennifer Ferrell, a dedicated volunteer at the school. “That makes it feel like an adventure.”
The one-of-a-kind two acre garden is called The Lawton Environmental Study Area, or LESA.
Tucked away on school property, it’s home to a variety of plants, vegetables, and flowers, all carefully curated to create an immersive learning experience. Students can find a little library, tables for hands-on activities, and interactive lessons. Dr. Ferrell often teaches classes on topics ranging from composting to weather, integrating the garden into the curriculum.
“We did a whole moon space lesson with fourth grade,” she explained, showcasing the “Moon Garden” where the center piece is a Sweetgum tree grown from a seed that flew aboard the Artemis 1 mission in 2022. “It’s important for them to learn about the environment in a hands-on way.”
Children at Lawton Elementary have embraced this unique space.
“I would say the garden is probably one of my favorite things about the school,” one student shared, capturing the enthusiasm of their peers.
Dr. Ferrell has been volunteering at Lawton since 2014, shortly after her children became students there. Her journey to the garden began during a challenging time in her life when she suffered from a type of migraine that caused debilitating dizziness, forcing her to stop practicing as a veterinarian.
“But here-among nature-I found healing,” she said. “I find when I’m out here, I don’t get dizzy, and it’s very good for me, too. It’s allowed me to use my science background in a lot of ways.”
The garden is not just a space for learning; it’s a community hub.
Dr. Ferrell organizes events like a farmer’s market on Earth Day, where students can showcase their hard work.
“We have Seminole County Natural Lands bringing snakes and turtles, and the Avito Garden Club will have planting and craft activities,” she said. “The entire school will get to rotate through and participate.”
Over the last decade, Dr. Ferrell has expanded the garden to include a pollinator garden, where fruits, vegetables, and young naturalists now blossom. The impact of this garden on students is profound.
“There was a little boy who went home and made a salad for his family,” Dr. Ferrell recalled. “At first, I didn’t think he cared. He’d walk around sort of holding back. Then he came up to me and said, ‘I’ve never seen this much nature.’ A few weeks later, he was so proud because he had brought home lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, and peppers. He said, ‘I made a salad for my whole family.’ He didn’t even know it came from the ground, not from a store.”
After hearing stories like that, it’s easy to understand why Dr. Ferrell says she’s “just a little obsessed” with the garden.
“I do think it’s special, and I try t make it good enough that it can’t fail,” she said, embodying the spirit of dedication and love that fuels this hidden gem in Oviedo.
Dr. Ferrell’s vision extends beyond the school.
“I would love for the whole school system to make it like a field trip destination,” she said. “There’s nothing else like this at any other school in our county.”
