It was a sunny June day at Keeler Gardens, plants full of life and flowers in spectacular bloom, when the third graders of Belding Elementary School arrived on our grounds for a class field trip. Curious faces scanned all of the plants and insects, eager to learn more. While with older audiences we may typically provide a more factual tour, we engaged these kids with specific nature connections they may not have experienced before. We provided lots of time for questions and were happy to answer them as here at Keeler Gardens we are also very passionate about the “why’s” and “how’s” of nature.
We shared all about our honeybees and how they thrive in their hives. We talked about colors, tastes, and scents. The students then enjoyed their lunches on our grassy front lawns overlooking the display gardens and the pollinator habitat. They had a clear sense of freedom on the grounds, sitting on the steps and in the rocking chairs on the patio. This ties back to the principle of biophilia, the innate desire for humans of all ages to connect with nature – causing this seemingly inexplicable peace they had as they ate and talked with their friends.
My name is Serena and I was very excited to volunteer with the kids as I was fortunate enough to have access to nature growing up and hoped for them to enjoy it as I did. I was surprised when ten or so kids ran after me, asking for me to cut them chives from the herb garden. They were enamored with the leaves of the lamb’s ear plant (named for its very soft, fuzzy texture), a very popular souvenir. I hope that the field trip inspired the kids to ask their parents to make a family garden or even go to the park more. It was clear that even a couple of hours in nature can give even eight- and nine-year-old youth, that have all the energy in the world, a sense of inner peace.
A huge thank you to Belding Elementary School’s third grade classes for visiting us! We hope to see you again in the future!
If you or your little one want to visit or ask a question about Keeler Gardens, or nature in general, feel free to email our Chief Horticultural Specialist, Gina Iliopoulos, at Gina@keelergardens.org. Looking forward to seeing you all soon here at Keeler Gardens.