Our First Gardens for Grade School Grant Install

Allentuck landscaping employees planting a new raised flowerbed

Our First Gardens for Grade School Grant Installed at

East Silver Spring Elementary School

This past week Allentuck Landscaping Co. installed our first Gardens for Grade School Grants raised planter. If you recall, all elementary schools were invited to enter and have their communities vote for them on our Facebook page. The winner was East Silver Spring Elementary School. They requested that we install a butterfly garden and we were very happy to do so.

Our team constructed the cedar raised garden at our facility and transported it to the school. It was filled with organic soil that Allentuck Landscaping Co. produces from the composted leaves we remove from our customer’s properties. The plantings we chose focused on local native plants that would thrive and, obviously, attract butterflies. The plant list included species of Yarrow, Penstemon, Coreopsis, Carex and Heuchera.

The planter was installed in one of the two courtyard areas at East Silver Spring Elementary School. We were all very impressed with how much gardening was done in the courtyards. Clearly this was a school that enjoyed learning about gardening and the outdoors; the perfect environment for our Garden Grant.

With the raised garden installed, it was time to meet the 2nd graders. The grade was going to be divided into two groups with presentations to each. The students were ushered in and took their seats. They were extremely orderly and well behaved.

Jodie Hinman, our Landscape Architect, told the students about the newly installed garden and the materials used. She discussed what things plants need and what plants provide to us humans. Next she talked about the life cycle of butterflies and why they would be attracted to the plants we installed. Finally, she asked if the students had any questions.

This is when we got schooled!

Little did we know that the second grade had just recently finished a unit about butterflies.

“How will the butterflies find the flowers down here in the courtyard?”

“Won’t birds eat the butterflies?”

“What happens if the butterfly’s proboscis breaks off?”

“How do butterflies see behind themselves?”

Clearly we were out brained and out matched. Luckily, their teachers were there to save us, and that they did. In the end, not only did we get to teach the second graders about butterfly gardens, the taught us about butterflies!

The day ended with handing out seed packets to each student so they could plant their own flowers and attract butterflies.

Our next Gardens for Grade School Grants program will be next spring.

Similar Posts:

Meaningful Adjacencies – Our Day at Arlington National Cemetery

Remember, Allentuck Landscaping Co. is always here to help you design, install, construct and maintain you lawn and landscape. Now is the time to get your 2016 Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Quote. Give us a call!

 Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company

Phone: 301-515-1900

Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com 

Proudly serving Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Darnestown, North Potomac, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Boyds, Germantown, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana and Frederick.

Project Spotlight: Outdoor Living Paradise in Rockville, MD

By Allentuck Landscaping Co.Rockville, MD Landscape Contractor When a Rockville family came to us looking to reimagine their outdoor space, the goal wasn’t just to “upgrade the backyard.” They wanted a full-blown destination—something that felt like vacation, without ever leaving home. The result? A complete outdoor living environment designed for relaxation, entertaining, and making memories year-round. As a go-to Rockville, MD Landscape Contractor, our team at Allentuck Landscaping Co. took the project from vision to reality—balancing form and function, style

READ MORE »

Mulch Mold – The Weird Stuff Growing In My Garden

You step outside one morning, coffee in hand, and something catches your eye. Your mulch looks like it’s been attacked by a pile of scrambled eggs. Or maybe it’s foamy. Or crusty. Either way, it’s weird—and definitely not what you expected when you paid for fresh mulch. What you’re looking at is mulch mold, and while it might look alarming, it’s more of a quirky houseguest than a problem. What Is Mulch Mold? First off, let’s clear something up. It’s

READ MORE »

Spotted Lanternfly in Rockville Area: What It Means for Your Landscape and Garden

There’s a new bug in town—and it’s not just gross, it’s destructive. If you’ve noticed clusters of sticky, spotted insects on your trees, patio furniture, or garden plants, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with the Spotted Lanternfly in Rockville. This invasive pest has officially made its way to our area, and it’s putting serious stress on local landscapes, shade trees, and even backyard veggie gardens. The good news? You can do something about it—starting today. What Exactly Is the

READ MORE »

Top June Garden Tips: What Your Landscape Needs Right Now

June is where the honeymoon ends. Back in April and May, everything looked fresh, green, and full of promise. Now? The sun’s hotter, the weeds are pushy, and your garden’s either thriving—or starting to spiral. This is the part of the season where small moves make a big difference. That’s why we’ve pulled together these Top June Garden Tips—real strategies, no fluff—to help you keep things looking great (without spending every weekend knee-deep in mulch). 1. Water Smarter, Not More

READ MORE »

Hydration and Heat Tips for Gardeners

Hydration and heat tips for gardeners aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Some people bake by the pool in summer. You? You’re out there deadheading roses and hauling mulch. But let’s be honest: summer gardening can take a toll on your body fast. The sun doesn’t care that you’re just “pulling a few weeds” or “planting one more flat of petunias.” It’s brutal. And if you’re not careful, it can sneak up on you with heat exhaustion, dehydration, and a pounding headache

READ MORE »

Summer Landscaping Tips to Boost Curb Appeal Instantly

Your home’s first impression starts at the curb. Whether you’re welcoming guests, listing your home for sale, or simply enjoying your space, the right landscaping can make your property feel fresh, polished, and inviting. In the heat of summer, plants are growing fast, colors are in full swing, and there’s no better time to make smart upgrades that get noticed. These summer landscaping tips to boost curb appeal instantly will help your home look its best—without requiring a full yard

READ MORE »