April is National Gardening Month.

Thanks to a New Program Grant from the South Central Kansas Library System*, over 100 Pre-K through 6th graders from Macksville Grade School took part in a planting activity on April 28th.

  Participants learned about the parts of a seed and talked about plant care. Hands flew into the air when asked what basic things plants need to survive, and some even guessed correctly the number one cause of houseplants dying: overwatering (we kill them with kindness!)  They also learned about annuals and perennials, terrariums, and why pots need to have drainage holes for healthy plants.

  The library was able to purchase some fun, informative books with grant funds.  Some of the books featured during the event were: Oh say can you Seed? by Worth, Before We Eat: from farm to table by Brisson, & From Seed to Plant by Gibbons.  These books & more will be available for checkout at the library year round.

Students used permanent markers to decorate empty pots with designs like insects, birds, suns, flowers,  green tractors, rain clouds, rainbows and a variety of intricate designs!

After decorating their pots, students each chose a flower to plant in it. From zinnias and vincas to petunias and verbenas, there were many  colorful blooms to consider.  (See the bottom of this post for care instructions) Each student also took home a packet of vegetable or flower seeds to plant at home.  We look forward to seeing these plants & blooms brightening our community indoors & out!

And then, after school, a group of hard working volunteers showed up at the library to cultivate & help plant marigold seeds beside our ramp.

THANK YOU!

As the Macksville City Library is looking to GROW, we strive to find ways to encourage our youngest patrons to bloom and GROW, as well. 🙂

*Sponsored in part by South Central Kansas Library System—
assisting member libraries to provide excellent service to their communities.