Our junior high has an enrichment afternoon called Tech Thursday, much like the elementary’s University of Wednesday.  Marisa and I just completed two sessions on xeriscape and botantical drawing.  First, I explained the principles of xeriscape (drought-tolerant landscaping) and talked about our plans to have students help us plant a “demonstration garden” on the slope edging the school garden.

Then I introduced a handful of “rockstar” plants.  I gave a little natural history and botany for each.

Mouthing off about ceanothus, deer grass and salvia

Then, to help students really look at the plants, Marisa took over and talked about the art of botanical drawing.

Students then began to sketch.  Our hope is that they learned a bit about this style of drawing.  We also hope that they have learned a few plant ID’s, having looked so carefully at the plants.

Two particularly great examples:

Last step!  Kids in the after school Club Live program putting them in the ground…in the drizzle!