MEMPHIS, Tenn. – New Hope Christian Academy (NHCA) was honored to serve as the final stop on the 17th annual Garden Fling tour. This marks not only the first time the nationally recognized event has been held in Memphis, but also its debut in the Southern region.

Each year, the national Garden Fling brings together garden bloggers and professionals from across the United States and abroad to explore green spaces in a different city. This year’s tour, titled The Memphis Garden Fling, highlighted the Bluff City’s charm, hospitality, and lush landscapes. More than 70 participants from across the U.S. and as far as Australia spent five days touring iconic locations such as the Memphis Botanic Garden, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, and other private and public gardens.

NHCA’s Urban Farm & Forest was the final destination on the tour, giving guests a unique look at how outdoor learning is integrated into a Christ-centered curriculum. The school’s green space stood out for its innovative design, hands-on learning, and community accessibility.

NHCA’s horticulturist, David Vaughan, emphasized what a significant honor it is for the school to be featured as part of the tour.

“These are garden professionals from all over the country, and for New Hope to even be on the list is a big deal,” Vaughan said. “They were very selective in choosing their stops, so to be included—especially as the final visit—is a neat thing.”

The group’s visit was also featured on ABC24 Memphis, highlighting how the Urban Farm and Forest is used as an experiential learning environment where students engage with aquaponics, composting, nature walks, planting, and harvesting.

Among the tour group was Andrea Whitely, a garden community communicator from Perth, Western Australia. She was moved by the intentional design and peaceful setting of the farm.

“The highlight for me was seeing the children sitting among those beautiful bald cypress trees in a circle, in unity, in a quiet green space,” Whitely said. “It allows them to reflect on the joy of the garden and the little things—the pollinators, the trees, the flowers, and the produce. It’s just like the Garden of Eden.”

NHCA’s Urban Farm is also featured in the Cooper-Young Garden Club’s Experience Memphis Gardens, another garden tour running from May 1 through June 15, 2025, that invites locals to explore green spaces across the city, including community gardens, school farms, and backyard gardens.

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