Children's Garden & Education

Young Buds for Pre-school Groups

Explore the wonders of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in every season. This extraordinary garden is a botanically-rich, exploratory environment where children experience the wonders of the natural world. Young Buds programs for ages 3, 4, and 5 include storytelling, hands-on activities, exploration, and creative play. Young Buds programs also incorporate Virginia's Foundation Blocks for Early Learning standards in literacy, science, and math.

Class size is limited to 20. Programs are available Monday - Friday. Check dates below for class times. These programs can be reserved by contacting a registrar at 804-262-9887 x 322.


June 14th to September 6th programs are available at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
September 7th to December 31st programs are available at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

2010 Young Buds Programs

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Bees and Blooms | June 1st to August 31st

Millions of blooms attract many insects to the garden each year including honey bees, the “angels of agriculture.'  Using a “bee’s eye view,” children explore different flower types and discover how fruits and seeds develop.  Participants enjoy learning the “bee dance,” working with beeswax, and tasting local honey.

Feast for the Senses| June 1st to August 31st

Discover a “feast for the senses.”  Students experience aromas, flavors, sights, and sounds as they explore the summer garden.  Participants harvest fragrant herbs for the classroom and students create an individual botanical collage to take home.

Flowers to Fruit | September 1st to October 15th

Did you know that flowers turn into fruit?  Join as we observe insects visiting a variety of flowers in the Children's Garden and discover this amazing transformation in its natural setting.  Participants will harvest fruit in the farm garden, collect seeds, and create a color collage from flower petals.

Life in the Forest | October 18th to November 30th

Discover the three layers of plant and animal life of a hardwood forest.  Join us on an adventurous woodland walk in areas surrounding the Children's Garden where we will use our senses to search for animals and animal signs.  We will observe the tree canopy from the forest floor, collect natural materials, and create a miniature forest to take home.

Tree Traffic | December 1st to January 14th

Animal tracks, empty nut shells, and lost birds feathers are among the clues to winter tree travelers.  Join as we learn about the native animals visiting and living among the trees in the garden. Children engage their senses as we walk and discover animal tracks, collect natural materials, and create a nature collage.

 

2011 Young Buds Programs

Plant Adaptations | January 17th to February 28th

Spring Treasures | March 1st to April 15th

Fungus Among Us | April 18th to May 31st

Pond Dwellers | June 1st to July 15th

Garden Detectives | July 18th to August 31st

Plant Products | July 18th to August 31st

Garden Birds and Traveling Seeds | September 1st to October 31st

Trees in Winter | November 1st to December 31st


Children's Garden Group Information Guide

Our Children's Garden Group Information Guide is REQUIRED reading for any group that wants to book a trip to the garden. It can be accessed here. Below are links to individual sections, but make sure to familiarize yourself with the entire document before booking your class.