Building a Fairy Garden

Today in the El Morro Garden the students got to use their imagination. We had Dani and Kim from Dragonfly Hollow Nursery stop by and give a workshop on how to build a fairy garden. They donated items to the garden so the kids could build one in our school garden. It turned out great and the kids were thrilled! Each student even got to take home a trellis to build a fairy garden in their own backyard.

On a sad note, the recent stormy weather caused our canopy to blow over and break, so we no longer have shade for the picnic table. And the wind also blew the covers off of our garden boxes, so the bunnies had a blast eating most of the produce that we've been growing, as well as Mrs. Goodman's cucumber seedlings. Gardening can be a challenge, but also a learning experience.

Seedlings: New and Old

The El Morro garden's produce is growing quickly. Some of the seedlings we planted just weeks ago are nearly ready to harvest. It's been exciting watching the kids watch the garden grow. We were also lucky to receive new seedlings for planting during the last garden club:

• Mr. Duddy gave us three Sweet Pea seedlings that were started at the district office.
• Mrs. Goodman's class handed over six cucumber seedlings that they grew from seed in class.
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Thanks to a collaboration between OC Waste Management and TVI, the garden also received a donation of woodchips to put in between the garden boxes. Not only does it make the garden look more manicured, it also covers the cardboard that was laid down to kill the crabgrass. 

Bugs and Broccoli

Another exciting day for the El Morro Garden Club...

In the Garden:

Our veggies are growing big. The kids had the chance to sample swiss chard and kale fresh from the garden. Most were eager to give it a taste test. Try it at home...you might be surprised! The kids were excited about seeing the actually broccoli crowns starting to sprout. We used rulers to measure our veggies and recorded the results in a chart graph. Most were more than 5 inches tall.

Activity Time:

The students learned about bugs...which ones are beneficial (butterflies and ladybugs) and which ones are detrimental (aphids). We used our bug cards to try to identify bugs in the garden...luckily we didn't find any! The kids also got to examine composting worms using magnifying glasses. 

Art in the Garden:

Each student got to paint a ceramic tile that we attached to the garden boxes. It looks so wonderful to see some of the children's art in the garden.

Thank you to Frana Sadler for bringing yummy rolls and jam for snack and Finnegan for bringing pretzels.

Featured Web site:

Savannah's Organic Ranch in Aliso Viejo

Recommended Reading:

Grow it, Cook it with Kids by Amanda Grant