Children’s Education Wishes and Planting Patch Dreams
by Janis Woodward,
2021 Children’s Education Intern
Staff and volunteers hoed an unused space outside the Children's Education Classroom. Photo credit: Janis WoodwardFor years there has been an unused patch of grass sitting outside the Children’s Education classroom, and for years the Children’s Education team has dreamed of transforming it into planting beds to teach gardening skills to children. While this patch of land has accommodated the Children’s “Dig-It” garden— an area for students to examine soil — there was still an enormous amount of underutilized space right outside our classroom doors. Receiving eight hours a day of full sunlight, and with a hose hook-up just three feet away, it practically begged to be used. So, why not put a garden there?
Planting Palooza Day, July 1, 2021, Hands-On Gardening Summer Camp. Photo credit: Janis WoodwardAfter a lot of wishing and hoping, those dreams are finally coming to fruition in the form of the Planting Patch. In early June, staff and volunteers, including the immensely helpful Bob Drash, began hoeing the grass, digging out the beds, and turning the soil in preparation for our “Hands-On Gardening” Summer Camp at the end of June.
Students will have the opportunity to plant and grow something in the ground at Green Spring instead of using trugs or having to take seed trays home. More importantly, the Planting Patch will foster a community of youth gardeners and generate collective gardening experiences.
Two campers weeding out the soil. Photo credit: Janis WoodwardThe garden beds will provide a wonderful space to investigate soil and learn essential gardening skills. Children will also gain knowledge on how to start their own gardens at home as we share with them the entire growing process of plants, from seed to harvest.
Although establishing the Planting Patch has taken a lot of time and sweat, it will prove to be an invaluable educational resource for years to come. These garden beds will provide a permanent and dedicated planting space for all children attending our programs.
Results of the Planting Palooza. Photo credit: Janis WoodwardPlease be sure to stop by the Planting Patch this summer to see how our campers have transformed an underused patch of grass into a planting haven.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with the Planting Patch, please contact Children's Education coordinator Elizabeth Waugh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Volunteer opportunities maintaining the beds and conducting programs utilizing them will be available in the future.
Last photo: Results of the Planting Palooza. The children planted broccoli, sweet corn, carrots, mustard greens, sugar pumpkins, an array of flowers, and so much more.
