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!

Rakes, Trowels and Mud...Oh My!

Boy, were we surprised!  A slight drizzle didn't stop us!

I have to report that the 4th graders in the Gardening Club were hard at work this morning.   Here are some things they had to say in the GARDEN JOURNAL...

"Gardening is not as easy as it seems!"(Jessica)
"Weeding is harder then it looks." (Derek)
"We each went in 4 groups and pulled weeds in each bed.  It was hard work!" (Colby)
"We weeded the garden with rakes and trowels.  The process was hard, but fun." (Richard)

As hard as it was, we found worms and lots of other surprises.  Upon leaving the garden, Richard grabbed  Derek by the arm, swung him around to face the garden, smiled and said "Look, we made progress". That's just what we did!

When it rains, it pours...

This welcomed rain has relieved the Gardening Club of watering and weeding duties.  We had to take our work to the web...

This week, 4th and 5th grade GGs...Gardening Gurus researched the bulbs we'll be planting for the Spring.  They worked in partnerships and turned in a hearty list of flowers that will certainly make our garden the place to be for the PS 163 community.  

I've asked the children to recycle 1 gallon plastic water/milk containers.  This made for  a great rainy day activity.  After cutting and decorating, they make for perfect toolboxes for trowels and gardening gloves...stay tuned for pictures.

Great news...PS 163 will be receiving a WOOLLY SCHOOL GARDEN...a big thank you to the generosity of friends, PS 163 staff members, parents, and some of my family members.  Check out the website:

www.woollyschoolgarden.org

Have a great weekend!

Flowers and Weeds

Beauty exists beneath the weeds!  Fourth Grade Gardening Club met today for our first session.  We charted everything that we knew about gardening and set goals for September.  We will begin with pulling weeds and turning over the soil.  We took a walk through the garden, pulled out weeds in the front entrance area and even planted mums (thanks to my morning detour at WHOLE FOODS-3 for $12).  So we are off to a great start…I even pulled some weeds during my lunch…it was a little addicting!

Let's Get It Started!

The time has arrived!  

The Gardening Club has been formed.  I'm so excited to garden with the 4th and 5th graders at PS 163!  What do gardeners do in September?  We will definitely tackle the weeds and probably start a compost pile... I have some ideas, but post your thoughts or advice!