Come summer, the Sippican School Community Garden Club will have its own greenhouse due to the efforts of retired teacher Diane Cook and members of the community.

Cook has long run the after school program that cultivates a love of gardening in Marion’s elementary students while also incorporating science, math and other subjects.

At Wednesday night’s School Committee meeting, Cook said the first step towards getting the greenhouse was applying for a $2,000 grant from Whole Foods. Parent Jennifer Jones wrote the grant, which was recently awarded to the school. Seeds and gardening equipment are also part of the grant.

Other members of the community are chipping in in a big way to bring up the balance for the more than $5,000 structure. The Marion Garden Group granted the club $2,000. Another $1,000 was appropriated by a discretionary fund and an unnamed citizen donated $500.

Cook said she’s excited at how the 8 by 12 foot greenhouse will benefit education for all the students, not just who are in the club.

“There are just so many mathematical, language, health possibilities,” she said.

The greenhouse will have enough space for an entire class to enter it at one time. Cook expects it to be delivered and set up by the manufacturer in early summer.

She expressed thanks for those who have helped and said the program will be able to expand with this new resource. Produce from the garden has already helped people in need in the community, and is also a perk for kids who are in the club.

“I think it’s just a really good thing for the community,” said Cook.

School Committee Chair Christine Marcolini praised Cook’s efforts.

Even with cuts to staff in the coming year's budget, she said "There are these amazing things that take place at this school. Thank you for doing this."