Re: Children lectures

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Hi all,

I thought I would interject my two cents worth since I happen to be of this age group.  Being 17 and a freelance garden writer is fun and interesting because of the perspective I have.

With older kids, things that might possibly peak their interest are those that are wild and outrageous.  New, exciting plants, dazzling color combinations, odd or novelty characteristics, and a message geared towards the many questions of “Why?” could work.  I find that in dealing with others of my generation it is hard to get a commitment out of them but at least they have been exposed to it.  It is hard to tell how this exposure might be beneficial to them in the future, in terms of a potential career or perhaps sheer enjoyment.

Recently, this list has talked a bit about Proven Winners.  This might be something worth targeting at older groups; perhaps a potting class or container gardening seminar emphasizing the new possibilities existent in the world of gardening.  It seems that teenagers are interested in pushing the boundaries as well.  Why not take a spin of Yo-Yo Ma’s idea at the Toronto Music Garden and give kids the opportunity to design or work something out (depending on what background knowledge they may have) based on the music THEY listen too.

Hopefully you have gotten some ideas from the variety of recent posts Sheri.  Good luck!

Botanically,

Kelly D. Norris

Master Gardener/Freelance Writer

Bedford, Iowa USA

Zone 4b/5a

Farm Manager, Rainbow Iris Farm

www.rainbowfarms.net

Newsletter Editor, Iowa Bluebird Conservationists

The love of knowledge is a sort of madness.
C. S. Lewis, Out of the Silent Planet