Sunflowers in Art and in Nature

Here is an image of one of Vincent van Gogh's
sunflower paintings.  Compare it to the photo
Ms. McCann took of sunflowers in the
Panther Patch.  It's easy to understand why van
Gogh and so many other artists have been
inspired by these bold, brilliant, TOWERING
flowers!  Come to the garden with a sketchbook
and paints to create your own sunflower masterpiece.
Then, take a trip to the National Gallery of Art in
Washington, DC to view van Gogh's stunning
work of art!

Recommendations for Children's Books Related to Gardening

Follow these links to find some great garden-related children's literature!

http://delightfulchildrensbooks.com/2011/05/30/gardening/

http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/picturebooks/tp/garden.htm

Creativity Zone

   Mrs. Diaz's class made two stepping stones for the

   garden.  The octagonal stones are made of cement

   decorated with glass beads, mosaic glass and sea

   shells.  

   Mrs. Diaz's class transformed the garden

   into an outdoor museum with educational 

   signs to provide information about the 

   plants and critters that live in the Panther 

   Patch.  The students did online research

   to gather information.  Then they published

   the facts in short articles glued to decorative

   paper with a picture of each plant.  We hope

   you have a chance to stop by the garden 

   for a self guided tour!

  

What's New in the Panther Patch?

    Thanks to our summer waterers!  

    They are keeping the Panther Patch 

    green and gorgeous!

   The fourth grade planted a three sisters

   garden, similar to the gardens the Powhatan

   Indians may have planted.  The corn grows

   tall to form a sturdy trellis for the bean vines.

   The squash and pumpkins grow along 

   the ground.  

   A variety of flowers thrive in the Panther Patch.  

   Here, you see brightly colored sunflowers and marigolds.

   The strawberries returned for another year.  We 

   have a few returning visitors, including basil, sunflowers,

   marigolds, zinnias, and tomatoes.  

   The fifth graders planted two types of cabbage.  As

   you can see, they love their new neighborhood.

   The corn started out as tiny plants very 

   similar in appearance to their cousin, lawn 

   grass.  Over time, the corn distinguished

   itself in terms of its height and width of its

   leaves.  Soon each stalk will bear dazzling

   ears of sweet yellow corn!