It might not be planting season yet, but McKenna Elementary School second graders are getting their green thumbs ready for the spring.
The revived Garden Club meets afterschool once a week with adviser Maria Carman. During the winter session, students have made the most of the experience through indoor planting and crafts.
The young gardeners planted string beans in a bag, using a seeds and a wet paper towel, while taping the clear plastic bags to a window for sunlight. They also made bird feeders with pine combs, bird seed and peanut butter, which they took home to hang up outside. To honor a well-known northern bird, students painted cardinals and used cotton balls and newspaper to create a winter scene.
Ms. Carman said that the purpose of the Garden Club is to give students and appreciation for nature and help them make connections to the world around them. She hopes they will use their skills at home when the weather gets warm and outdoor plants begin to blossom.