Classroom in Bloom was founded in 2004 by Anaka Mines and Lexi Koch. The Methow Valley School District Superintendent and School Board originally provided their endorsement for the program in the spring of 2004 and the administrators of both schools show pride in its contributions to the learning environment. Classroom in Bloom established as a non-profit 501c3 in 2009.

2004

226 students visit the garden.

The first garden produce is served in the school cafeteria!

Students plant cover crops, build a deer fence, and plant the first trees and shrubs.

The community helps us construct a gazebo.

2005

323 students visit the garden.

We add a small orchard of fruit trees, edible perennials, and a butterfly garden.

7th grade does research project on plants from new native plant garden.

2006

282 Students visit the garden.

Tenth grade creates A Midsummer’s Night Dream Garden.

Students conduct soil amendment experiments.

2007

Our long awaited tool shed is finished!

Students harvest carrots, winter squash, onions, garlic, salad mix, beets, peppers, and summer squash are incorporated into the cafeteria lunches.

2008

The half-acre garden moves into full production.

Employee, Sam Dunlap, designs and builds a cob pizza oven.

CiB establishes Board of Directors.

2009

Outward Bound students work in the garden for their service project.

CIB acquires independent 501(c)3 status.

CIB further develops curriculum alignment with Washington State Education Standards

2010

Spearheaded by CIB, the School Lunch Committee secures grant money to bring a daily salad bar in to both school cafeterias.

Students lead a Farmer's Market in the garden.

1600 pounds of food is donated to the school cafeteria.

2011

Two high school students are hired to help the garden prosper throughout the summer months.

Daily compost collection happens campus wide.

2012

1,700 pounds of produce is delivered to the cafeteria.

Dirt Works, a garden workshop with Methow Conservancy, takes place at the garden.

2013

We expand the orchard to include more peaches, plums, apples, pears, and hazelnuts.

Tom Venable, MVSD's new superintendent becomes CiB’s newest board member.

Harvested over 2,490 pounds of fruit and vegetables for the cafeteria.

2014

Monthly winter lessons are taught in the classroom such as, seed saving, garden planning, bean sprouting, and cooking.

The high school spanish class makes new signs for the garden.

The high school shop class builds and hangs a new gate to enter the garden.