 H.O.P.E. Gardens with FitKids360 and Wormies Vermicompost
Bugs on the Brain! Treasure in the Garden! by Kathy Bego In August, many of our now lush vegetable plants are growing in great abundance in the school gardens. This green wealth attracts many bugs, creepy crawlies, and insects of all kinds. Some come to pollinate, others to devour. These tiny creatures can fascinate, repel, […]
H.O.P.E. Gardens: Cultivating Creativity and Curiosity in Summer School Gardens
As the summer sun shines brightly over Wyoming, MI, H.O.P.E. Gardens is abuzz with excitement and activity. Our 13 school gardens are thriving, providing a vibrant backdrop for our summer programming. This year, we’ve crafted a series of engaging lessons that not only entertain but also educate our young gardeners. From painting pavers to repurposing […]
JW Marriott Supports Garden Education
H.O.P.E. Gardens is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with JW Marriott, which has purchased 300 of our organically-grown plants to create a stunning plant wall at their hotel. This collaboration beautifies the hotel and significantly supports our mission of providing garden education to schools in Wyoming, MI. H.O.P.E. Gardens is dedicated to fostering […]
Community Connections through Gardening: A Heartwarming Collaboration
The students of TEAM 21 from Godfrey Lee Middle School, Godwin Heights Middle School, and North Godwin Elementary have recently engaged in a heartwarming project that bridges generations and fosters community spirit. The young gardeners prepared herb planters with kind notes for senior citizens at the Wyoming Senior Center, Wyoming SKLD Nursing Home, and UCOM […]
Growing Future Gardeners!
At H.O.P.E. Gardens, one of our most important missions is to teach children how to grow their own food. A cornerstone of this educational endeavor is our commitment to heirloom plants. By focusing on these traditional varieties, we not only preserve biodiversity but also offer a tangible link to the past, showing students the value […]
Beans: The Unsung Heroes in our Nature-Based School Gardens
Beans are more than just a nutritious addition to our diet; they are a powerhouse in nature-based school gardens. Their benefits extend beyond the kitchen table, influencing soil health, plant diversity, and educational opportunities. Here’s why incorporating beans into our school gardens can make a significant difference. 1. Soil Enrichment and Nitrogen Fixation Beans are […]
When Lightening Strikes: The Importance of Nitrogen in our Garden
Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth, contributing to photosynthesis, protein production, and overall plant health. One fascinating natural source of nitrogen is lightning. The Role of Nitrogen in Plant Growth Nitrogen is vital for chlorophyll production and is a key component of amino acids and nucleic acids. Without sufficient nitrogen, plants exhibit stunted […]
Growing Green: Teaching Kids the Value of Garden Produce through Fun and Games
by Kathy Bego, Garden Educator During our April classes, kids engaged in well-designed “Fun and Games” to learn that the vegetables they grow in their school gardens are worth money! A short slide deck introduced the monetary value of produce by featuring shots of an abundant school garden harvest and a grocery store flier.A clip […]
Planting and Caring for Squash Varieties
13 Tips for Planting and Growing Great Squash in a Nature-Based Garden
Planting and Caring for Garden Herbs
Cultivating herbs in a nature-based garden can be both enjoyable and beneficial. Here are 13 tips to help you plant and grow great herbs. By following these nature-based gardening practices, you can create a vibrant and productive herb garden that contributes to the health and biodiversity of your overall garden ecosystem.