Buy a Brick for AES’s Totem Garden

The Totem Garden is a revitalization effort to enhance the front of Avondale Elementary School through landscaping, and art features. Tireless efforts by our dynamic principal, dedicated faculty, school foundation, enthusiastic parents, and volunteers continue to elevate this International Baccalaureate school to academic excellence; also finalizing STEM certification.

The project transforms the entrance of the school with a welcoming, student-centered garden area. Primary expenditure are needed for soil enhancement, new plants and removal of overgrown plants. There will be a specimen tree, low maintenance evergreens, perennials, and native plants that provide year-round color. Plants chosen will attract birds and pollinators. Central to this beautiful space will be large painted totems − sculptural elements featuring lively portrayals of children colorfully intertwined with vines and flowers. Each totem will be topped with a colorful, functional birdhouse. Students will participate by painting river rocks to be placed throughout the garden and around the base of the totems. A whimsically-decorated Little Free Library book-sharing box will offer children’s books on gardening, nature, birds, and ecology.

The Totem Garden project is a collaborative effort between the two garden clubs in Avondale Estates and will encourage participation by other organizations and the community. Some organizations are already working on the project. The Avondale Art Guild is participating by painting the totems. Former students and other residents are purchasing engraved bricks for family, favorite teachers or in honor or memory of loved ones. Additionally, engraved bricks will edge the area around the flag plaza. These bricks will be a tribute honoring Teachers of the Year and former Principals.

The Totem Garden will provide an area for student activities, teacher or expert guided workshops and lessons.

Once completed, there will be an Open Garden celebration for all stakeholders with student participation.

Community partners are invited to join this exciting journey to beautify and enliven the school and our city.

To order bricks, prepare a check in the amount of $30 per brick, payable to AVON GARDEN CLUB. Contact AESbrickorders@gmail.com for mailing address and any questions before February 16th.

Please limit text for bricks to 3 lines, 16 total spaces per line.

Thank you,
Carolyn Chandler
Avondale Estates, GA