Grade 3 Garden Day

On Tuesday, June 3, Grade 3 students gathered in the garden beds outside their classroom to celebrate Garden Day—a hands-on culmination of a year rich in science exploration, environmental learning, and a growing sense of responsibility as “Citizen Scientists.” This event was more than just an opportunity to dig in the dirt; it was a celebration of everything they’ve learned this year about ecosystems, sustainability, and the importance of protecting pollinators.

The journey began in the fall with a deep dive into monarch butterflies, pollinators, and the creation of healthy habitats. That early curiosity blossomed into a larger investigation of climate change and sustainability, including a unit on U.S. wildfires and their relationship to the greenhouse effect. These themes took root—both figuratively and literally—as students began growing their own plants from seed in March using a “winter sowing” method. Each student cared for their seeds in miniature greenhouse containers, patiently watching and documenting the growth of native annuals and perennials.

Their growing list included pollinator favorites such as swamp milkweed, bee balm, cardinal flower, calendula, and purple coneflower, as well as practical culinary plants like dill and parsley—also valuable food sources for larval insects. While not every planting was a success (native perennials can be finicky), the process taught students the value of perseverance and the unpredictability of working with nature.

Garden Day itself was a flurry of purposeful activity. Students began by preparing the beds—pulling weeds, identifying bulbs, and learning how to properly tie back their foliage, and making careful choices about which native plants were appropriate for a small garden space. As they planted their seedlings, they reflected on the balance between beauty, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility.

The day also included a creative component. Students composed haiku inspired by their learning and their time in the garden, offering poetic reflections on their year-long journey with monarchs and pollinators. They also made “happy pollinator” seed gift packets, a sweet gesture of environmental stewardship meant to be shared with others.

This joyful and purposeful learning experience was led by Lower School Science Teacher Jennifer Wagar P’17, ’21, whose inspiring work was recently recognized on a national scale. Jen was named a recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award by The Garden Club of America, an honor that celebrates educators who cultivate a deep appreciation for the natural world in young learners. For more than a decade, Jen has transformed science education at Far Hills, turning lessons into meaningful, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and foster care for the environment.

In every sense, Garden Day was a full-circle moment—where classroom science met real-world impact, and students closed the year not only with dirt on their hands, but a deeper understanding of their role in caring for the Earth.

Click here to view the photo gallery!