Coordinators: Mrs. Margaret Carlberg and Mrs. Amanda Taylor
Garden Guardians
Our objectives are to:

• Help plant and nurture new landscaping in the classroom block, 
• Improve the landscape at Cornelia Connelly School,
• Give the plants special attention so they will flourish,
• Help students and faculty alike recognize and appreciate our diversity plants,
• Help students learn the joy of gardening, and service to our community,
• Help students and families earn ecology community service credit. 

While Garden Guardians are expected to do some work in the gardens each month, there are only occasional meetings called, for special announcements, or planning the monthly homemade baked goods sale. Mrs. Carlberg is available for advice, tools, verification of service, etc. the following times: Most Mondays, and at lunch on other days when she is on campus. Saturday Gardening Days are listed on the school calendar each month, and are a good time to bring parents or friends to help make Connelly more beautiful--and help earn Ecology Family Service credit. Mrs. Taylor is available every day at school!

At the Garden Luncheon and Plant Sale in spring, students and parents who have worked more than 8 hours during the year are invited as guests, and awards are given.

You CAN be a valuable Garden Guardian without adopting a garden area, by helping others, and being available to work on special projects when needed, or just taking care of garden jobs during the week and on Gardening Saturdays. So PLEASE, as we start our 20th year, become an active member of the Garden Guardians, one of the oldest and most visible clubs on campus.

ADOPTING A GARDEN is a privilege and responsibility, to be EARNED after working for 4 hours or more in various Connelly gardens with experienced gardeners. Sign up with Mrs. Carlberg or Mrs. Taylor. They will advise and approve new plants for your area
Adopting an area involves: Checking your area weekly, and

• Learning about the plants - their names, habits, and needs (and learning to recognize when they are thirsty, hungry, or sick).
• Learning how to plant plants properly, from pots, seeds, cuttings
• Identifying weeds and removing them by the roots.
• Learning how to trim or prune your plants, to remove dead blooms if needed, and to keep them in shape.
• Watering and fertilizing as needed. Infrequent deep watering is better than frequent sprinklings, so roots grow deeper.