August 2005 Kids Garden News

A bouquet of flowers is a treasured gift for people of all ages — it creates smiles and warm thoughts through the enjoyment of nature’s beauty. Botanically, flowers are the plant’s tool for survival, but in a garden they also add greatly to the aesthetics of the landscape. Their utility extends to providing food for many insect and bird species, and some flowers are even consumed by humans (like cauliflower and broccoli)!

Flowers provide opportunities for engaging classroom investigations. One way to combine science, government, and geography lessons in your classroom is to teach about state flowers. Each of the 50 states has an official flower to serve as a symbol of the state and its people. This month we explore state flowers and provide related interdisciplinary lesson ideas for your classroom.

Also in this issue, read about the National Gardening Association’s grant and award opportunities for 2006, tips for applying, and stories about past winners. Finally, be sure to check out the Plant of the Month, Resources, and News Items!

Please e-mail our editor with your questions or suggestions. We'd love to hear from you!

Contents

  • Background
  • Lesson 1: Flower Dissection
  • Lesson 2: Know Your State Flower

Grant and Award Resources

Plant of the Month: Mint

Resources

News Items

 

2006 Grant and Award Programs
Criteria, applications, and information are available for several grants and awards for 2006!

Draw Your State Flower National Contest
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company invites elementary school children (K-6) to draw their state flowers. Check out this month's garden lesson for ideas on how to incorporate this contest into your curriculum.

Raise Money with Flower Bulbs
Keep 50 percent of total sales through the NGA-endorsed Dutch Gardens Fundraising program!

Last Chance for Free Pollinators Poster Order this beautiful color poster, complete with activity ideas, for your classroom or home school. Quantities limited, so order now!

Funding Opportunities Check out the wide array of grant and award opportunities from nonprofits across the nation.

Plants in the News
Keep an eye out for Sunflower Butter...

Hot Horticultural Resources from NGA
The new Plant Finder database and a fresh crop of Regional Reports await the curious gardener.