Today was a big day for students and educators at PS17X in the Bronx as they celebrated their contributions to a special project within their school walls.

Colorful rocks, hand-painted birdhouses and homegrown chia seeds are just some of the many things filling the courtyard space at PS17X, now known as the school's garden.

It's an idea that Steven Rodriguez says sparked when walking the halls and looking at the open space. "Our building always had this courtyard, since I was hired, I've always seen this courtyard but never been in it. I asked why and no one knew, it was an open space we just never went inside of it so when I came out here in the summertime, I realized it's amazing, it's green, it's luscious but it lacked the visual stimulation that our kids need," says Rodriguez.

Using recycled materials such as water bottles and popsicle sticks, students with learning challenges worked together to bring the space to life. The local Home Depot also partnered with the school to help by donating materials for the project.

"They worked very hard, they learned 'PS17 Goes Green', they learned how to plant, eat healthy, they learned about the environment, the ecosystems and everything was project-based learning, and with the help of the community they did an awesome job revitalizing our garden here at PS17X," says principal Angela Jones.

Educators say they hope their hard work serves as inspiration and that the garden continues to flourish.