 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
- What is the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden?
- What is the mission of the 4-H Children's Garden?
- Why is it called the 4-H Children's Garden?
- What is in the 4-H Children's Garden?
- Why is it important to have a separate garden for children?
- Who determined the theme areas?
- Who designed the Children's Garden?
- Who pays for the Children's Garden?
- Do the Gardens need more money; and is it too late to sponsor a brick?
- Who takes care of the Children's Garden?
- How can children find out about local 4-H activities?
- How do we find out about having a special tour of the Gardens?
- Is there a charge for tours?
- Is it permitted to have lunch or supper in the Children's Garden?
- Are children allowed to jump in the pond?
- What else are visitors NOT allowed to do?
- How will visitors be informed of special Garden events?
- Are there other gardens like this in anywhere else in the world?
- How will people know when the little train runs?
- Will there be curriculum materials for teachers and leaders to use?
- Are there special programs for kids in the Garden
- What are the hours of the garden, when is it open?
- Where do I PARK, and how much does PARKING cost?
- Where is the 4-H Children's Garden located?
- Where is the 4-H Children's Garden WEBSITE located?
- Who can I talk to for more information about the garden, or how to donate?
1. What is the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden?
The 4-H Children's Garden is one of the 5 parts of the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens. It is just over 1/2 acre in size. It is a special garden where plants and children and imaginations grow.
2. What is the mission of the 4-H Children's Garden?
To promote an understanding of plants and the role they play in our environment and daily lives; To nurture the sense of wonder in a child's imagination and curiosity; To provide a place for the enrichment and delight of all children.
3. Why is it called the 4-H Children's Garden?
4-H is the youth component of Michigan State University Extension. Extension, or public outreach programs, is one of the three parts of the MSU land-grant mission. The other two are teaching and research.
The Smith Lever Act passed in 1914 creating Extension, at that time 4-H became part of the land-grant system. The state headquarters for 4-H Youth Programs is located in Berkey Hall on the MSU campus. MSU Extension offices are in all counties of the state.
The H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health... the whole person. 4-H is the largest out of school program in the state and nation. The clover is our logo. Our motto is "Make The Best Better," and our philosophy is "Learning by Doing."
4. What is in the 4-H Children's Garden?
There are over 60 individual theme areas within the Children's Garden, all of these relate to a child's life in some way. (56 of them are represented here on this website.) The emphasis in the garden is the important part plants play in our daily lives. We live on a plant oriented planet.
5. Why is it important to have a separate garden for children?
About 50% of visitors to public gardens are children who come with parents and grandparents. Until now public gardens have neglected this audience. Our garden demonstrates the important part plants play in a child's daily life. From the first cereal bowl in the morning to the last popcorn snack at night. . . we USE plants everyday.
Children learn best when learning "hands-on" and that is just the type of activity the Children's Garden provides.
6. Who determined the theme areas?
Kids! Children in the Michigan State University Child Development Laboratory School were asked what they wanted to see when they came for a visit. In addition, 4-H garden leaders throughout the state asked their young people. Jane Taylor studied the children's feedback, added many of her own extremely creative ideas and the theme areas were born. New theme areas are still popping up now and then, too!
7. Who designed the Children's Garden?
Jeff Kacos and Deb Kinney, both landscape architects in the Michigan State University Division of Campus Parks and Planning. Dennis Hansen of CPP served as superintendent of site construction. The landscape design is based on the theme ideas Jane Taylor gave to them. All are still actively involved with the Garden.
8. Who pays for the Children's Garden?
The Gardens are all privately funded. They are made possible by gifts and grants made to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Over $1.1 million has been raised to date.
9. Do the Gardens need more money; and is it too late to sponsor a brick?
It is never too late to sponsor a brick for the garden! A brick sponsorship is $250.00. Bricks are forever. Forms are available in the box near the Garden entrance. Endowment funds are always needed! Paid up bricks will be added each year. Bricks are added normally twice in a season.
If you are looking for a brick you sponsored, play a game called "Seek and Find. Family bricks are placed together as available, and this method will continue as children/grandchildren are added until we run out of space.
10. Who takes care of the Children's Garden?
Two student interns work with the Garden manager, curator, and horticulturists. In addition volunteers will help with planting and some spring and fall maintenance.
11. How can children find out about local 4-H activities?
4-H is listed in the white pages under the name of your county in the phone book. If you are visiting the garden in person, pick up a card in the box at the entrance and mail back or complete it and return to the box.
12. How do we find out about having a special tour of the Gardens?
If the tour is for children, adult groups, or garden clubs, call the Gardens tour information number (517) 355-0348 and ask for information. Messages are left on the voice mail and answered every day. Alex Kruzel manages tours, volunteers and special events.
13. Is there a charge for tours?
Guided group tours are available from June 1 - September 30 for $1 per adult and $.50 per student. There is a minimum charge of $15. Call 517/355-0348 at least two weeks in advance to arrange a tour. Click here for parking info.
14. Is it permitted to have lunch or supper in the Children's Garden?
Yes. You may eat in the Creation Station area. Make sure you use trash receptacles. Unfortunately there is usually no drinking water available. Bring your own drinks. Special events may be scheduled too. Check with Alex Kruzel or Doug for charges.
15. Are children allowed to jump in the pond?
No! There are large boulders strategically placed that will prevent children from sliding into the deeper water should they fall in at the two access points. The deepest part is 42 inches just under the bridge.
16. What else are visitors NOT allowed to do?
There are no "NO" signs in the garden. However, at each entrance, there are items crossed out on the sign. No smoking, no skates (or roller blades), no pets, no picking of plants, no tasting of plants. The vegetables may look great, but please do not eat!
17. How will visitors be informed of special Garden events?
Easy. You can become a "Friend of the 4-H Children's Garden." Information on how to be a friend is in the brochures available in the information box near the entrance. A "Friends" membership is $25.00 per year and includes a newsletter and mailings about all garden activities. You can also check the Garden Calendar for scheduled Garden events.
18. Are there other gardens like this in anywhere else in the world?
Some are just now beginning. And more are coming as the interest in educating children in gardening expands. Our Garden is considered the prototype for the U.S., Canada, and Britain.
19. How will people know when the little train runs?
Check the Garden Calendar for days highlighted in pink. Or watch for a schedule in the display case in the garden. After we get planted we try to run the train in the afternoons when interns are working in the adjacent area.
20. Will there be curriculum materials for teachers and leaders to use?
Yes. Be sure to check the Parents and Teachers section within the main site.
21. Are there special programs for kids in the Garden?
Yes. Check the Garden Calendar for up-to-date information. Also, don't forget to register early for special events (fee or no fee) to make sure a space is reserved for you!
22. What are the hours of the garden, when is it open?
The garden is open dawn to dusk, from April 1 through October 31. From November 1 - March 30, the garden is closed. Admission is free, except during certain special events. (Special event information, including cost and hours, can be found in the Garden Calendar).
23. Where do I park, and how much does parking cost?
Parking is available in the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens' visitor lot off Bogue Street, south of the Plant and Soil Sciences Building. Tokens are required (to exit the lot) during university business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am - 5:30pm). Parking is free at all other times. Tokens are available from the token machine located inside the south entrance to the building or at the visitor information center, open seasonally. Frequent visitors can purchase 5 parking tokens for $10. Individual tokens are $5 each. On event days individual tokens are available for $2 each.
24. Where is the 4-H Children's Garden located?
The Children's Garden is located on the south campus of Michigan State University, by the Plant and Soil Sciences Building on the corner of Wilson Road and Bogue Street. The garden's main entrance is off Bogue Street, south of Wilson Road and north of Service Road off the southwest corner of the visitor parking lot.
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. East Lansing is aproximately 90 miles northwest of Detroit, or 90 miles northeast of Kalamazoo. If you are driving, you may wish to consult a map of the greater Lansing area to get to MSU, and then a map of the MSU campus.
25. Where is the 4-H Children's Garden website located?
The 4-H Children's Garden has been online since August 1996. The homepage is located at http://4hgarden.msu.edu. Please direct questions or comments about the website to Peter Maziak: webmaster@4hgarden.msu.edu.
25. Who can I talk to for more information about the garden, or how to donate?
For more information about the garden, contact:
Dr. Norm Lownds, Curator
4-H Children's Garden
Department of Horticulture
A240-B Plant and Soil Science Building
East Lansing, MI 48823-1325
(517) 355-5191x1349
email: lownds@pilot.msu.eduNote: Please direct questions or comments about this website to Peter Maziak: webmaster@4hgarden.msu.edu.
For information on making a donation, sponsoring a theme, amphitheater seat or bricks, call The Michigan 4-H Foundation at (517) 353-6692.
Or write:
The Michigan 4-H Foundation
4700 S. Hagadorn Road
East Lansing, MI 48823