Youth Education

Leaf Diamonds By Barb Williams You may have noticed that here in the Pacific Northwest it rains often, which is one reason we have such a variety of healthy plants in the Bellevue Botanical Garden. When it rains, or when watery dew drops collect on the leaves, you may notice the sparkle of water droplets shimmering like diamonds on surfaces. Or they may be precariously hanging from “drip tips” at the leaf’s end. Many leaves end in a sharp point….

Leaves in our Lives: A Living Lab Historical Perspective By Barb Williams, former manager of the Living Lab Program In the Pacific Northwest, deciduous and evergreen leaves are an integral part of our lives. They provide shade, oxygen, shelter, scientific discoveries, art forms, nesting materials for animals, a symphony of sound and so much more. For these reasons I chose leaves as the topic for the first activity that I developed in 1999 as the new Manager of the Bellevue…

Shadow Picture By Marcy Reynolds As we approach the summer solstice, daylight is shining longer each day, giving us lots of chances to play in the sun. One activity I enjoy on a sunny afternoon is making a shadow picture outside. All you need is pencil or pen and a piece of paper. Take a walk at the Garden or in your neighborhood Find a shadow you like. Put a piece of paper on the sidewalk Draw a line along…

Why Are New Leaves a Lighter Color? By Marcy Reynolds Spring is a time of new growth at the Garden. While dazzling displays of colorful flowers easily catch the eye, I love seeing so many different shades of green on the trees and shrubs. Some of them almost look like they are glowing green! But why? With more sunshine and rain, plants grow, but why is the new growth light in color, while the existing leaves or needles look darker?…