Seeds & FeedsRegina did a lesson on Seeds from the Junior Master Gardener program. She gave everyone a bean and magnifying glass. First they took off the protective "seed coat". Then they split the bean in half to find the "embryo". Finally, she showed them the "endosperm" and described how it provides the embryo with nutrients until it germinates. The sixth graders also talked about "dicots" and "monocots". A special thanks goes to the science department for lending us the magnifying glasses!
Then Regina talked to the kids about "fertilizer". Each child got a small paper cup of Osmocote, a time release fertilizer, to spread in the Divide and Multiply garden. The GardensSomeone generously donated 3 mystery plants that we planted in the Divide and Multiply garden. It will be fun to see what blooms. Speaking of blooming, the plants are popping up everywhere. The iris' are beautiful, the columbines so dainty, the newly planted rhododendron is in bloom, and the vegetables are coming up too!
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Many Hands Make Light WorkWatching twenty plus kids spread mulch is a difficult experience to describe. Here are some words that come to mind... chaotic, innovative, teamwork, inefficient, dirty, helpful, laughter, thoughtful, hard work, careful, wild, slow, creative, focused, funny, thorough, proud, and especially FUN.
My conclusion is that this team, without tools, can spread two cubic yards of mulch and rival a professional team of landscapers in both quality and speed. At the end of the day on Friday, we wished we could take the kids home to spread mulch at our own homes. Now the Divide and Multiply garden is ready to withstand the hot and dry Virginia summer. A special thanks to Marcy for coming to help. We've missed her and hope she will come more often! Coming UpWe will attempt to get plants to grow from the produce we buy at the grocery store.
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Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is located in Mineral Virginia and emphasize plant varieties that perform well in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. They do extensive germination and purity testing to ensure they always provide the highest quality possible. As part of their mission, they promote seed saving and traditional plant breeding.
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Vegetable gardening is a fun and rewarding way to learn about nature and healthy food. That's why we Bonnie Plants started the Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program. Through the program, millions of students have learned about gardening.
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