Where Plants Come From

We had eager garden helpers on Friday!  We searched for and found a pinecone to turn into a bird feeder.  It is always fun to make this project with children.  We slather the cones with lard, then pat the seeds into the lard liberally (and onto the floor and surrounding table).  We use cotton twine to tie to the top of the cone so that it is easily hung in a tree or bush.  

We then talked about some of the seeds and berries in the garden and who benefits from leaving them rather than "cleaning up the garden"  We discussed the birds that migrate and those that stay behind in winter.  The kids were particularly interested in the Milk Weed --Asclepias Tuberosa!  It makes the most remarkable and orderly organization of the seeds inside the pod!

Inside a Milkweed Pod

Monarchs sipping nectar

When we pulled seeds out they were fascinated by how light and soft the silk around them is and we talked about the many ways that plants get planted.  They were quick to point out that birds eat them and poop them out, but they were shocked by the idea that wind, rain or even other animals can plant seeds as well.

All this was in the name of fun -- not one mention of what the kids had to learn!  I will wager that they will remember this even without any attempt to teach because they were fascinated.  Other questions that came up were;  Why are all those pine needles on the ground in the garden?  What are those purple berries that look like blue berries?  They were excited when I told them that they are poisonous to use, but not to the birds.  HOW come?  These are real questions and when a child is curious it builds their ability to critical thought.  HOW many teachable moments are lost to the corporations who script the lessons we must teach with "fidelity?"