Sierra School of San Diego Students Bloom in the Garden

The Sierra School of San Diego community is growing – literally!

A Growing Partnership with the Community

Students, staff, and volunteers from Blue Shield of California and the San Carlos Community Garden (SCCG) recently came together for a special planting day to continue transforming the school’s outdoor space into a vibrant sensory garden designed for learning, healing, and joy.

With guidance from SCCG leaders and help from longtime Blue Shield volunteers, Sierra students planted herbs, lettuce, and winter squash in brand-new raised garden beds donated by Epic Gardening. They also filled two large planter boxes, added colorful pollinator plants, and explored the new fairy arbor, a whimsical entrance to one of the most beloved spots on campus.

Learning and Therapy in the Sensory Garden

For many students, the garden is an extension of the classroom where they practice hands-on learning, explore new textures and scents, and use what they grow in cooking, crafts, and sensory activities. The space also supports occupational therapy, speech and language sessions, and counseling, offering calm, connection, and confidence-building opportunities for every learner.

“Our students light up when they’re in the garden,” said Lanae Aguilera, school director. “They’re learning science, teamwork, and responsibility, all while having fun and experiencing success in new ways.”

This latest planting day was also a celebration of community. Many Blue Shield volunteers returned for their third consecutive year, partnering with Sierra and SCCG, proof of the strong relationships that have blossomed through shared purpose and care.

Growth That Goes Beyond the Garden

The final phase of the sensory garden project begins this fall, with completion expected before Thanksgiving. Once finished, students will have an even more inspiring space to grow, both as gardeners and as learners.