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The Discovery Garden
One of the greatest features at The Starfish Academy, for Exceptional Children is the Discovery Garden.
The Garden is blessed by several mature Maple trees, which provide the natural shade necessary for extending outdoor learning times. There is nothing like the experience of cool shade on a hot day.
The Discovery Garden is comprised of many different feature gardens such as:
The Herb or Sensory Garden, which offers numerous smells, feels, and tastes for children to explore.
The Butterfly Garden, where butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds seem to dance as they gather nectar. Many children overcome their fear of bees while quietly observing the insects going about their work.
The Woodland Garden, where native Ohio woodland plants flourish in the shade. This garden is seated on the bank of a small creek and is hidden from view. It is the perfect setting for imaginative play.
The Mixed Perennial Garden, which provides a year round bounty for many varieties of birds. Children learn about the importance of providing natural food sources and nesting materials to attract birds to the garden and they really enjoy hearing the nestlings peeping for their breakfast.
The Water Garden, which brings in the soothing sounds of moving water and allows children to experience fish kisses. Children have the opportunity to learn about the many varieties of amphibians and insects that are drawn to the garden because of the water.
The Vegetable Garden, where children participate in the planting and harvesting of various food crops. Lessons about weather and the seasons come naturally in the vegetable garden.
The Benefits of Being in the Garden:
Wondrous things happen in The Starfish Academy’s Discovery Garden. The children are always excited to share this magical place with their families.
Children are transformed as they begin to experience and learn about the natural world. Fears disappear when children observe bees working to change the colors of flowers, or ants scurrying to hide their eggs.
It is a privilege to observe exceptional children become mesmerized by the sight of a hummingbird visiting the garden, to be held captive by the reverence of the moment, and to be transformed by the experience.
Fear becomes wonder and wonder becomes joy.
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