Wendy's Wanderings
January 8, 2020
Involve Me and I Learn
I have been thinking about that Benjamin Franklin quote, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
Nowadays, when I quickly ask an expert what the name of a plant is or another horticulture fact, if I don't write it down I forget. My plant brain used to be a vault of plant facts, now if it I don't jot it down on paper or put it in my phone it is gone. I am going to work on this for 2020.
In the classroom or field, being taught horticulture helps you to remember and secure concepts for future use, but the last bit of the quote — "Involve me and I learn" — rings the bell of truth for me and many other gardeners. I am reminded of this as I visit the many demonstration gardens and school gardens across Florida.
UF/IFAS Extension gardens, like the one in Broward County (Davie, Florida) that demonstrates alternative growing methods for vegetables for urban gardeners, are an excellent demonstration of plants and involvement. The Master Gardener Volunteers working in that demo garden learn as much or more as the folks that stop by the garden for classes, because it is in the actually doing that the learning takes place.
I stopped by the UF/IFAS Volusia County Extension gardens recently. They have multiple themed gardens, with my favorite being the shade-planting garden. The plant selection under the shade of a giant live oak tree is varied and inspirational. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ plant palette there reminded me of some old favorites, like ferns and bromeliads, that would work in the shadier parts of my own landscape.
If you ever have a chance to work in a school garden you will truly understand the "Involve me and I learn" concept. Words and diagrams can never take the place of teaching a child to plant a seed and then see it germinate, or to show them the joy of harvesting carrots or potatoes. Through involvement children learn and through involvement gardeners learn.
For 2020 I am going to try to be better at remembering plant names and to be more involved in my education as a gardener by doing more. Your own landscape and garden serves as a demonstration garden in your neighborhood and community. Stay involved in your gardening and your learning. You just may inspire other gardeners along the way.
-- Wendy Wilber