The Squash is Out of Control!

Here's a tasty solution - a stuffed squash blossom recipe that is easy to make.  Thanks, Epicurious.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Squash-Blossoms-Stuffed-with-Ricotta-354966

  

Earlier this Spring...

The preschool class was the first to plant its garden, starting with beans.  Little by little, the plants grew, multiplied, and spread.  By now, the beans are ascending the poles tendril by tendril, the lettuce is expanding its territory, the radishes have been nibbled away, and the spinach has gone wild.  This is how it all started...

Nature's Confetti, or FLOWERS!!!!

con·fet·ti

   [kuhn-fet-ee for 1; It. kawn-fet-tee for 2] Show IPA

plural noun, singular con·fet·to  [It. -fet-taw]  Show IPA for 2.

1.

( used with a singular verb ) small bits of paper, usuallycolored, thrown or dropped from a height to enhance thegaiety of a festive event, as a parade, wedding, or NewYear's Eve party.

As cheers and colorful confetti erupted in classrooms throughout the building yesterday to celebrate the last day of school, brilliant flowers made their opening debut in the Panther Patch to herald the beginning of SUMMER!  Take a look!

This is a squash blossom.

This is a Velvet Queen Sunflower.

Zinnia No. 1.  Its petals still need to unfurl.

Zinnia No. 2.  It's so vibrant.

Zinnia No. 3.  It's delicate and pink.

                            Second grade planted an assortment of marigolds.

The flower on top of this plant will soon

become a deliciously sweet ear of corn.

Amazing Progress

The Garden is Alive with Plants, Creatures and Learning!

The school year winds down as the garden gears up!  Fifth graders hosted "Earth and Beyond."  The adventure started in the far reaches of outer space.  Mrs. Jacob's class shared research about planets.  The student created Powerpoint slide shows illuminated the faces of curious children as they trekked across the solar system all the way from Mercury to Pluto.  The young astronomers gave out brochures to their eager guests.  The next stop was Earth!  Mrs. Diaz's students shared garden-related research.  Fifth graders explored and shared the following topics via student generated display boards, brochures, and artifacts:  moon flowers, strawberries, sunflowers, cilantro, Virginia birds, and healthy garden treats.  As you can see from the photos, the event was a hit for both guests and hosts!  After the garden event, guests took a self guided tour of the Parklawn grounds to explore our trees.  Parklawn is home to a variety of woody, leafy friends, including the American holly tree, the magnolia tree, the Yoshino cherry tree, the flowering dogwood, and more!  Stay tuned for more news from the Panther Patch!

Garden Gathering!