CHILDREN'S GARDENS 139 



Broom corn 



Rye 



Oats 



Millet 



Sorghums 



Why five rows? The five rows lend themselves to 

 a form and color scheme that is very attractive the 

 center row, a red-leaved beet; the other plants, by 

 their leaf shapes and shades of green, give a most 

 beautiful effect, that is much enhanced by the long 

 rows. 



Why collect left-over seeds? The left-over seeds 

 are collected not only because they are worth saving, 

 but especially for the effect on the children. The great 

 value of gardening is that every part of the work can 

 be made to teach good lessons. Without preaching, 

 the normal right practice of good gardening makes 

 habits of the homely virtues of thrift, economy, plan- 

 ning ahead, timely work, orderly methods and seeking 

 for more knowledge. 



It remains for the good teacher to suggest more 

 general application in the life outside of the garden, 

 and especially to start the child thinking before twelve 

 years of age. 



Why use sieves? To train in habits of saving and 

 thrift, and develop a belief that good soil is valuable. 

 Every time trash is raked into a pile and then shoveled 

 into a wheelbarrow or hand carrier for removal, there 

 is apt to go with it a few quarts of the best top soil. 



