Oak Grove Students Design Hanging Basket Flower Arrangements

Bringing Learning to Life Through Gardening

This summer, 40 students in grades 1 through 6 from Oak Grove Elementary School participated in an engaging and colorful educational experience centered around horticulture and creativity. Hosted as part of their summer school enrichment programming, the hands-on class empowered students to design and plant their very own Hanging Basket flower arrangements.

Hands-On Learning for All Ages

Under the guidance of Extension staff and program facilitators, students explored various aspects of flower selection and basket design. Each student was given the opportunity to choose from a vibrant selection of annuals, including:

• Petunias – known for their colorful, trumpet-shaped blooms
• Calibrachoa – miniature petunia-like flowers in a rainbow of hues
• Begonias – hardy and shade-loving with lush foliage
• Verbena – sun-loving and cascading with clusters of tiny flowers

After choosing their plants, students designed personalized arrangements by selecting combinations that reflected their individual tastes and learned how to properly space and place the plants for aesthetic appeal and growth success.

From Classroom to Garden: Cultivating Responsibility

More than just a creative outlet, the program emphasized responsibility and care. Students had the choice to take their hanging baskets home or leave them at school, where they would continue to tend to them throughout the growing season. This gave students a sense of ownership and pride in maintaining their floral creations, reinforcing key principles of plant care, such as:

• Proper watering techniques
• Sunlight needs
• Monitoring plant health
• Understanding growth cycles

Outcomes and Impact

This educational gardening activity provided a unique blend of science, creativity, and life skills. Not only did students learn about plant biology and environmental responsibility, but they also exercised decision-making, design thinking, and teamwork.

Parents and teachers reported that the students were enthusiastic about their creations and excited to care for them daily. Many students expressed newfound interest in gardening, with some even wanting to start flower or vegetable gardens at home.

Planting Seeds for the Future

By engaging students in a fun, tangible, and meaningful way, the hanging basket project did more than just beautify a classroom or a porch — it helped sow a deeper appreciation for nature and responsibility. This enriching experience demonstrates how even small projects can make a lasting impression on young learners and inspire them to grow—both literally and figuratively.