PROJECTS

RAIN GARDEN

From 2019-2023 Jessica was involved with the rain gardens project at Charlestown Playhouse Preschool and Kindergarten, a “non-profit, parent-cooperative preschool that emphasizes learning through child-centered play, the importance of supporting social and emotional development in young children, the beauty and value of nature and a strong sense of community.” (cite).

With Allegra Churchill, a friend and colleague, she assisted with grant funding opportunities. Later, she worked with Donald Pell Gardens on the design, construction and installation of the rain gardens, as well as their eventual maintenance.

Jessica’s children attend the school and one of the most satisfying parts of the project for her was watching the school children plant their own plants and learn about the process of stormwater management.

  • Charlestown Playhouse parents help maintain the rain gardens as part of being a cooperative school photo

    Jessica and parent friends weed the rain gardens on a particularly rainy day! Charlestown Playhouse parents help maintain the rain gardens as part of being a cooperative school.

  • Jessica's perspective rendering of the area between the parking lots as an envisioned idea for an area for congregation, playing and discovering natural processes.

    Jessica's perspective rendering of the area between the parking lots as an envisioned idea for an area for congregation, playing and discovering natural processes.

  • The grading, land-forming and plant installation process to create 2 of the 6 rain gardens.

    The grading, land-forming and plant installation process to create 2 of the 6 rain gardens.

  • The rain gardens after the initial planting stage at Charlestown Playhouse

    The gardens after the initial planting stage.

  • The gardens after the initial planting stage.

  • The Charlestown Playhouse rain gardens one year after installation with signage design by The Bunyip Collective.

    The rain gardens one year after installation with signage design by The Bunyip Collective.

  • The rain gardens are meant to be explored by the school children.

  • Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea), a herbaceous perennial native to southeastern Pennsylvania, in full bloom in May 2023.