Painting and Planting

I was prepared.  I arrived at the garden early enough to remove the grown up size shovels from the digging bed and spread my blue tarp.

I've learned that a contained space reduces chaos.  I've learned to have all the supplies immediately available, but to leave some decision making up to the scholars. 

They asked for the colors of acrylic paint they wanted me to pour onto individual paper plates.... the sturdy ones,  because the flimsy ones have led to disasters,  and I've learned from my mistakes. 

They were directed toward the soil by my self-appointed assistant. She didn't want to paint and plant a ceramic pot.  She just wanted to help. She was very good at wielding her power. 

Lest you think that Grandma's Garden has turned into an arts and craft venue,  let me share some of our bounty. 

The spinach is harvested regularly by hungry gardeners.  One bell pepper has appeared,  all 3" of it,  and several other flowers on the plant have begun to reveal their treasures. 

Best of all,  the two tomato seedlings have exploded into an impressive bounty of round,  green, tempting to harvest even though they're not red,  botanical fruits/culinary vegetables. 

The first group to arrive picked the ripe ones,  learned about the true leaves, and popped them in their mouths.  They know that tomorrow's ripe ones will go to another group.  

They're fine with that.