A garden is a place that encourages and invites children to discover for themselves the magic, wonder, and unexpected surprises that Mother Nature will reveal to anyone who wants to take a closer look. We, as adults, all have that special body of knowledge that we learned on our own as children about the outdoor world. How a wild strawberry tastes, the smell of wet soil in the spring, or what happens to an apple after it falls to the ground. We, as adults, have the awesome responsibility of providing opportunities, companionship, and guidance to encourage and stimulate children down a path of self-discovery. The garden does and will talk back, sharing successes and failures to those who love to garden.
Failure is part of the gardening experience.
How children learn to respond to failures will decide the success of their gardens and gardening experience. Patient and tolerant, herbs are very adaptable to various growing conditions. Children differ in their interests, personalities and aptitudes. Herb gardens can be just as unique and individual as the child or group planning and planting a garden. Schoolyard gardens can be integrated into school curriculum to be used as living laboratories.