School garden promotes well-being

Reilly Elementary School is celebrating the opening of its new garden and wildlife habitat. The social and emotional learning, or SEL garden, is “a sustainable, meditative space that will implement healthy self-esteem, curiosity and cooperation through gardening.” The garden, which was designed to promote mental and emotional well-being, features native plantings that provide food and shelter for wildlife and insects, a cistern for water conservation, edible landscaping, an intergenerational picnic area, and other sustainable features. The garden was funded with a $130,320 grant awarded to the Austin Ed Fund by the St. David’s Foundation. While Reilly students will be using the garden during school hours, community members are welcome to visit after 4 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends.