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My ESJ

Updates from the Walton Garden

Hello and Happy Winter

Other plants like to take a long rest in winter, too. So the garden may look like it’s struggling, but the plants are just resting, sending energy to their roots, and they will return in the spring. Plants that die in the winter and return in the spring are called perennials.

In mid-December, arugula, kale, and poppy flower seeds were planted. The arugula and kale are great winter vegetables, and we will see beautiful red poppy flowers in the early spring.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Mrs.Cornais

Environmental and Earth Space Science Instructor

Episcopal School of Jacksonville-Munnerlyn Campus

Hello and Happy Fall! 

The school garden is very happy with the slight decrease in temperature and tons of rain we got this month. Can you see how the light has changed? Fall is my favorite time of year, and I love how the light looks in the garden. 

You will notice a rainbow of colors blooming in the Zinnia patches and lots of happy pollinators fluttering about. Anise Hyssop are the little purple flowers (this is the plant that tastes like licorice if you eat a leaf!). How many shades of green can you notice in the garden?

The fennel and milkweed still have caterpillars on them, and you will continue to see chrysalis and caterpillars into October and early November. 

The radishes and mustard lettuce are growing great! Rainbow Chard and Brussels sprout plants were recently added, so keep your eye out for them. As the temperature continues to cool, more fall and winter vegetables will be added. 

The Fall migration for birds has begun in our area, so hopefully you will start to see more songbirds. Remember to turn out all your lights at night, so the migratory birds don’t get confused.

Have an outstanding Fall! 

 

Scientifically Yours,

Mrs. Cornais 

Environmental and Earth Space Science Instructor 

Episcopal School of Jacksonville-Munnerlyn Campus 

This garden is a mix of plants that are great for pollinators and vegetable plants. Pollinators are insects that help plants by taking pollen from one part of the plant to another, so a baby plant can be made. Pollinators are very important to the health of our ecosystems and to us! 

Some of the plants you will find in the garden right now include:

  • – Pentas
  • – Sage
  • – Lemon Verbena
  • – Tropical Milkweed   
  • – African Blue Basil
  • – Anise Hyssop
  • – Fennel

During the month of August and September you will see some plants growing from seed. They include Mustard, Radish and Zinnia. Right now the baby plants are working hard to grow their roots and leaves. They will be all grown up in October.

Some things to look for in the garden right now:

 

  • – There are several Black Swallowtail caterpillars in the garden and two chrysalises. They are camouflaged, so you will need to look closely to find them!
  • – Can you find a white, purple, orange, yellow or blue flower in the garden?
  • – Can you find a plant that feels fuzzy and soft? Be gentle when you find it. 
  • – Can you find a plant that smells like licorice?
  • – Can you find a plant that smells like lemonade?
  • – Can you find a monarch butterfly egg? Hint, they look like tiny white dots and you will find them underneath a milkweed leaf. 
  • – Do you see any pollinators? What plant do they like best? Don’t worry, the bees in this garden are nice and won’t bother you, all they want is nectar! 

 

Welcome back to school! I hope you enjoy using your senses and scientific mind in the garden! 

Scientifically Yours,

Mrs. Cornais 

Environmental and Earth Space Science Instructor 

Espiscopal School of Jacksonville-Munnerlyn Campus