School kids really dig celebrating Canada's 150th birthday (4 photos)

Johnson Street Public School students celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday by making their school and their neighbourhoods friendlier for bees.

“We’re encouraging our young gardeners to participate in the Communities in Bloom program and to beautify their homes, neighbourhoods and (public) properties,” said Barrie’s horticulturalist Mona Boyd.

“Last year, we won the Grand Champions and we’re dong very well. This year, (Communities in Bloom) has a special category, Canada 150. What better way to celebrate than to have our youth plant red and white flowers.”

Thursday, students planted red and white petunias in school gardens and planters and afterwards, they took some home to plant there.

“Kids from every grade working together is a great thing and any community partnership to bring in the city is a benefit,” said Johnson Public School principal Suzanne Laybolt.

“It was a great chance for the kids to learn about living things and be part of our (eco-kids) program. 

“We also got a chance to celebrate and talk about Canada’s 150th birthday.”

For Clara Lash, 9, the activity gave her a chance to put some of her Grade 3 science to work.

“I think it was really fun and good for the environment, because it will make the world a better place if the community went out some day to plant flowers. It will take more of the carbon dioxide out of the air.

“It’s a good way to help the insects pollinate and for us to get more honey, fruit and vegetables.”

For her classmate, the activity was not only fun, but a way to add colour.

“Planting is fun and it’s a good idea to make our world prettier,” said Gabriella Coates, 8. She added the activity was a lot of fun because they got to be outside, rather than in the classroom, on a gorgeous day.

“I like to play in the dirt because I like to get messy.”

The Communities in Bloom judges will be in Barrie again July 25 and 26. The program awards those who participate, whether individuals, schools, churches or other organizations.

More information is on the city’s website at http://www.barrie.ca/Living/Environment/Beautification/Pages/CommunitiesinBloom.aspx.