I have never proclaimed myself a gardener. On the contrary, I don't have the patience to keep houseplants. I either over water them or forget them entirely. This started in elementary school with the purchase of one lonely cactus. I loved my cactus and it DID live for a few years but eventually I killed it with love. Since then, I have never wanted a plant. So you can imagine my hesitation when my boss informed me that I would be developing a school garden program for the local elementary schools. I tried my best to wiggle out of it but finally I resolved that I would break this spell of gardening and get my hands dirty.
It started with this small plot at a neighboring elementary school. Our plan was to remove the non-natives and replant with native butterfly host plants. I wasn't really excited about the project but I did my best to find donations and information on what to plant. And guess what? Gardening can be really amazing. I love the rewards of watching students get their hands dirty and really appreciate the plants. They visit the garden daily to check on their labors and every week they update me on caterpillar sightings and aphid arrivals.
Non-native Crown of Thorns
Our first order of business was removing the non-natives around this fountain and replacing them with Milkweed and other host plants. Our little EE group consisted of about 12 students at this point but a semester later we have over 25 kids. Of course with greater numbers it can prove to be difficult for everyone to have a chance to plant something. I haven't had the privilege of going out to the school lately so I was definitely surprised by the growth of not only the garden but also the club itself.
My favorite plants that we have in the garden are the Coonties. If we could plant six Coonties then we would be given some Atala Butterfly larva. I was really excited about the prospect of not only planting this beautiful native plant but also helping encourage the rebound of the endangered Atala. It's always fulfilling to take on a challenge and find that not only is it a success but it is a very powerful learning experience to conquer some past gardening spirits.
Professionally, the garden program is also bringing in the attention. I've been assisting with grant writing and my superiors have given me great recognition. They awarded my center a plaque and have sent me many well wishes. My latest grant that I applied for needed a small art component. I had the students cut out their hands and write personal quotes on them about their experiences as gardeners. It's amazing what a few gardening sessions can do to a child's outlook on life. I really understand now why people become obsessed with this occupation. I still won't call myself a gardener but I do appreciate those that are and I understand the powerful rewards of digging in the dirt.
Professionally, the garden program is also bringing in the attention. I've been assisting with grant writing and my superiors have given me great recognition. They awarded my center a plaque and have sent me many well wishes. My latest grant that I applied for needed a small art component. I had the students cut out their hands and write personal quotes on them about their experiences as gardeners. It's amazing what a few gardening sessions can do to a child's outlook on life. I really understand now why people become obsessed with this occupation. I still won't call myself a gardener but I do appreciate those that are and I understand the powerful rewards of digging in the dirt.
Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and the mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and flowers on Earth. Then they will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education. ~ David Polis
2 comments:
That's a cool project!!!
Good luck with the following ones :)
ENJOY!!
I have a small butterfly garden with milkweed that is a magnet for the Monarch Butterfly to lay their eggs on.
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