THE FAIRHAVEX SCHOOL GARDEN. 231 



iresh vegetables were carried home, either to sell to numerous patrons, or 

 to garnish the family table. 



While friends have enjoyed the fragrance of the great variety of flowers, 

 many an invalid's room has been brightened by the glow of a bunch of 

 nasturtiums or stately zinnias. 



Note books containing descriptions of how the children prepared the 

 soil, method of planting, dates of sowing and harvesting have been dili- 

 gently kept by the boys and girls. One little pupil writes, "On July 12, 

 1905, I took thirteen good sized heads of lettuce, seven turnips, about one 

 <iuart of peas, and also picked a large bouquet of candytuft and bachelor's 

 buttons." Other books relate similar experiences. 



The native ferns, which were brought to the school gardens last spring, 

 pushed out from the soil strong and vigorous this year, in spite of the 

 sunny corner in which they were located. Partly to conceal the outlines 

 ■of an old fence and partly to shade the fern comer some of the native 

 shrubs, such as varieties of viburnum, common elder and others which 

 the boys brought from the neighboring woods, were planted. This wild 

 garden, which now contains nine varieties of our common ferns and a few 

 shrubs, is at present only a nucleus which we hope will be added to as the 

 years go on. 



Throughout the entire season this garden spot has attracted many 

 visitors — strangers as well as friends — whose words of commendation 

 were expressed for the order, neatness, and regularity which prevailed, 

 us well as for the beauty and luxuriance. 



The true worth and value of the.se school gardens have been demonstrated 

 perhaps, this year, more than ever before. 



In the spring of 1905 the Fairhaven Improvement Society offered prizes 

 to boys and girls who would maintain flower gardens at their homes 

 during the summer months. As a result of this offer eighty little people 

 entered the competition. Many of these children had been nature students 

 in the school gardens and, with the knowledge and experience there 

 gained, were enabled to better understand the best method and most 

 artistic manner of beautifying the home grounds, and whatever adds to 

 the attractiveness of home environment tends to make each and every 

 -community a "Village Beautiful." 



Thus the influence of the Fairhaven school gardens has already become 

 far reaching. 



