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| 'NAPLES' Johnson 2001
One of my first recollections as a child was my grandmother's flower garden. I still remember the array of colors, the intoxicating fragrance and its sheer beauty. I credit her for planting the seed resulting in my passion for flowers and gardening.
My Grandmother's flower garden in 1970, taken with my first camera--
a little Kodak Instamatic. How I wish I could turn the time back and get a
picture of it today with a modern digital camera. It was beautiful!
It's no coincidence she had a mother and grandmother who shared their love of gardening with her. It is easy to stimulate a child's interest when they see you having fun and enthusiastically immersing yourself in an activity you are passionate about. |
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| 'SWEET MUSETTE' Schreiner 1986
Later, my parents continued that legacy--one that I hope I have passed on to my children and grandchildren.
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| 'MIDNIGHT REVELRY' Schreiner 2005--My daughter Emily choosing an iris she wants to plant in her own garden
Tall bearded irises were among my family's favorite flowers. I think my story is not unlike many: parents and grandparents helping to cultivate the love of plants of all kinds. Gardening is an activity that is no respecter of age--the very young to the very old can participate.
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| 'PHOTOGENIC' Ghio 2006 'ARISTOCRACY' Keppel 2006 'SOUTHERN MORNING' Metler 2011 My granddaughters Eliza and Paige in the garden picking flowers to make arrangements. |
Some interesting facts about gardening and what it teaches:
- Patience. Waiting for plants to grow and then bloom takes time, sometimes more than a year
- Creativity. Planning a garden with a color scheme or a bed with companion plants encourages creativity
- Responsibility. Planting, weeding, watering and general care takes commitment
- A sense of accomplishment. Seeing a plant grow from a seed or rhizome to fruition gives a feeling of success
- Family devotion. When we spend quality time together by participating in a common interest, we foster love and respect
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| 'QUEEN IN CALICO' Gibson 1980 |
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| 'MARY FRANCES' Gaulter 1973 |
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Eliza has an interest in irises. She helps water, weed and deadhead the blooms.
This year she's going to start planting.
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"Children who first encounter irises in childhood have an uncanny way of growing up to be lovers of all things iris--to grow them and possibly even hybridizing them." (Pat Otterness, "Kid's Eye View," TALL TALK, Spring 2012)
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| 'SKYHOOKS' Osborn 1980 |
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| 'THEATER' Keppel 1981 |
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| 'DREAM TEAM' Johnson 2007 |
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| 'RINGO' Shoop 1979 Eliza has enjoyed the flower garden since she was a two year-old. Now ten, she, with other young gardeners, may be the future of the American Iris Society |
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| 'BUBBLING OVER' Ghio 1992
If you have experience involving or encouraging youth to garden, I'd love to hear what you've done!
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For more information on kids in the garden here are some excellent links:
https://www.fix.com/blog/kids-gardening-for-health-and-fun/
https://spray-n-growgardening.com/
www.ksl.com/?sid=15496447
www.gardenforever.com/pages/learn-to-grow.html
