Nature School: In the Garden
Inside Chapter 1: The Garden Ecosystem
It’s that time of year! Spring is almost here and my mind is on gardening.
What if your family’s garden could become a living classroom for ecology, botany, and environmental science?
Our new book Nature School: In the Garden explores exactly that!
Whether you have a few herbs growing on a sunny windowsill or a backyard filled with garden beds, this book will help you turn everyday gardening into meaningful learning with your children.
Today I’m sharing a bit from Chapter 1: The Garden Ecosystem.
We start by defining what a garden is and finding our garden zone. We then explore key ecological concepts, including wildlife, ecosystem interactions, and native vs invasive species. We also look at the many purposes a garden can serve and explore different types of gardens you might create.
When we begin to see the garden as part of a larger ecosystem, our approach to gardening changes. Instead of working against nature, we learn how to work with it. Understanding wildlife, climate, and regional conditions helps us make better choices about what to plant and how to care for our garden.
When paired with the companion workbook, lessons are simple and open-and-go. Just open the book to a spread and turn to the corresponding workbook pages to guide your lesson!
In the first chapter you’ll find lessons on:
Gardening Basics – Define a garden, explore the mindset of a gardener, learn about garden culture, and take a look at where gardening began.
Garden Zones – What is a zone and where is yours? Learn how to adapt to your zone, explore seasonal rainfall and humidity, and discover microclimates in your garden.
The Garden Ecosystem – Explore biodiversity in the garden, energy cycles, and the many interactions that shape a healthy ecosystem.
Wildlife in the Garden – Learn about pollinators, indispensable invertebrates, welcoming beneficial wildlife, and how to deal with unwelcome garden guests.
Native vs Invasive Species – Discover the benefits of planting native species, the impact of invasive species, invasive animal populations, and how to manage invasive species in your garden.
Functions of a Garden – A look at the many roles a garden can serve, including food production, landscaping, infrastructure, and gardening as an enjoyable pastime.
Growing Food Gardens – Explore producing food for people, growing your own food, and the role of community gardens and farmers markets.
Other Types of Gardens – Learn about flower and ornamental gardens, butterfly and pollinator gardens, urban gardens, and indoor gardens.
Bundle and save when you order both titles to our forthcoming books- Nature School: In the Garden and Nature School: In the Garden: The Workbook!
Take a look at the details for each book here on our site:
Nature School: In the Garden: The Workbook
From the Publisher:
Nature School: In the Garden and its companion workbook release April 7.
The book is available now for preorder wherever books are sold, including in my shop!
This gardening season, discover how your garden can become a living classroom for the whole family.
I hope you’ll join us and preorder your copy today!
Wishing you a season of curiosity and discovery in the garden.
Warmly,
Stephanie
If you'd like to take a closer look, I also have a page with a flip-through of the book and additional links to preorder from retailers.