The Millsboro Public Library is cultivating a love of not just reading – but a love of gardening – in children this summer.
Since the library’s theme for the summer is “Health and Fitness,” it decided that creating a container garden would be a perfect fit for the theme.
Librarian Lisa Wooten is spearheading the gardening efforts and encouraging kids and parents alike to get involved with the project.
“We emphasize that being healthy is a combination of mind, body, and spirit,” she says.
Wooten says gardening combines those three components. The kids will use their reading skills to follow directions, they’ll stay active when planting, and have the ability to see the growth of something they planted. It gives the kids a sense of responsibility, according to Wooten.
Lavender begins to grow in the garden. (Photo credit: Millsboro Public Library)
The children have been able to get outside, work with Wooten, and cultivate the garden. There is a lot for students to do to get hands on with the plants. For students with allergies to grass, there are plant containers on the patio to help them stay involved. The garden gives parents and their children the space to work together in the garden, even if they don’t have that access at home.
So far, the library has planted lavender, rosemary, dill, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow and butternut squash and pumpkin. A grandmother of a child donated many of the plants from her own garden, according to Wooten.
A pumpkin blossom begins to bloom in the garden. (Photo credit: Millsboro Public Library)
Wooten says many children don’t know where their food comes from, so having this garden opens their eyes to what the growing process is and how it works. The library will also show the benefits of the garden with “Harvest Parties.”
“Harvest Parties,” as Wooten described them, give the students the chance to eat what they plant. The library plans to harvest the vegetables and prepare them so that children can see what fresh vegetables taste like. And if the students like them, the library wants to give the children the opportunity to take those vegetables home to their families.
Tomato plants in their containers inside the library. (Photo credit: Millsboro Public Library)
“If it’s something that they enjoy doing, and something they enjoy eating, then it will be something that they will enjoy learning about.” Wooten says. She emphasized that the library has plenty of resources for children to learn more about gardening and plants if they wished.
“We want the kids to say, ‘If I want to learn to garden, the library can take me there.’ That’s our goal.”
If families want to get involved, they can come into the library and work on the garden anytime Wooten is there.
Phone Number: (302) 934-8743
Fax number: (302) 934-8623
P.O. Box 458
217 West State St.
Millsboro, DE 19966
E-mail address: read@millsboropubliclibrary.onmicrosoft.com
Hours of Opeation:
Mon. Wed. & Fri. 9am-5pm
Tues. & Thurs. 11am-8pm
Saturday 9am-1pm
