Art

Mother’s Day Seed Balls

Submitted by sarahp on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 00:29

By:

Sarah Pounders

Right Side Box:

Seed balls were used in ancient times but rediscovered in the 1900’s as a way to introduce vegetation on a large scale to uncultivated land such as areas devastated by fire or floods. They are also being used as part of the Guerilla Gardening movement as a way to beautify vacant lots and urban common areas.

The clay keeps the seeds from blowing or washing away, and protects them from hungry critters. It also keeps the seeds from sprouting until adequate water is available. The compost or potting soil adds a bit of nutrients to help give them a jump start.

Download instructions for making Seed Balls.

Finding a special, inexpensive gift for students to create for Mother’s Day is a challenge faced by many educators each year. Both gardening and non-gardening teachers frequently turn to plants for inspiration with popular projects like marigolds planted in small cups and paper flowers. This year, we have a way to move beyond the more traditional ideas by making trendy seed balls!

Extra Special Eggs

Submitted by sarahp on Mon, 02/25/2013 - 01:23

By:

Sarah Pounders

This spring, try using natural dyes to decorate your Easter Eggs.

Winter Creativity

Submitted by sarahp on Sat, 12/29/2012 - 01:29

By:

Marci Birkes

Want to put a new spin on your family’s backyard winter fun? Sparking far more creativity than the typical snowman (although I’ve seen a few highly creative snowmen in my day) introduce your family to the work of sculpture and photography artist Andy Goldsworthy.

Stimulating Imagination in the Garden

Submitted by RoseJM on Tue, 08/14/2012 - 08:33

Building Fairy Houses

By:

Rose Judd-Murray

Right Side Box:

Fairy Houses (The Fairy Houses Series)

Author: Tracy Kane

ISBN: 978-0970910458

With young children, there are few lazy days of summer. Most days are filled with intense constructive projects from blanket forts to tree houses, and from sandcastles to bean teepees. Kids love creating these special spaces.

Sharing the Love: Spreading Seeds

Submitted by RoseJM on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 00:00

By:

Rose Judd-Murray, NGA Staff

Right Side Box:

How-To: Make A Seed Bomb

Materials:

Clay (purchase at craft stores)
Compost or potting soil
Seeds (we recommend easy-to-grow or native varieties)

Bring this activity home, or share it in the classroom with these easy step-by-step directions (PDF). »

Taking a walk together as a family is a great way to teach your kids about varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees. It's an unstressful time to engage and allow them to ask questions about their own local environment.

The Beginning of a Library Garden

By:

Cynthia Domenghini, NGA Staff

Right Side Box:

NGA's Own LibraryGardens.org

Libraries have a unique opportunity to provide a visual connection between literature and nature. Grants are available to support library gardens, but often require someone with a vision. National Gardening Association offers assistance in this area. Whether you’re interested in developing a particular theme garden or a garden that encompasses a variety of books, our professional staff of landscape architects, horticulturists and educators can help you develop your vision. Visit Library Gardens for more information about how we can design your library garden which will in turn help you as your seek support for funding the installation of this space.

The Village of Plain City Garden features several animal topiaries named after classic authors.In an effort to preserve the historic Village of Plain City, Ohio, local gardeners and members of the county Master Gardener program pulled their resources to establish a landmark for the town.

Plant a Thankful Gardener

Submitted by sarahp on Sun, 10/28/2012 - 21:56

By:

Sarah Pounders

Right Side Box:

Download this month's lesson plans:

Pressed Flower Thank-you Notes

Tree ID

Thanking volunteers and sponsors is an important activity for all youth garden programs. Although appreciation for contributions should be shown year round, Thanksgiving, a holiday rooted in the celebration of harvest, is a great time to present your loyal supporters with a special gift to acknowledge their generous donations of time, talents and funds.

Creating Color in the Winter Garden

Submitted by sarahp on Wed, 02/16/2011 - 12:11

By:

Paul Simon

This year has been an exceptionally snowy year for many families across the US. The frequent snowfall has provided my family with opportunities to ski, play outside, and spend quality time shoveling out the driveway again and again, and again. Our home landscape has been a monochromatic color of white with a handful of dark colored trunks emerging here and there.

Nature-Made Holiday Decorating

Submitted by sarahp on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 01:25

By:

Paul Simon

It’s amazing how the holiday season hits us earlier every year. It is a shock to see the overnight transition from the Halloween décor at the local stores to dazzling displays of red and green merchandise, as if some momentous event were imminent.

Wreath Activity Provides a Sense of Place

Submitted by sarahp on Wed, 12/22/2010 - 01:16

James Doyiakos, environmental science teacher at Roald Amundsen High School in northwest Chicago, figured out how to turn an invasive plant problem into a creative lesson to connect his 150 freshman students with nature—by making wreaths.