We
expanded the garden program on a limited basis to include Preschool - Kindergarten
at the Loveland Early Childhood Center. We planted four kinds of
pumpkins (Baby Boo, Jack-be-Little, Wee-be-Little and Sugar Baby. We also
planted flower seeds (zinnia, marigold and cosmos) Due to a
number of circumstances, not many pumpkins came up. We did have a
bountiful crop of flowers, though, and the kids had a wonderful experience
planting. They mentioned it many times the next fall when we worked
with them as first graders at the primary school.
The second spring, we gave up on the pumpkins and
planted all flowers. In addition to sunflower, zinnia, marigold and
cosmos seeds, we planted petunia plants donated by parents. The students
learned about compost then we added compost to the garden, then we mulched.
We've learned that children see the paths better once they have participated
in mulching them.
Look at how our garden has grown! Now we have
an alphabet garden, perennials and herbs along with our beautiful annuals.
This fall, in addition to planting bulbs, hauling mulch and planting pansies,
we are practicing reading in the alphabet garden and learning about herbs.
The day was clear and sunny and the
temperature in the low fifties but no one complained about the
cold. The kids were attentive and engaged as Granny's
Garden volunteers led them through stations where they learned
about seeds, planted spring bulbs and, their favorite, vermi composting - worms!
The gardens are
improving every year as we add more and more leaf
compost to the soil.
2007
2008
"Don't judge each day by the
harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson
