This division is a dedicated space for younger participants through age 18 and for community groups of adults and/or children who have been organized and possibly housed in facilities for treatment. In our show, we offer Youth Groups, which encourages early participation in horticulture and creative expression. Throughout the year, members of our club’s Youth Committee provide workshops and activities introducing young people to gardening, design, ecology, and conservation through a variety of hands-on projects. Our hope is that our involvement with youth today will inspire an enthusiasm for growing gardens in the future.

 

This division may be judged or unjudged. In this show, it is unjudged.  

 

Youth Horticulture: “Little Landscapes”

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In July, the Garden Club of Montclair led an indoor gardening class for grades 3-6 at Succeed2gether. We focused on succulent plants and arid environments and the care of an arid indoor garden. After discussing garden design principles, the students designed their garden on paper. Then they executed the steps to create a succulent terrarium, from creating hospitable soil, to planting, and adding decoration. The displayed gardens have been cared for by the students since their creation.

 

About our partner

Succeed2gether (S2G), a non-profit 501(c)(3), was formed in the winter of 2009 to augment support systems for low-income families. S2G provides free, affordable educational programs to low-income students who may be at-risk academically or who can excel with enrichment. Programs are offered after school, on weekends, during spring break and summer vacations. The Garden Club of Montclair has partnered with S2G to help provide programs where students learn new gardening skills. Learn more about Succeed2gether.

 

Youth Botanical Arts: “Grow and Throw!”

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Garden Club members led a workshop this past July to create these seed balls with Deron School students, aged 16 to 18. They are covered with clay and include native seeds and soil. When tossed on the ground the clay will protect the seeds from animals or wind. The clay dissolves over the winter allowing seeds to sprout in the spring. Seed balls were used worldwide for centuries but fell out of favor as modern farming took hold. They are regaining popularity and now are used to seed pollinator habitats or replant after wildfires. As botanical art, the exhibited creations were carefully decorated with nature’s beauty.

 

About our partner

Since 1967, The Deron School has offered a state-approved private school program for students with multiple disabilities. It provides a nurturing environment, family culture, and personalized curriculum to help students reach their highest level of independence and achievement. Deron prepares students to lead successful, productive lives, as contributing members of their community. The Garden Club has provided enrichment workshops and annually planted seasonal bulbs in Montclair with Deron students. Learn more about the Deron School.

 

Youth Education: “Our School Garden, Our World”

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Botanical illustrations are introduced in the 3rd grade at Watchung School as part of the science curriculum; these have been an integral part of scientific study for over 2,000 years. In the classroom flowers are dissected and studied. Then, students come to the courtyard garden with a clipboard, pencil and paper. They select a plant and draw it in a single session. Drawings must include its shape and the structure of its stems, leaves and flowers. We are grateful to exhibit this selection of drawings from 3rd through 5th graders.

 

About our partner

At Watchung School in Montclair, the Connected Courtyard Garden is an important part of the school’s life. It boasts an outdoor classroom, a large native plant garden and a pond teeming with life including frogs. Teachers regularly utilize it for lessons ranging from gardening, to math, poetry and science. 

 

The garden was initiated by Sarah Paulsen, Watchung parent, and Drury Thorp, STEAM teacher. The Garden Club partnership began in 2023 with assistance including construction funding and the actual garden design by our member, Cynthia Corhan-Aitken. The Garden is stewarded by Sarah Paulsen and Master Gardeners of Essex County.