There
are some flowers that everyone seems to recognize: sunflowers,
and daisies – but especially roses. Roses are symbolic of
many noble ideals, such as love, beauty, and peace. Almost
every early American garden sported a bush or two, and in
1986 President Reagan proclaimed the rose as the American
National Floral Emblem. But these days many people are wary
to grow roses because certain kinds have the reputation of
being challenging to maintain. Fortunately, this isn’t true
for the majority of varieties so long as you apply the same
practical guidelines you use for choosing other plants for
your school or youth garden: pick hardy varieties that will
thrive in your climate, soil, and space.
This month, we help you get to know these special flowers
and reveal many ways to weave them through your curriculum.
And never fear – you’ll also find guidelines choosing and
planting them in your youth garden.
Lessons and Activities
Getting
to Know Roses - an overview of rose botany, types
of roses, and how to choose the ones that will best fit
your school garden.
Lesson:
Design a Rose Garden - This lesson takes you and
your class through the process of designing a garden
for roses and their green companions.
Lesson:
Where Did That Bouquet Come From? - Roses are a big
part of the cut flower industry. This activity introduces
students to the economic and social impacts of this international
import-export business and challenges their analytical
skills.
Reading,
Writing, and Roses - Here are more suggestions and
references for using roses to launch explorations across
all disciplines.
Program
Spotlight - Learn about the "Remember Me" Rose
School Garden Awards, and check out impact data from
2006 recipients.
Resources
"Remember
Me" Rose School Garden Awards - Sponsored by All-America
Rose Selections, these in-kind grants will help 20 schools
establish rose gardens to commemorate the events of September
11th, 2001. Each program must also plan to use the garden
as a catalyst for education in conflict resolution and
mediation skills that prepare students to seek and achieve
fair and peaceful solutions. Each winning school will receive
15 to 20 rose bushes and educational materials.
Annual
application deadline: February 28. Learn
more
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