Spring in Full Motion in the RE area!

Spring is in full motion in the children's area right now. Habitat and RE have put in some plants, and nature has bountifully filled in the open space beside the raised beds. These are Texas native wildflowers as well as herbs we use at home. These are plants that the children, with guidance from RE adults, can touch and smell, and learn to observe the life that may come to them. 

The first "common sunflower" is blooming, next to the thriving pot of mint that the RE kids planted this spring. Umm, mint smells so wonderful. And sunflowers provide for so many birds, bees and insects. It's a best plant in the garden. 

The oregano is an herb that was planted in the raised bed several years ago. You can rub the leaves between your fingers and have a good smell of the oregano too. Or pinch off a sprig to take home for cooking!

Parsley is another herb that has unexpectedly spread around the beds with its white and green flat bloom. Perhaps the large swallowtail butterflies will find it to lay their eggs on. The eggs would grow into big yellow, black and white caterpillars.

Watch for more yellow flowers of the native, annual cowpen daisies. If we are lucky, the beautiful black and yellow Bordered Patch butterfly will find it and lay its eggs on it too Be on the lookout for squiggly black caterpillars. They will become more butterflies!

The pink evening primrose moves around our campus, always bright and beautiful. Touch it softly. See if it smells or has yellow pollen. 

Is that corn coming up?! Well, if so, that's new. We can all watch it! And take time to have fun with the plants in your garden. 

-From RE and the Habitat Team