Tag: gardening

blog post, Garden design, gardening

Embracing Nature: Rethinking Weeds for an Environmentally Friendly Garden

This article explores a sustainable, low-maintenance approach to gardening by embracing native wildflowers—often mislabeled as “weeds”—as valuable companions to cultivated groundcovers. Set in the context of a public library garden, the piece reflects on shifting gardening mindsets, overcoming challenges, and creating vibrant outdoor spaces for reading, nature connection, and STEAM learning. It highlights native plants that support pollinators and soil health, offers tips for pairing them with traditional groundcovers, and introduces no-till gardening, Hugelkultur, and the Three Sisters method as ways to foster resilience, beauty, and biodiversity in any garden. Continue reading Embracing Nature: Rethinking Weeds for an Environmentally Friendly Garden

Unknown's avatarPamela Lynne Kemp
blog post, environment

An Earth Day Reflection: How Ordinary People Can Protect a Shared Planet 🌱

Feeling overwhelmed by climate change is common, but significant environmental changes often start with everyday people. From the Love Canal cleanup to the recovery of the ozone layer, local efforts have shown that awareness, belief, and action lead to progress. Earth Day encourages individuals to reflect on the environment and take steps toward sustainability. With simple actions—like community engagement, reducing chemicals, and conserving resources—everyone can contribute to a healthier planet, starting from their own neighborhoods. Continue reading An Earth Day Reflection: How Ordinary People Can Protect a Shared Planet 🌱

Unknown's avatarPamela Lynne Kemp1 Comment
blog post, Books, gardening, Public Librarianship

The Gentle Power of Gardening: Learning, Self-Care, and Community Resilience

Gardening for Mental, Emotional and Social Growth Spring is the perfect season to turn your little corner of the world—whether it’s a backyard, balcony, or window box—into a place of wonder. No matter your age or background, gardening offers something meaningful for everyone. It’s a joyful learning experience for children, an act of self-care for adults, a way to connect with nature, and a powerful … Continue reading The Gentle Power of Gardening: Learning, Self-Care, and Community Resilience

Unknown's avatarPamela Lynne Kemp
Garden design, librarianship, library design, Public Librarianship

Library Gardening Programs: an Informal Learning Experience

Motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic protocols, in August 2020, I embarked on what I believed at that time would be a relatively simple project.   My goal was to provide a more amenable outdoor seating area at a small public library branch by renovating its Reading Garden and landscaping outside the main entrance.  However, to justify the expense of purchasing plants, shrubs, and soil, my Manager … Continue reading Library Gardening Programs: an Informal Learning Experience

Unknown's avatarPamela Lynne Kemp