School Children Visit

CHILDREN’S VISIT TO THE GARDEN (April 2008)

On a very fine day in mid April, 21 degrees, that felt more like summer!, the grades 3 and 4 children from St. Luigi school came to visit our community garden.

We were unsure of how the event would play out. It was a real struggle to get the tent up with strong winds and just two people to set it up. However, we managed, and Susan prepared some refreshments that were provided by FoodShare and the City Councilors office. Along with the books, a display of collected seeds, and a poster board with photographs of the garden, produce, and community folks, we were finally ready.

Meredith Hayes from Food Share was the first to arrive. As the children came excitedly, she invited them for a discussion in front of the garden before entering. That way we could all learn something about gardening and our habitat. We were delighted to find that the children knew a lot about gardening practices. The discussion covered the importance of growing a wide variety of plants and vegetables, using all organic materials for composting, and how the insects and creatures play their part in the ecosystem. We then, had a look in the garden. Even though there was not a lot growing, discoveries were made: the children found a butterfly, a ladybug, lots of worms and pill bugs among others. The compost bins provided a lot of interest for finding the creatures and education of how to “manage the soil”.

Afterwards, they had their refreshments and Ontario apples Meredith brought, and talked about what they found. In the end they walked off happily with seeds and books in hand.

We enjoyed the visit, and hope there will be more visits in the future.

By Alison Urqhart.