Smith Dialogue Dome, Grazing Gardens, and Permaculture Garden

Program Type: 
Garden Classrooms, Academic Classrooms
Grade Level/Age Group: 
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, College/University, Adults/Professionals, Other
Number of Individuals Program Serves: 
500
Year Founded: 
2005
About the Program: 

Grazing Gardens - Southwest side of building
With veggies, herbs, berries, and benches, the Grazing Gardens offers a space to sit and relax. The garden features student art, an herb spiral, an intention altar, and a native plant collection. Just west of the garden, you’ll find the “Hearth Hub” oven and dialogue dome. These community structures are made from alternative building technologies such as cob (a mixture of sand, straw, and clay). Designed and maintained by students, the oven features an image of the Chinook Salmon and is fired up to provide food for campus events.

Smith Permacuture Garden - West side of building
Originally planted on SW Montgomery and 6th Ave in 2010, this garden was relocated to the west side of Smith due to the renovation of the School of Business Administration. The garden utilizes permaculture principles including sheet mulching and companion planting to create a thriving ecosystem. You’ll find a mix of native, medicinal, and edible species in this space. Groups that have worked in this garden include classes such as Urban Farm Education and the Student Community Engagement Center during PSU’s annual Earth Day of Service.