There are undoubtedly a number of reasons for creating gardens in school and the most obvious among them all is to have shady trees by ground, and bushes or shrubs that should screen the street. Here is how a school garden and gardening creates consciousness in school kids about trees and greenery:
Developing consciousness about school garden
School gardening assists the children in their process of learning while modifying their behavior. To explain the latter part of the sentence, it is important to know that consciousness about the need of trees and greenery changes the behavior of the children towards trees. Having a school garden and taking them to participate in activities of gardening would make the children learn the importance of trees and in the process they would learn how to take care of plants and trees.
Developing design knowledge and aesthetic sensitivity
While the many benefits derived in letting the children participate in the activities of gardening in school are quite noticeable, there are other benefits too. Letting them shape up smaller model landscape designs should inculcate in them design knowledge, while also developing in them an aesthetic sensitivity.
Inculcating the values of sustainable agriculture
School garden is especially effective in urban areas. The primary reason is that it offers the children opportunities for horticulture that are otherwise unavailable. The gardens in schools teach children the importance and need of sustainable agriculture, applied mathematics, and science in an atmosphere of gardening where they need to participate. This also helps in the personal growth of the children as they develop social skills and learn to work in a team.
Growing herbs, vegetables and fruits
There is another very important need that the school gardens address when they grow vegetables, herbs, and fruits. And the need does not necessarily point toward cutting off the food costs in school. Planting these in the school gardens would teach the children that foods do not originate in the plastic wraps and shelves in the departmental store. When they are involved in all or some of the processes like harvesting, pruning, composting, or planting, children would be aware of the value of planting trees. This apart, the mindset of children, especially in the urban areas, would alter from being consumer-based which is typically concerned with the end-product.
Knowing the environment and science in a better way
To go to a more prosaic level, as the children are involved in activities of horticulture, their interest and enthusiasm in the subjects of science would grow. They will possess the practical knowledge of such factors, like the ‘pH level’ of soil. Moreover, it should also help them in gaining knowledge of a balanced eco-system.
A school garden is as much effective in inculcating the values of planting trees in children as it is effective in keeping a pleasant environment within the school premises.
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