activities, starting and maintaining a school garden, and providing take-home materials for students’ parents and guardians. EYWTBH curriculum was adapted from the Junior Master Gardener ® program developed by Texas A&M University ( Junior Master Gardener
-aided drafting program (AutoCad 2002, version 3.3; Autodesk, San Rafael, CA) was used to create the base sheet, schematic, and master plans. Rhythm, unity, and structure were achieved through alternation of large and small trees with deciduous and evergreen leaf
A national survey was conducted of teachers who use school gardening and horticulture as a teaching strategy to enhance student learning within a educational curriculum. The surveyed teachers are employed by schools that were recipients of a Youth Gardening Grant from the National Gardening Assn. in the 1994–95 and 1995–96 school years. The intent of this survey was to define the factors that are crucial to the successful implementation of school gardening into the elementary school curriculum as determined by educators who have already implemented such a program. The survey also described the characteristics of school gardening experiences at these elementary schools. Personal interviews with experienced school gardening educators in Virginia and Maryland verified survey results. Educators reported that the factors most responsible for school gardening success were a person responsible for school gardening activities, a growing site, and funding. Support of the principal and the availability of gardening equipment were also highly rated as success factors. Teachers indicated that, although these factors are important, they are not necessarily available at their individual schools. Responses also included an enormous listing of resources used by teachers to meet their school gardening needs. The survey overwhelmingly indicated that experienced educators view school gardening as a successful teaching strategy to enhance student learning. However, educators rely primarily on their personal knowledge of gardening to implement learning experiences with their students. Teachers feel that although their personal gardening knowledge is adequate, they are greatly interested in continued education in the use of school gardening and horticulture, either as in-service training, Master Gardener training, or for continuing education credit.
University of Illinois Master Gardener program, Madison/St. Clair County Extension Unit, as well as other interested enthusiasts who have been instrumental in their assistance in the maintenance and care of these experimental plots.
needed for the future. J. Ext 42 2 10 Jan. 2011 < http://www.joe.org/joe/2004april/a4.php >. Bradley, L.K. Cook, C. Neill, K. 2010 Web-based tool for managing Master Gardener programs Acta Hort. 881 829 831 Clemson University 2010 Master Gardener
. 2010 < http://www.joe.org/joe/2008february/a4p.shtml >. Kohli, M.M. 2006 The level of integrated pest management adoption among Ohio Master Gardeners M.S. Thesis. The Ohio State University Columbus Meyer, M.H. 2007 The Master Gardener program 1972
Many gardens receive a major portion of their annual income from visitors, either in the form of earned income (e.g., admissions fees or gift shop sales) or contributions. It is therefore vital that administrators, designers, and program developers
Japanese Garden, 2010 ), invitation to members-only events or extended hours ( Chicago Botanic Garden, 2010 ), and reciprocal admission programs with discounts to participating gardens across the continent ( American Horticultural Society, 2010 ; Morris
. Programming may include students (kindergarten through grade 16), the green industry (landscapers, nursery and greenhouse growers, and turfgrass managers) and the public (Master Gardeners, garden clubs, professional photographers, the arts, church and civic
participate in the Master Gardener program and should be considered differently in quantitative research studies. Further research should be conducted to better understand the similarities and differences in Master Gardeners and gardeners who do not