schools

Carolyn Lecker, program director is a professional writer, educator and gardener who has traveled  and written extensively, internationally. As an educational consultant in Britain and parts of Canada including the far north, Ms. Lecker developed a number of programs for students employing aspects of theatre, mythology and nature as tools in education. She has lectured extensively throughout Canada to educators and has taught in universities, public and private schools. Recently her stories have focussed on gardens and nature related topics. Her own extensive gardens have been written about.  Black Walnut Teaching Gardens is a unique opportunity  in Prince Edward County for students to study curriculum based aspects of science, environment and history with the flora and fauna that make the County one of the most beautiful places in Canada. As well, an encouragement of understanding the land vis-a-vis its older aboriginal and more recently European settlers.  The gardens, walkways and acres of woodlot leading to the marshland bordering the Black River form the setting for this "natural classroom". Within this environment, students will be taught with interactive involvement and lectures. Each workshop has printouts with text and anecdotes. 

Specialty Fall Courses for Grade 8 and Secondary Students

Includes course work for Grade 8 and high school students on "Darwin and Evolution" and the "Gory and Wonderful Mysteries of Carnivorous Plants".

For more information, contact info@blackwalnutgardens.ca or call 613-476-8849. 

The  programmes benefit from the students themselves who are encouraged to contribute their own unique stories and research.

Primary/Junior and Senior School classes and workshops are tailored to the appropriate needs and curriculum of the students.

Primary/Junior

In a micro-climate with a balanced ecosystem, observe a hugely rich and diverse world. Kids will learn to identify some very old and unusual plants and flowers. Sample the Heritage Garden with 75 to 150 year old style tomatoes watched over by a 8' scarecrow. Learn about the history of many of the flowers and plants in our community. Observe and study the needs of living things.

Because the gardens are organic they are abounding with life's creatures. Bugs thrive at every turn, frogs at every corner. Birds fill the baths and one hummingbird is so friendly that, if you stand still long enough, he will alight on your sun hat.

The program includes discussion, some written material to take away and a time to draw. Snacks may be made available.

Each program is suited to the classes'  curriculum. The program begins with a visit to the various flower and herb gardens and the extensive vegetable plot. The Heritage Bed takes you on a Pioneer's journey. Later there is a 15 minute trek into the woods pointed out animal dens, exotic mushrooms and other fungi - ending in a secret corner.

Senior Student Program

There is a choice of three programs -one series of full day programs and two series of half day programs:

1. Ecoworld: In this microworld, we will explore aspects of ecology, sustainability, various impacts on the environment and the interrelationship of living things.  Come check out flowers, frogs, bugs, snakes and see how they connect and have learned to adapt.

2. Mythology and Plants:

Learn of some weird and wonderful tales, real and myth. Every plant, how it got here and how it got its name has a story. The extensive herb beds are filled with tales of intrigue, romance and mystery. The setting of all this abundant  life in Prince Edward County, is a source of inspiration for would-be writers.

3. Our History; Heritage Gardens:

Visit heritage gardens with some flowers and vegetables ranging from 75 to 150 years old. Sample a visually authentic heritage tomato bed and meet 8' scarecrow.  Local seniors will be  a part of the teaching program. A 20 minute film of Prince Edward County with seniors reminiscing about  history adds to the charm of this program.

Visit heritage gardens with some flowers and vegetables ranging from 75 to 150 years old. Sample a visually authentic heritage tomato bed and meet 8' scarecrow.  Local seniors will be  a part of the teaching program. A 20 minute film of Prince Edward County with seniors reminiscing about  history adds to the charm of this program.