Georgia Magazine - May 2022 - 33

Young visitors to the Alice H. Richards Children's Garden at the State Botanical
Garden of Georgia in Athens are encouraged to plant and water vegetables.
Kathryn Masuda, youth programs manager at the ABG. " By finding ways for
them to participate in watering plants and helping harvest and taste what's
grown here, they're getting a chance to see what gardening is all about. "
The garden includes several fountains and splash pads, structures for
climbing and plots of seasonal vegetables and unusual plants such as luffa
and dinosaur gourds. Programming is age-specific and includes story time,
crafting and musical performances.
" We hope that not only will they have a good time and learn about the
natural world while they're here but that they will enjoy it so much that they
may want to create their own garden at home, " she says.
Coloring eggs with natural dyes is one of the activities
for kids at the Lou Glenn Children's Garden at the Atlanta
Botanical Garden.
" The most important part of our Children's Learning
Garden is the children themselves. "
Lou Glenn Children's Garden, Atlanta
(404) 876-5859; bit.ly/lgcgarden
When it opened in 1999, the Atlanta Botanical
Garden's (ABG) original children's garden was a
partnership with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
It was created to emphasize nature and health from a
youth perspective.
Sixteen years later, the ABG's $7 million
renovation transformed the space into the Lou
Glenn Children's Garden, with demonstration plots
where vegetables and fruits can be harvested and
sampled and flowers can be touched and smelled.
Adventurous youngsters can climb on a treehouse or
learn about the life of bees.
" The purpose from the beginning has been to
engage youngsters in gardening and nature, " says
Alice H. Richards Children's Garden, Athens
(706) 542-1244; bit.ly/ahrkidsgarden
A visit to the Alice H. Richards Children's Garden at the State Botanical
Garden of Georgia transports youngsters into a wonderland of interactive
educational experiences. Opened in 2019, the 2.5-acre site incorporates
native plants into Georgia habitat gardens. Geographic features of each
region of the state are highlighted, including mountains, rivers and
cultural sites.
A canopy walk with observation decks overlooks a woodland forest.
Young visitors can explore a winding stream, see pitcher plants in a bog
garden and climb a giant spiderweb.
" Hands-on activities introduce children to gardening and the natural
beauty of our state, " says Katie McCollum, curator of the children's garden.
" They can plant seeds, tend the garden plots, learn about insects and other
creatures and simply enjoy being outdoors. "
Children are encouraged to sample seasonal edibles, such as cherry
tomatoes, peppers, basil and other herbs, plus pansies, nasturtiums and
calendula.
" Our idea was to create a sense of wonder and a space for learning, "
McCollum says. " By focusing on the natural features and beauty of Georgia,
we're inspiring an appreciation of nature and gardening for all ages. "
Pamela A. Keene is a freelance writer and Master Gardener living in
Flowery Branch.
www.georgiamagazine.org 33
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN
SHANNAH MONTGOMERY / UGA PUBLIC SERVICE OUTREACH
http://www.bit.ly/ahrkidsgarden http://www.bit.ly/lgcgarden http://www.georgiamagazine.org
Georgia Magazine - May 2022

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