Back by popular demand... Popsicle Stick Planter

It’s time to grow some plants!   For this week’s activity we're bringing back a favorite... We’re going to build a fun planter with things you might have around the house, fill it with soil, and then grow some simple herbs from seeds that are quick and easy for kids to grow.

Materials: Tin can (a soup or vegetable can or similar) Popsicle Sticks Rubber Band Ribbon Markers or Paint Gravel Soil Herb Seeds (Mint, Basil, Parsley, Cilantro are very easy and fast to grow from seed – beans are also extremely fast to grow)

Step 1 – Clean Clean your tin can and remove the label.  If you’re growing your herbs outdoors, poke a few small holes in the bottom of the can for drainage, otherwise leave the can as is if you’re keeping it indoors.  Tip: To reduce any sharp edges – smooth the opening with sandpaper or apply a thick line of hot glue around the edge.

Step 2 – Rubber Band Take a thick rubber band and wrap it around the can.   We’ll use this to hold the popsicle sticks to the can instead of glue.

Step 3 – Decorate Paint, color, and draw on your popsicle sticks.   You’ll need to decorate enough sticks to cover the entire outside of the tin can!

Step 4 - Attach Slide a decorated popsicle stick under the rubber band to attach it to the tin can.   From that starting point, place more popsicle sticks next to the last one, each time sliding it under your rubber band.   Continue doing this until the entire can is covered by your decorated sticks.

Step 5 – Cover Cut a length of ribbon to wrap around the can.   Use this to cover and hide the rubber band.

Step 6 – Fill Pour a tiny bit of gravel or small rocks into the can, just covering the bottom. This acts as drainage so the plant stays healthy.   Remember, if you’re keeping your can planter outside, you should have a few holes poked through the bottom!   Once you have your rocks added, fill the can to the top with soil.

Step 7 – Add Place your seeds on top and gently press them into the soil.   Add a little water, and move your planter into a sunny location. A south-facing window is the best for growing herbs inside.  Tip: You can also directly add already grown herbs or flowers instead!

Step 8 – Grow Water you tin planter whenever the soil feels dry, and watch your seeds grow!   Mint, basil, and seeds from the parsley family (like cilantro) will sprout quickly, otherwise fill your planter with already grown plants!

FBBG PROGRAM UPDATE ALL APRIL CHILDREN'S AND ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES (BIRD MIGRATION) HAVE BEEN POSTPONED! Class information will be updated on our website. For more information, call 414-525-5653

BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE We’re excited to announce the Spring Garden opening date will be May 1!  *  Starting May 1, the fee booth will be open from 8am to 7pm daily, including weekends.  *  The Education and Visitor Center will be open 9-4pm daily, including weekends.  *  All CDC guidelines will continue to remain in place at this time. The FBBG Gift Shop Opening will also be May 1. Gift Shop hours will be Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday. The Education and Visitor Center is currently open. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MASKS ARE REQUIRED!

FBBG Memberships: Great All Year Round! All FBBG members receive: Unlimited access to the Gardens A 10% discount in Nell's Garden Cafe' with your membership card. Discounts on FBBG classes, special events and in our Gift Shop on select stock items. Free admission to over 300 AHS gardens nationwide... Including Chicago Botanic, Arizona's Desert Botanical Garden, Illinois' Morton Arboretum and the Florida Botanical Gardens! FBBG's In Season Newsletter Membership Appreciation Event...and more! MEMBER LEVELS: Individual $35 One Membership Admission Card & (1) One-time Guest Pass Individual +1 $50 Two Membership Admission Cards & (2) One-time Guest Passes Family $65 Two Membership Admission Cards - Good for two adults and three children under 17 & (3) One-time Guest Passes Donor level memberships are also available starting at $100. For more information, please call the FBBG office at 414-525-5653. Become a Member Now!