Our Programs
Programming
The HPCG programming subcommittee runs horticultural programming in two New Rochelle public schools, Trinity Elementary and Barnard Early Childhood Center. Our garden educators are retired teachers who have taught series on seeds, vegetable gardening and propagation and have installed raised garden beds. We are working with Trinity Elementary staff and administration to create a multi-year series of garden programming that runs from first grade through fifth grade. The horticultural programming greatly enhances the curriculum of these students who hail from low income homes; 62% of Trinity students and 51% of Barnard students receive free or reduced lunch.
We host a popular series of FREE yoga sessions that coincide with the summer concerts. We have also hosted gardening seminars given by Cornell Cooperative Master Gardeners at the New Rochelle Public Library.
Our group has hosted Hudson Park cleanup events with Monroe College and LAZ Parking, We have hosted pumpkin painting during NRCA’s ArtsFest for the last two years. We have collaborated with Ward Acres and Lincoln Park Community Gardens in distributing Canna plants.
Once established, we will host education programs in our greenhouse and its adjacent demonstration garden plot. In the past the Hudson Park greenhouses were used for horticultural therapy sessions to promote wellness for the special needs students of the nearby Hallen School, and we hope to bring back that program. We are looking to educate people of all ages and backgrounds, with an emphasis on children. Previously the greenhouses contained a collection of succulent plants and orchids and we plan to bring back similar collections.
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Flower Power: Exploring Nature's Colorful Creations
Classes
Calling all young nature enthusiasts to join us for "Flower Power" fun! Dive into the vibrant world of flowers as we embark on an exciting journey of discovery. Through storytelling with "The Reason for a Fl... learn more
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Robot Bugs in the Park!
Classes
Attendees will learn about robots, circuits, motors, and more in this fun hands-on activity where they will learn how to use simple code to make art with robots and build their own take-home vibration-powered robot bugs!learn more
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Cacti Creations: Building Your Own Desert Diorama
Classes
Embark on a desert adventure in our "Desert Oasis" class! Dive into the enchanting world of succulents and cacti as students explore their unique characteristics and learn to distinguish between these resilient p... learn more
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Sustainable Harvest: Three Sisters Seed Mosaics
Classes
Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Three Sisters – corn, pole beans, and squash – in our "Sustainable Harvest" class! Discover the intricate bond between these crops and the sustainable farming wis... learn more
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Green Faces: Plantenstein Creations
Classes
Unleash your creativity in our "Green Creations" workshop! Dive into the art of botanical portraiture as students learn plant propagation techniques using rooting hormone. With cuttings from jade and spider plant... learn more
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Wriggling Wonders: Earthworm Composting
Classes
Students will explore the world of earthworm composting and learn about their role in creating rich, fertile soil. Using recycled plastic laundry detergent bottles, young environmentalists will craft their very own compost... learn more
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Recycled Art on Earth Day
Classes
Recycled Art on Earth Day
Monday April 22
Time: 2-4
Participants:12 children, 6-12yrs old
Recyclables come into our homes every day—boxes, bottlecaps, catalogs, and on an... learn more
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Breathing with Plants
Classes
Breathing with Plants
Sunday April 14th
10 – 11 am
Children 7 to 11 years old will learn about how plants breathe, and which plants make good companions for ea... learn more