Children’s Programs

Various “Garden Games” are always available at the Reception Desk for Junior Gardeners. Stop by and pick one up!

“KIDDIE GARDENERS” SERIES- Every Second & Fourth Friday at 10 AM is a time for kids (ages 3-5 only please) to come hear a garden related story and a walk around the gardens. Programs vary with each topic, but may include a nature activity, an art project,  games and songs. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy after the program. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  All programs are $5 per child which includes admission to the Gardens. Reservations are required; just click on the “Register Today” button below.

 

JUNIOR GARDENERS programs are designed for children ages 5-12 years. Programs include a group discussion, a guided tour of the gardens focusing on that program’s topic, and a creative activity and/or game to reinforce the program’s content. Children receive an info sheet & completed project to take home. All programs are $5 per child which includes admission to the Gardens. Reservations are required; just click on the “Register Today” button below.

Thursday, Apr. 5 or Friday, Apr. 6, 10 am –“LOOKING AT SCULPTURE”- We want to share the appreciation and creative process of sculpture with children who may not been exposed to this art form.  We discuss color, shape, line, scale, and style as we view the 30 outdoor sculptures in the Gardens, both abstract and representational. Themes, materials, and techniques for creating sculpture will be highlighted. Children can choose to make a hanging mobile or a free-standing sculpture out of recycled materials.

Coming in April, 2012- VEGGIE PLOT SERIES (Tuesdays 5-7 pm or Saturdays 8-10 am) Families can learn to grow veggies under the tutelage of SGG experts in our new Gather ‘n’ Grow Garden in 4’ sq. raised beds. Show your kids that veggies don’t really come from the grocery store! A $150 fee will include your Veggie Plot, access to the Gardens during working hours during the growing season, and participation in a series of 10 classes on vegetable gardening over 14 weeks of the growing season. Gardeners can choose to attend classes on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings.  Topics will include Putting Seeds to Bed, Wicked Weeds, Pollinators and Other Garden Helpers, ending with a Harvest Feast. Participants are welcome to work their ‘plantation’ during regular SGG operating hours. Sign-up NOW! (First come, first ‘re’-served!)

Register Today »

Junior Gardener Programs can also be scheduled for private groups of 10 or more with a $50 deposit. Fees are $5/child; 1 accompanying adult per 5 children are free, additional adults are $7 per person. For more information, contact Lynn Vanderhoff  via phone at 770-919-0248 or email lvanderhoff@smithgilbertgardens.com.

“FOR THE BIRDS”–As a designated Audubon site, we have seen over 125 kinds of birds at the Gardens. Discussion will center on 6 species of migratory birds which visit Georgia, their flight paths, feeding and habitat requirements. We will play a migratory bird game, tour the Gardens to see some of our visitors, and make a bird feeder to take home.

“EAT THIS, NOT THAT”- A look around the gardens at edible and toxic plants. Come find out which plants have fruits, berries and nuts we can eat, which have medicinal properties, and which should never, ever be eaten!

The Kids’ Garden Plot Programs can be done as a series or as single unit:

• Dirt and Worms – Improving garden soil with vermiculture and composting
• Putting Seeds to “Bed” — How best to plant- seeds, rooting, grafts                        
• Bees, Butterflies and Garden Helpers — Pollinators and why we need them
• Pests and Protection — Identifying enemies, weeding & fertilizing                             
• H2Ooooooooooo! — Water use and conservation

 

“FARM LIFE IN THE 1880’s”- Find out what it was like to live on a farm without electricity and running water. Spinning, churning and other life skills will be covered. We will explore a world without MP3 players or computers and learn about work songs and “play-pretties”. Check out photos at http://kennesaw.patch.com/articles/viewfinder-farm-life-in-the-1880s.

“LOOKING AT SCULPTURE”- We want to share the appreciation and creative process of sculpture with children who may not been exposed to this art form.  We discuss color, shape, line, scale, and style as we view the 30 outdoor sculptures in the Gardens, both abstract and representational. Themes, materials, and techniques for creating sculpture will be highlighted. Children can choose to make a hanging mobile or a free-standing sculpture out of recycled materials.

Please Note: All Children’s Classes are limited to 25 children who are age appropriate for the specific program. Children less than the minimum age do not have the attention span or the motor skills to do the activities we have planned which affects the overall quality for others.  We appreciate your understanding and hope that you will join us when your child reaches the minimum age.