This fun, fast-paced course will introduce young gardeners to basic gardening principles and instill a love for plants, wildlife, and the natural world we all share. Emphasis will be on hands-on activities and time spent outdoors as we discover and learn together. Students will come away with knowledge and skills that set them up for success as gardeners and advocates for nature.
Day 1
· Introduction and discussion about plants, what they do, and why we need them
· Different kinds of plants – vegetables, fruit, herbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, native plants, etc.
· Tools and supplies for the garden
· What a seed needs to germinate and grow
· Hands-on activity planting seeds with take home pots
Day 2
· Learning about the plants you see outside
· Using phone apps and other resources to help you identify plants
· Learn about poisonous plants and staying safe outside
· Bees, bugs, birds, butterflies, and other fascinating creatures!
· Nature journaling – recording how you feel and what you experience through your senses
Day 3
· Creating art with items and images from nature
· Painting rocks activity
· How to start a mini garden usings pots and containers
· Decorating your garden
· How to share your garden with wild creatures
Day 4
· Fast forward to harvest: plants you can grow and harvest from your own garden
· Learn about where food comes from
· Ways of preserving food
· Pressing and drying flowers and herbs
· Take home rock art
Wrap up: How to learn more about plants and gardening
Optional topics may include one or more of the following: monarch butterflies, bird songs, pressed and dried flowers, flower bouquets, nature crafts, and garden and nature tours around the college. Lessons and activities may change depending on conditions. This will be an interactive week during which student interests will guide discussions and activities.
Monica Gruler Farrier owns Gruler Gardens in Petoskey, a local source of native plants, cut flowers, and handcrafted art inspired by nature. She is a Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener, garden writer, educator, and founder of Wild Ones of Northwest Lower Michigan, a seedling chapter of the national organization Wild Ones.
