EDUCATION

John Rex Middle School students learn about plants native to Oklahoma in the Prairie Garden with Gardens’ educators Joel Bramhall and Lily Christman. Photo by Carl Shortt Jr.

Gardens’ Education Staff Lead John Rex Students in Garden-Based Learning

By Joel Bramhall, Director of Education

The Myriad Gardens’ Garden Groundbreakers enrichment program engages John Rex Middle School students in garden-based learning each week of the school year.

As the only botanical garden in the world to host a full-time primary school, I designed a unique hybrid curriculum model that unites modern schooling with horticultural education. Each interdisciplinary lesson corresponds to multiple Oklahoma Academic Standards. Planted in a foundation of science and mathematics, the program is infused with supplementary learning objectives in language and visual arts, along with social studies and health.

Strategically aligned to best instructional methods and integrated with essential vocabulary, students are encouraged to authentically explore nature. A few structured activities include seed starting, bulb planting, edible gardening, native plants, and STEM-based pollinator projects. An additional feature is the utilization of each signature lawn and garden space. These landscapes serve as vibrant environments for active learning, as well as remarkable backdrops for reflective studying.

The aim of this future-focused program is to enrich academic achievement, enhance environmental stewardship, encourage healthier lifestyles, and expand student ownership in Myriad Gardens. By cultivating positive student interactions with their natural surroundings today, it is my belief that these lively youth will grow into prosperous adults who value and appreciate nature.

Optimistically, I further believe the program’s success will propel school administrators and botanical garden and arboreta executives to seek partnerships in order to replicate this innovative approach for the benefit of all students, the planet, and our shared future together.

Joel Bramhall became the Myriad Gardens Director of Education in April. Raised on a farm in Nebraska, he learned firsthand the importance of sustaining the environment and building a successful business. As an educator, he inspired collegiate and secondary scholars, mentored colleagues, and earned acclaim for community projects. He is a graduate of Doane University, the alma mater of Crystal Bridge architect William J. Conklin.