CHILDREN'S GARDENS AT THE SHOW

Since 1998 the Children's Gardens in Sproutopia have been an integral part of the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. These children's gardens attract a huge audience with their imagination and creativity. Schools from across the Bay Area get involved in gardening by creating these small container gardens. Many have themes such as Prehistoric times, Dr. Seuss, or even a “Rainforest” complete with tree house.

By working on a tiny garden, teachers find their students acquire hands-on experience in horticulture and garden design, using plants and other materials. It also offers teachers an opportunity to convey principles of biology in a fun way. Every child's garden gets a certificate and prizes are awarded.

The Show generously provides free admission to participating students so they may come see their hard work. Classes of all sorts are invited to participate. The Show provides containers, which are plastic propagation flats, 14 inches deep by 18 inches wide by 3 inches high. All you have to provide is the seeds or plants, some creativity, and a little hard work. Remember each garden must contain some live plants!

Space is limited! For information about participating, email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please include your grade, your school's name, your location, and the best way to contact you.

See an article by Billy Goodnick, for Fine Gardening, March 2010 about the Children's Gardens. Thank you for this great article!