Building Blocks Preschool
Our Garden
By Savvy Hillis · May 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 5 · Page 27 · 2 min read

members have worked together to create something truly magical in our renovated Building Blocks play yard. Today, our garden is more than a collection of beds and pathways. It is a place where children dig, observe, and care for living things. In the process, they develop patience, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Our garden stands as a testament to what can grow when a shares a common purpose.
We are grateful to the individuals who helped bring this vision to life. Local craftsman and parent Alex Anderson, known as “The Fence Man,” installed an extended fence around the play yard, creating the foundation for what would follow.
Play yard designer Sarah Walker donated reclaimed lumber for the first raised beds, giving new life to old materials while creating accessible spaces for planting. Parent Diana Einfal of Nestldown expanded the layout with a custom-milled L-shaped bed, adding both structure and flexibility. Leif Linden contributed another raised bed and lined several with hardware cloth. Briann Preetz, of Barrel of Dreams, donated barrels for both an apple tree, and a future feature for outside the Building Blocks fenceline.
The garden’s continued success reflects the steady support of local families and businesses. Eric Pellissier of Paradise Dog Boarding, and his wife Courtney, helped build earlier beds and supplied soil and seeds. Check out their cut flower business, Summit Blooms.
Sarah Lockheed and Teacher Jessie are leading seed-starting efforts, ensuring students experience the full cycle of growth, from planting to harvest. Many of this year’s seeds have been generously donated by local seed company, Renee’s Garden. Teacher Jessie is adding trellises for climbing plants, making the most of the space while opening up new learning opportunities.
As part of the school’s Flagship Legacy Campaign, several donors will have plants and fruit trees named in their honor, a lasting reminder of how generosity helps this garden and community grow. We are truly excited to watch the garden blossom in its first season.
Thank you to our generous donors: Hills Construction, Brett Lay, DDS, Diablo Ink, Redwood Estates Store, Paradise Dog Boarding, Surfnet, Mannat, Mason Tractor, Roo Studio, Quality Pump Service, and Renee’s Garden.


