Lessons from Bookworm Gardens, by WSGI's Beth Hanna

On a beautiful September morning, I walked through the gate at Bookworm Gardens and found myself in a world fit only for a story book.  Winding pathways beckoned.  Gardens of all colors, shapes, and sizes intrigued.  And leading me through it all was Education Director, Beth Carreno – just as dynamic and engaging as the Gardens themselves.

Only two acres, Bookworm Gardens is an endless world of imagination, wonder, and fun.  Each curve in the path brings visitors to a new world to explore.  From the elephant ear plants in the Horton Hatches an Egg area, to the refreshing shelter of Charlotte’s Web barn, there is constant delight.  One can’t help but think, if only all gardens were so intriguing! 
 

1. Gardens as living laboratories:  Like a laboratory, Bookworm Gardens is designed for observation and hands-on interactions: smaller paths protrude from main walkways to offer opportunities for close-up inspection without disrupting traffic flow; gathering areas, like The Magic Tree House, offer ample space for discussing discoveries made.  Thoughtful design of youth gardens keep kids safe, engaged, and learning.   

2. Science behind the silly: Every garden, activity, and lesson presented at Bookworm Gardens, no matter how silly it may appear, serves a purpose.  Standing under a tree bedecked with plastic eggs, pizza, doughnuts, and more in the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs area, Beth explains.  “There is always science behind the silly.  We can bring kids here and have them dream about which foods they would like to see falling from the sky.  But look around.  We’re also surrounded by a rain garden.  We are equally able to start a discussion about types of precipitation or about strategies for conserving water.”  Youth gardens set the scene for innumerable scientific discussions.  Prepare kids for these discussions with a little whimsy to increase their engagement.

3. Offer choices: Children relish the opportunity to able to partake in free, creative, and natural play in the Little House in the Big Woods area.  They explore the covered wagon and wooden cabin, build fairy houses, or gather sticks.  Incorporate an area of your youth garden for free play.  A place to collect, sort, and explore sticks, rocks, and soil allows students to independently interact with the natural world. 

4. Identify roles to increase investment: Students participating in programming at Bookworm Gardens begin the day with chores.  During this time, children can be seen feeding the fish, harvesting ripe produce, and tending to the worms.  How does this practice translate to a classroom or schoolyard? Clearly defined garden responsibilities build a sense of ownership that increases investment in the garden’s success.  “Give all of the students roles, so that is the school’s garden instead of a school garden.  Kindergarten can be harvesters or fifth grade the weed patrol.  Whatever makes sense to your school,” Beth suggests.    

5. Feast!: Children able to grow, tend, and harvest fresh produce are more likely to eat it.  Because of the large number of students it serves, Bookworm Gardens recommends plants for learning and plants for eating.  A carrot might be able to offer more educational value if its roots stay underground in the viewable Tops and Bottoms garden.  High production plants however, like cherry tomatoes, beans, and peas make for great snack options that feed a crowd! 

How do you bring the magic of learning and fun to your schoolyard, backyard, or play yard?  Share your story with the Wisconsin School Garden Initiative by visiting wischoolgardens.org or email us directly at wsgi@communitygroundworks.org.  

Book nooks and garden dreaming, by WSGI's Jennica Skoug

I don't always like this time of year.

The Youth Farm closes down for the season in mid-October. While I enjoy the winter respite, I often wish I had the chance to share my love of cozy winter book nooks with the students who pepper the farm with energy in spring and fall. I especially wish it because I would love the excuse to pour over the dozens of garden-themed stories and picture books floating around in school libraries. I'd also love to get into a hearty discussion over The Omnivore's Dilemma with a class of high schoolers, or teach middle schoolers to read a seed catalogue. 

Teachers, the winter is long and cold, but you can see, perhaps, why I envy you some days. You help students garden in their minds all year long. 

Look to the Resources & Events section for a collection of garden-themed books that, I hope, will feed the curiosity and imagination generated in your school garden. Of course, reading also generates it's own curiosity - one that I hope has your students itching to explore the outdoors, perhaps with a book tucked carefully in their back pocket.