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!

neatoday-August/September2010

Check out page 11- Recent research from the Sage Colleges of New York-

"Getting dirty might make kids smarter-research has shown that bacteria found naturally in dirt decreases anxiety in laboratory animals, and the latest studies show it also increases their cognitive function..."

Thanks Corina!

So excited!!

Good Morning!  It's a beautiful day in New York City and a perfect morning to start a blog.

I'm very excited to be starting a new adventure at PS 163!  It's going to be a year of learning and GROWING! GROWING???  Yes, this year, I will be facilitating the work that will be done in the school's garden with some very experienced gardeners.  

Living down the street from two community gardens has given me an appreciation for the joys of gardening.  In the past, I've had the opportunity to plant or just sit in the gazebo enjoying the time outdoors in one of the more beautiful and peaceful corners of the West Side.

Please stay tuned for updates and resources.   If you are a gardener too, share your thoughts, resources and words of encouragement. Thank you and have fun playing in the dirt!