How can we learn to distinguish the plants in our garden? Which of them are used, and how?

Through the process of collecting plant samples to create the herbarium, students get to know the plants using their senses, while learning to identify their unique characteristics. Some are rough, others hairy, some brightly colored and others soft and pale.

The students’ observations gave us a wonderful opportunity for reflection and discussion. Why, for example, does oregano have dewdrops among its hairs? Why is the top of its stem purple? What does it mean for a plant to adapt to its environment?

We explored these and many other questions with the students during our morning visits to our School Garden.

The creation of the herbarium began at the start of the school year. Every student will take their herbarium home at the end of Kindergarten, as it serves as a special keepsake.

Creating a herbarium can also be a great activity for parents and children to do together in the countryside during the Easter holidays. Students can show you how they collect plants and you can help identify them using plant identification apps like PlantNet. Be sure to collect only flowers and plants that grow abundantly, and take care not to uproot them during collection.