Sorry I have not commented back sooner, I use just a little point and shoot panasonic luminex. I like it because it is easy and I know how to use it! Thank you for your compliment.

I'm glad your students had fun with thier planning. I have all my seeds planted, but have yet to plan out the garden. I guess I better get busy with that.

Hey Rosa, Yes I am new to square foot gardening. I am really excited to get going. Our last frost date here is mid April. I have seedling going in my greenhouse, all I need to do now is make a plan!!

Greetings, Rosa, just came upon your page. I have several designs for user friendly gardens I use here in central Oklahoma. They would make a good standout feature and give you elevations to play with. I also have a couple of water features you may be interested in. Wish you great success in your teaching gardens.

Hi Rosa, I can't answer your specific questions as I live in a WAY different zone and climate, but I can offer a few ideas that you might be able to use. You should do a soil sample test to see what amendments need to be made. You can get a kit at your county extension center. In the teaching gardens that I have worked on here we include several different beds, each with a specific purpose, with walkways in between. One bed with shade loving, one with sun loving Native plants. (if your garden area will allow) One bed for culinary herbs (that they can pinch off and taste), one for medicinal herbs.(this would also fit in with the natives) Do a three sisters planting of corn, beans, and squash. A pole teepee for gourds or yard long beans to grow on, heirloom tomatoes and hybrid tomatoes (separate these into different areas) and let the children compare the differences in appearance and taste when ripe. Plant perennials that will attract honey bees and butterflies Have lots of plants with strong fragrance (lavender, mints, rosemary, sweet annie, scented geraniums, honeysuckle, etc) and different textures (lamb's ear, kale, yarrow, succulents,etc) for autistic and visually impaired children. Make sure you don't plant any plants that can be toxic, some very pretty plants are poisonous (like castor bean). Windchimes, birdhouses, birdbaths, frog and lizard habitats, and even a sand pit with polished stones, bones, and broken pottery for them to dig into with their hands(and then study the rocks), all add to the area. Good Luck! Have fun!! Take some pics and post them so we can all enjoy the process.

my son is juvinille(sp?) detention officer and their location also got a grant and they planted a vegetable garden to be used in the kitchen. kids enjoyed and learned to taste new foods.

the parents at ny grandkids school, transplanted from their yards. dowhatever grows well for you. all perienals of course. your zone is so different from ours. good luck and enjoy as they grow.(plants and children)

Rosa http:// sbgardening.ning.com

Absolutly!! Use any of them that you want, I'm glad can aid in learning! Make sure to tell them the name of the one day famous photographer lol! :)