Earning Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badges

Garden Gate

2. Grow Where You’re Planted

Beginner

• Collect five native flowers and press them. When dry, decoupage or in some way mount them onto a piece of paper. Next to the flower, write a brief description of their habitat and place in the ecosystem.
• Discover which plants and wildflowers are rare or endangered in your area and photograph or write a report on them. Don’t pick these!

Intermediate

• Research and plant at least five native non-invasive grasses or ground covers in your garden or lawn. Grab some ideas for lawn alternatives from MaryJanesFarm "Shoulder to the Wheel" issue.
• Present a brief presentation on how your chosen native plants were once a vital part of the ecosystem and how they are incorporated into your garden space or yard on the Farmgirl Connection chatroom under Merit Badge Chit Chat.

Expert

• Plant at least one (more is better!) native tree or shrub in your yard. Try to find a species that is threatened or that will supply much-needed habitat for your neighborhood insects and birds.
• Complete a Master Gardeners program through your Extension Office.
• Find and read a book called Roots Demystified by Robert Kourik.

(The book required for this badge is available on loan from MaryJanesFarm; e-mail library@maryjanesfarm.org.)

April, 2024 Edition