Succulent gardens planted at Heights

Two fourth grade classes at Del Mar Heights School created two beautiful gardens, in what were previously uninspired concrete planters, and learned about water conservation in the process.

Before they got their hands dirty, Jeff Moore of Solana Succulents gave the two fourth-grade classes a slide presentation. The students learned what makes succulents special, how to tell a cactus from a succulent, where succulents evolved, and how succulents are an important tool in making gardens both beautiful and water-wise. The children saw slides of a wide variety of different succulent shapes, sizes and colors.

Then came the fun part. The children planted their own succulents in two planters near the lunch area. One was dedicated to “old world” succulents and the other had “new world” succulents.

“The kids had a fun time with this hands-on activity, and they were very eager to learn,” Moore said. The program was put together by artist Betsy Schulz, a parent of Del Mar Heights students who has led several other beautification projects at the school. She will be working with the children throughout the year to maintain and care for “their” gardens.

For more information about Solana Succulents, visit solanasucculents.com. For more information about Betsy Schulz, visit www.

adesigngarden.com.

• Sharilyn Parr, Del Mar Heights School Parent Teacher Association