The garden got a little bit greener at Unqua Elementary School, thanks to the efforts of second graders who didn’t mind getting their hands a little dirty. On June 11, students went out to the official National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat, located in one of the courtyards, to plant flowers, fruits and vegetables.
The planting activity was the culmination of the Plant Adventures Mystery Science unit. Among the topics they studied were plant life cycles, seed disbursement by animals and wind, and the Death Valley superbloom.
On the sunny afternoon, students worked at three wooden planters. One was built several years ago by an Unqua graduate for an Eagle Scout project, another was constructed by parents and the third was installed by Girl Scouts from Troop 2117.
During the recent plant sale, families could donate items for the habitat. Students planted flowers such as begonias, dahlia and lavender. Fruits, vegetables and herbs on the horizon include basil, eggplant, parsley, squash, strawberries, tomatoes and zucchini. Students and staff will be able to take home any food that grows before the end of the school year.