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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2009
CONTACT
Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
Kate Blumm: 718-623-7241, kateblumm@bbg.org
Kids Go Green for 95 Years! BBG's World-Renowned Children's Garden Welcomes Young Plant Lovers
Registration for 2009 Spring Season of Gardening Fun Continues Through April; Scholarships Available
PHOTOS: (left) In 1930, children under the supervision of a Miss Droward thin out planting beds (photo by Louis Buhle from BBG Historic Photo Collection); (right) In the 21st century, kids continue to engage in gardening activities throughout the year (photo courtesy BBG).
Brooklyn, NY—April 3, 2009—The spring of 2009 marks the 95th growing season for Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Children's Garden, which—when it opened in 1914—was the world's first garden dedicated to educating children about plants and gardening to be established in any public garden in the world. Since its inception, BBG's Children's Garden has taught tens of thousands of children the joys of gardening.
Throughout its history, BBG's Children's Garden has welcomed kids from New York City's incredibly diverse neighborhoods, who come together each year to nurture a love of plants within the ever-changing backdrop of nature. Curiosity, fun, and hard work are experienced when the children are empowered by the ability to grow flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and to see, smell, touch, and taste the results of their hard work, and to take care of their tools. Children ages three to thirteen, learn the values of teamwork, patience, and responsibility—principles that last well into adulthood. During the upcoming season, kids will experience spring firsthand, from the muddy fields of April to the first tender sprouts of May to the delicious salad veggies of June—and find out what's so special about serving to family and friends salad that they have grown and prepared themselves!
BBG is now accepting applications for its next class of young urban gardeners. Families and caregivers interested in enrolling a child can call BBG Registration at 718-623-7220 or visit http://www.bbg.org/edu/children/childrensgarden.html for information on registration and fees.
Families can also apply to BBG for funding if they need assistance, The Garden provides need-based scholarships for all age groups; these scholarships are first-come, first served. Applicants can call Registration for further information.
Plus, parents looking for engaging activities while kids are off from school during April's spring break will find several exciting choices at BBG—particularly the special Spring Break Mini-Session from April 14–16.
Spring Children's Garden: Program Calendar
Become a part of this spring tradition during the 95th year of helping children grow and harvest food in Brooklyn! All Children's Garden classes are designed with a low child-to-instructor ratio to help ensure quality programming.
Trees and Saplings
For Three- and Four-Year-Olds with a Caregiver
Registration deadline: Monday, April 23
Young children and their caregivers learn side by side in this hands-on program for both generations. Come explore the wonders of nature together as signs of spring pop up all over the garden. Consistent attendance of one adult per child is required. No infants or older siblings, please.
SECTION C: 5 Saturdays: April 25; May 9, 16, 30; June 6 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
SECTION D: 5 Wednesdays: April 29; May 13, 20, 27; June 3 | 10–11:30 a.m.
City Farmers Spring Break Mini-Session
For 2nd through 5th Graders
Registration deadline: Monday, April 13
Kids can help jump-start our Children's Garden during the Spring Break Mini-Session! Activities include measuring and lining out garden beds, planting seeds in the garden and greenhouses, and preparing window boxes and other planters. Kids take home some of their own plants and seeds as well as a rare early-spring garden experience.
3 Sessions: April 14, 15, 16 | 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.