Theme Gardens

Theme gardens are a fun and easy way to get kids interested in gardening. As the name implies, theme gardens involve designing and planting around a specific theme. Some common themes are edible gardens (tea, herb, vegetable, pizza, salsa, etc.), historical gardens (plants traditionally used for dyes, food, clothing or with a specific period in mind: Elizabethan, medieval, colonial), children's gardens (featuring things like a sunflower house, bean teepee, etc.), moon / sun gardens, wildlife habitat gardens (designed to attract and support a specific type of wildlife such as butterflies, birds, etc.) and sensory gardens (designed around the five senses; an excellent option for younger kids and those with special needs). Some theme gardens are combinations of many themes; for example, the award winning 4-H Children's Garden at Michigan State University contains 56 individual theme gardens! There are many types of theme gardens, the only limit is your own creativity. For that reason we have not included information on specific theme gardens here, instead we encourage you to brainstorm about project ideas that interest you and your students (plus, there's so much easily accessible information on theme gardens online and in kids' gardening books, it's just fun to explore!).

•  Native Gardens - MSDE Conserving & Enhancing the Natural Environment Guide

NOTE: Please be mindful of plant choices when choosing and designing a theme garden. Native plants, rather than non-native ornamentals, provide wildlife value and need less maintenance. Be sure to always avoid planting invasive species.

Also See:
How to Choose and Find Native Plants
Habitat Elements to Attract Humans
Types of Habitat Projects
How to Create a Habitat Project
Long Term Connections: Curriculum



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