The carpenters above (Bob A., Jim and Dave from left to right) are really hitting stride with their arches. Vern helped Jim start cutting away and once they get these done, there is still quite a bit of planning left to figure out the remainder of this project. I have the utmost confidence in these guys as they have never shied away from a challenge. The warm weather brought lots of volunteers out today. Marianne helped with many projects including getting presentation handouts prepared and Janice was here for a meeting, working with her kids group and more plant sale preparations. Marv and Terry brought in more displays and Jerry and Urban did some pruning. Dr. Gredler, Maury (see below) and Del all did priming and/or painting in the "culvert forest" and we had help from Dick H. and Dick W. We also saw Jumbo Jim, Julie, Bob T. and Shirley over here today. I think the warmer weather and sunshine has had a nice effect on morale around here. I finished our spring plant sale order and worked on myriad small projects that have piled up on my desk. It will be interesting to see how much snow melts down this weekend with highs in the 40s.
It's been interesting to see the development of school gardens around the country. I helped with a small garden at a local elementary school although I had to keep reminding myself that there wouldn't be much use of the garden in the summer months. Plants with early or late season interest were recommended as were vegetables with quick germination and growth in the cooler school months. Nutrition education seems to be more and more important as child obesity levels are on the rise. I read a recent article about strong criticism that has arisen regarding these gardens. The argument was simply, "How important is it to have kids digging in the dirt when they should be learning math, science, literature, etc.?" I don't look at it as a one or the other consideration. These small gardens may be the only way to address the disconnect that many youth have regarding not only food production, safety, etc. but also environmental issues as well. Other topics can certainly be incorporated in to a garden setting or garden related activities. Incorporating live plants and environmental activities in the classroom has plenty of merit in my mind. Check out
http://www.fastplants.org/ for an interesting program developed at the University of Wisconsin. From their website:
"Teachers and learners use Fast Plants in classrooms from kindergarten through college and beyond. Learners of all ages can explore a wide variety of questions with Fast Plants and learn by engaging in genuine scientific enquiry. Learners find the excitement of growing a real, living plant irresistible. Fast Plants change visibly every single day, right in front of your eyes. In two short weeks, the tiny seeds will sprout, grow, and bloom. In just over a month, learners can plant seeds, tend plants, pollinate flowers and harvest new seeds." Very interesting and the type of exposure for young learners that may create the next generation of global stewards... Take up the challenge this year to engage youth in gardening. Share your enthusiasm, knowledge and the "bounty" that the garden provides (both literally and figuratively). Nice shot of Barb (Master Gardener and RBG volunteer) at the bottom with a young gardener.
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