Putting Down Roots 2011 has begun!

Our 2011 Putting Down Roots in Hartford organic gardening program is in full bloom! Our students, who range in age from 7 to 14, are getting their hands dirty (literally) while learning all about organic gardening. They have planted seeds, maintained the garden, created sun charts, harvested vegetables, started a compost bin and a worm farm - and it's only the first week!

In addition, students have explored radial symmetry through creating beautiful mandalas inspired by the work of Paul Heussenstamm and have drawn their own garden maps through the eyes of a bird (or an aerial view) - which will soon be transformed into sun charts as well.

Finally, students have tapped into their math and language skills to chart their garden observations, have started their journals which include daily reflections and weather charting, and have been learning team-building skills. They have also been enjoying listening to - and reading aloud - the book Seedfolks, by Paul Fleishman (in addition to other books!)

Here is a peek into our garden...more updates and photos to come! Click on any photo to make it larger.

Daily reading in the garden!

Drawing visual maps of our gardens at Charter Oak

First week...I wonder how long the tomatoes will stay green?

Preparing the ledge garden for more seedlings that are ready to go!

Learning about sun charts and in importance of planning out a garden

A beautiful mandala in the making

Our greenhouse!

One of our ledge gardens

Thank you to Joy Monroe for photographing Putting Down Roots!