3 Simple & Cost Effective

Outdoor Classroom Garden Tasks

Have you ever walked out into your outdoor space and thought, “Where do I start?” It is easy to go into overwhelm when working in Outdoor Classroom Learning gardens. It happens to me all the time. The tasks are abundant and I sometimes have to walk around the garden a few times to figure out what needs my attention first. This week, my approach shifted when I asked myself the question.” If I were to give a garden tour to children, what would I need to make this experience peak wonder and curiosity?”  I found myself focusing on the small details that transform gardens into Outdoor Classrooms. Here are 3 simple and cost effective Outdoor Garden Tasks that I am currently working on.

#1: STICK PLANT LABELS: I originally saw this idea at the MA Horticulture display at the Boston Flower Show earlier this year. One of my goals for the summer is to label and learn about each plant in my garden. Yesterday I started this process using small sticks because it is so cost effective. (I have a lot of plants!)  I shaved off some of the bark and used a Sharpie pen to write in the plant’s name.  I am delighted with the outcome.

#2: LITTLE FREE LIBRARY SIGN IN BOOK: We have a Little Free Library that sits at the end of our driveway. It is a box of books and the concept is to “Take a Book and Leave a Book.” As a steward, it is a bit like watching a bird feeder. In an effort to capture the activity in the library, I added a sign in book. My original sign in book filled up; therefore, my Little Free Library has been without a sign in book for a few months. I finally put a new one in.

#3 MAILBOX DESIGN: Time to spruce up our tired mailbox. I still in the research phase and collecting ideas. Here are two good ones from This Old House DIY Projects.  Do you have any fun mailbox designs?

Now it is your turn. I want to hear from you. Do you have any Outdoor Classroom Garden tasks that are cost effective? What are you working on now? Share in the comments below.

Happy gardening!