Children at the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre got their hands dirty recently for a growing cause with the help of two local businesses.
Scott Austin from GardenWorks and Dale Young and Jeff Lewis of Home Hardware donned their garden gloves last week to help the kids learn about nature by planting some flowers and veggies in the centre’s garden boxes.
“Of course, for children, any excuse to play in the dirt is always fun,” joked Meg Dimma, OSNS community engagement co-ordinator. “We were delighted to have GardenWorks and Home Hardware volunteer their time and donate the plants and veggies. This has become an annual tradition and day that all of or the children and staff look forward to at OSNS.
““The kids just enjoy being around the plants, getting their hands dirty and using the watering can. It is a gift that keeps giving and it’s always a treat to see the kids light up when the vegetables and are ready to harvest.”
She added that planting for the kids stimulates senses of sight, taste, touch and smell and naturally, seeing the fruits of their labour is also a big draw.
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“It’s a great opportunity to teach about plants and weeds, what they can eat, and what it takes to grow flowers and vegetables,” said Dimma.
The gardens outside KinderPlace Preschool and KinderKids Daycare (three to five old) was planted with vegetables including cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, corn, cherry tomatoes, peas, beans and pumpkins.
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Outside the KinderBear Daycare (0-3) planted cherry tomatoes, strawberries and flowers.
The playground areas are used by all the children who attend OSNS for early childhood education and other services and programs for childhood development.
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