Theme, Concept, and Topic Gardens

Theme, Concept and Topic Gardens

IDEAS FOR GARDEN THEMES

Theme gardens give a guideline for what to plant because it relates directly to an overall theme. These gardens incorporate an interdisciplinary approach to your garden. Your curriculum or class interests can give direction to your theme. Some suggestions are:

  • Persian Carpet Garden
  • Friend's Name Garden
  • Native Plant Butterfly Garden
  • Dinosaur Garden
  • Pond Garden
  • Alphabet Garden
  • Imagination Garden
  • Sunflower House Garden
  • Sundial Garden
  • Herb/Scent Garden
  • Fiber Garden
  • Prairie Garden
  • Native American Garden
  • Peter Rabbit's Garden
  • Barnyard Garden
  • Teeny Tiny Garden
  • Companion garden
  • Literature Garden
  • Root Garden
  • Giant Garden
  • Pizza Garden

    CONCEPT GARDENS

    Broad concepts about plants and nature can be studied in a garden with a diversity of plants. The garden easily branches out into scientific and environmental studies theories and principles. For example, plant life cycles, plant form and function, food production in plants, regeneration of plants, biodiversity, seasonal cycles, or adaptation could all be studied.

    TOPIC GARDENS

    A specific topic can be investigated in a topic garden. Topics may include seeds(monocot or dicot), roots, soils, beneficial insects, leaves, drought-resistance, or flowers.

    For further investigations, refer to the National Gardening Association's GROW LAB ACTIVITIES FOR GROWING MINDS,1990.

    Compiled by Amanda Vanhoozier, Gardeners in Community Development