At the City of Bastrop’s Bob Bryant Park within the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, big plans are underway to create a place for children to get their hands dirty. They will learn every aspect of gardening, from planting to harvesting, as well as how to be good stewards of the land.
This new project is anticipated to include two 15-week sessions (spring and fall) each year. The children will get hands-on gardening instruction from Master Gardener mentors as they tend their own family plot while learning to plant, grow, and harvest vegetables.
The students will begin each morning with a hands-on activity in the garden, followed by a related lesson to connect children to plants, nature, and the food they eat!
The Children’s Garden Program is a cooperation between City of Bastrop, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Services, and Bastrop County Master Gardeners.
The program is targeted at children 5 to 14 years of age. All students will need parent supervision and participation is encouraged.
What to Expect
- Each family will be assigned a 4′ by 8′ bed for a $25.00 fee. Scholarships available upon request.
- Bastrop County Master Gardeners will provide soil, plants, water, and fertilizers. Each bed will be planted with the same vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Participants get to keep all of the produce harvested from their bed.
- Each session will consist of demonstration lessons showing planting techniques and sharing tips for successful growing of vegetables and herbs.
- Families will get hands-on gardening time for the children to plant, water, fertilize, weed and harvest.
- Sessions will also include educational sessions in our outdoor classroom with lessons surrounding horticulture, nutrition, and natural science.
- Master Gardener volunteers will be present to ensure that you are on track for a successful growing season.
- Families will have full access to their beds during the entire growing season. The Fall season will run from September to January and the Spring season will run from February to June.
Garden Expectation
Families get the most out of the program when they fully participate. Before registering, please consider if your family can fully commit to the following expectations:
- Participants are expected to attend the children’s garden program every Thursday from 9 am to 10:30 am. No more than two absences are allowed (with exception to illness).
- Participants should be on time every Thursday by 9 am, participate in all hands-on demonstrations, attend all lessons, and notify leaders of any absences before class.
- A parent/guardian/adult must attend and be available to help their child/children each Thursday.
- Siblings under five years old are discouraged from attending sessions. Parents/guardians/adults are expected to assist children in the garden, so care of siblings under five should be done by another adult.
- Participants will provide their own drinking water, bug spray, gloves, and hat.
Cancellation Policy
- Registration is available by phone or website. Walk-ins will not be allowed to attend.
- Deadline to register for one of our seasonal session is one month prior to the first class date.
- Classes will be canceled if they do not meet the minimum registered enrollment by five days prior to the first class date. Minimum registration is set to ten participants/families.
- Cancellations five business days prior to the first class date will be issued a credit for another session, if space if available.
Details for Upcoming Spring Session
- Spring 2025 Session- February 6th through May 15th
- Sessions are held on Thursdays from 9 am to 10:30 am
- Bob Bryant Park- 600 Charles Blvd, Bastrop, TX 78602
- Download and email the registration form and participation waiver to apply!
- Payments can be made by check or online here.
More Information
If you have questions or need more information, please contact us at education@bcmga78602.org