To all the teachers, parents and interested citizens:

Hi!  My name is Rob Yankoski, and I am the point person for our new learning garden.  Yes, I say our garden, since I want you to have as much ownership in the garden as I do!  I hope to make the garden a collaborative effort, with me giving you as much help or as little as you want.  Suffice it to say, I want the children involved as much as possible.  I have started off by purchasing a few small plants, and I see a lot of growth in our future.

In the short term, I would like to get some student/class things growing right away.  We have a raised, boxed bed for each grade level.  I need any teacher who would like to plant something with their class between now and the end of school to contact me immediately.  I can be reached by email at Tabb Plant Guy.  I should be able to respond within a day or two.  Some funding is available for getting started, and I will do whatever I can to assist you.

I am also looking especially for plants for the garden that are native to Virginia, that the settlers brought, and herbs.  In addition, a limited number of flowering plants that create a habitat for butterflies will be planted.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.  If you have any expertise in these areas, please drop me an email.

In the fall I hope to start a junior master gardeners afterschool club.  It will be open to third through fifth graders.  Between now and then I hope to get some plants started to begin the ‘greening’ process, as well as getting familiar with the curriculum, and begin my process for becoming a master gardener.

We did not get much response from our initial name the garden request, so I will be sending out a note to all the students/parents requesting a name suggestion for the garden.  I would ask you all to encourage participation in this, as ownership by the children is a key to success in this endeavor.

Lastly, I will be asking for some supplies to be donated by parents soon, as anything donated will be money saved for plants or other needs.  I look forward to working with each of you!

Rob Yankoski
Tabb Plant Guy