Squirrel-Friend or Foe?

The good news-The Gardening Gurus have completely transformed this space.  The number of bulbs in the ground has increased and the leaves have been managed!  Happy to report that there are only four beds that are empty.  This will be completed by the 4th grade gurus this coming week. 

Spring will bring us tulips, crocuses and daffodils.  HOPEFULLY!

The bad news-The population of squirrels in the garden has also increased.  On few occasions, I walked through the garden and spoke with some of our new friends as they congregated on tree branches and the bricks lining the garden...It was very Snow White-and I'd chuckle at this new image of myself...

But now...not the case at all.  I have been noticing some holes.  This can only mean one thing.  Winter is coming and the squirrels are getting ready.  They are happy and the Gardening Gurus are not so happy! Where are the dwarfs when you need them? 

Please let us know your thoughts and help us get these little guys under control!  

To be continued...

The GOOD, The BAD and The UH-OH!

The word of the day was teamwork. All gardeners partnered up and took on a variety of tasks.  Richard, Giovanni and Simon raked leaves in the back of the garden.  Angus and Colby dug a big hole for three daisy plants. Lamont, Jessica, Carlo and Jahnelle removed rocks and leaves from between the beds and covered the area with mulch.

That was the good!

Squirrels love to kick their heels up in the mulch.  I visited the garden three times today and it looked like a mulch fiesta!

That was the bad!

As for the UH-OH-----Don't swing your rake into a wire fence.  It will get stuck and it will take someone big and strong to unstuck it!  No names are mentioned here to protect those who claimed to be innocent!

Over the weekend, I purchased crocus bulbs and picked up daffodil bulbs from Union Square.  The daffodil bulbs were free as part of an initiative to beautify NYC.  This project is also a living memorial for 9/11.  There will be 300 of them popping up in the Spring.
To learn more about this project,  check out the website below...
http://www.ny4p.org/

Stay tuned for more!  Please post comments or questions...

Gardening is the best thing in the world! (Christian)

The overall consensus is that this club can't be beat. Pedro hit the leaf jackpot in the back corner of the garden and went to  town with his team.  Some worked hard raking the last of the leaves and others planted over 30 tulip bulbs using the fancy bulb planter that my Mom gave us.  

It sure made the job easier for measuring 5 inches into the ground for each bulb.  

The Gardening Club is now having a bed raffle throughout the grades.  

B.Y.O.B.=Bring Your Own Bulbs...the winning classes will have to purchase their own bulbs for the bed that they win.

Keep you posted on the results!

No More Weeds!!

The fourth and fifth grade's GARDENING GURUS spent the last 2 weeks weeding the garden.  Special thanks go to Saturday's volunteers that helped complete this task in time for Spring planting to begin.

"Our garden is really getting a makeover!  Today we planted some bulbs which is just as addicting as weeding.   I want to become a gardener when I grow up!" (Richard)

This week will be dedicated to planting.  There will be 100 tulip bulbs planted throughout the garden.  Gardeners dug 6 inch holes, deep enough to keep those bulbs warm and cozy through the Winter.  

They really impressed me with their teamwork and patience.  

Watching each bulb get planted really got me excited for Spring!

During the next couple of weeks, we will be planting more Spring flowers.  

Can you make any suggestions?

Weeds, Weeds and MORE Weeds!

"I'm really starting to get the hang of gardening!" said  Richard.

The hard work continued and we were all happy to reveal the worms, spiders, and bugs from under leaves and weeds.  Although ewwwwwwws were heard (LOUDLY), everyone gladly continued with rakes and trowels in hand!

The goal is to have all weeds out by Friday so that we can plant tulip bulbs next week.  (Thank you to my mom for bringing us a bag of 100 bulbs!)

There are also two new additions to the garden-Go take a look-but don't touch!  

Weedy to Rake and Trowel!

I know what you are thinking!

This morning's drizzle did not stop the 5th Grade Gardeners who now refer to themselves as "Guardians of the Garden"!  

Here is what the GUARDIANS reported...
"Gardening is so much fun. I wish I could garden everyday!" (Rhys)
"I think gardening is hard and fun!" (Roberto)
"Gardening is fun and it's better than recess." (Alexis)

We made significant progress pulling weeds and hope to finish by the end of next week!  Next step-getting ready for SPRING-planting bulbs and other surprises are in store...STAY TUNED!

Try this at home

Are you a gardener at heart?? Make a tool tote!

Try this at home with a milk or water plastic jug.  Decorate and carry your supplies...Rhys loves his!