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YourHub.com \\ St Lucie West \\ Stories \\ Gardening

Butterfly Gardeners Great and Small

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Contributed by: Dotty Greene on 11/9/2008

Two butterflies watched anxiously as the children and adults worked together. Developing before them would soon be a brand new place to call home. What was happening?

As part of an ongoing project at Manatee Academy, fifth grade students, "The Green Kids", were creating a beautiful butterfly garden under the direction of instructor Nichole Spadaro. The students have been learning about environmental issues. The new gardens are a terrific practical application of some of things they are learning.

This program is cosponsored by St. Lucie West Garden Club. Project Chairman Janet Oliver sets up activities throughout the year. In addition, the students work with the Master Gardeners of St. Lucie County who developed much of the garden design using Florida native plants donated by one of their own members. An example of one of the clever green techniques learned: recycling newspaper, using it like weed cloth, then applying mulch. Area cleared, no chemicals applied! Result: a new pathway around the garden will protect the beds and allow visitors to see plants and butterflies at close range.

You might note in the photos that there are some raised beds with vegetables and herbs as well as a hydroponics garden with lettuce and strawberries. That is where another 5th grade classes is helping. In addition, a group of special needs children did an excellent job digging up some of the grass where the plants were added. All the kids seem to love getting their hands dirty, especially for a terrific project! Surely this appetite for learning comes from the good teaching of Ms. Spadero and her co-workers Kelly McLaughlin and Mr. Palms.

The day's perfect finale... as the crowd of eager workers were leaving the area, the two observing butterflies moved right in. Surely they approved of their new home!

St. Lucie West Garden Club is proud to participate with this junior gardener activity. The children showed wonderful energy, so eager to plant and so willing to learn. What fun to see them pick up on the garden lessons very quickly! Networking with Master Gardeners and our excellent schools is a delight for all creatures, great and small.

If you would like more information about St. Lucie West Garden Club, please contact President Nancy Allen (772-224-8317).

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Submitted By: Cheri Mabry

posted on 11/27/2008 @ 7:22:21 PM

Rated Story

Excellent and informative material! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story. It's always nice hearing of activities that children enjoy and gardening is certainly one of them.

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Submitted By: Kathy Koning

posted on 11/26/2008 @ 11:45:46 AM

(Not Rated)

Hi Ya'll, Loved the article, good job Dotty. What a nice way to contribute to the community and young people, Janet. Kathy Koning, Georgia

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Submitted By: Mary Lou Lemaire

posted on 11/26/2008 @ 10:07:19 AM

(Not Rated)

I am a "snowbird" from ME living in SLW during the winter. I was very interested in what the Garden Club is doing these days. Great job reporting, Dotty. Mary Lou Lemaire

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Submitted By: georgia swan

posted on 11/13/2008 @ 2:03:54 PM

Rated Story

Wonderful story.

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Submitted By: LAURIE Hart

posted on 11/13/2008 @ 7:37:12 AM

Rated Story

Great project.

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Submitted By: Cheri Mabry