To Make a Garden is a poem that, simply stated, is about gardening. However, upon reading it, one realizes the magic that happens between a seed, soil, water and sunshine.

To Make a Garden
by Mary Ann Hoberman

To make a garden all you need
Is just a single simple seed,
A patch of earth, a sheltered spot
That's not too cold, but not too hot,
A little rain, a lot of sun,
That's all you need;
And when you're done,
In some strange way your seed will know
Just how to sprout and how to grow
Until you see to your surprise
A miracle before your eyes,
A baby leaf still curled up tight
That's pushing upward toward the light.
What will it be? A tree? A weed?
Each one is started from a seed.

From: MY SONG IS BEAUTIFUL (Little, Brown and Co., 1995)

This poem is a great introduction for a unit on plants - for any elementary grade. Read the poem aloud then discuss creating a class garden with the students. Explain how each child will be given seeds to plant and this will be their very own plants to tend and care for. Seeds can be started in cups inside, if weather is too harsh, then transplanted outside at the appropriate time. Have other poetry and plant books nearby for the children to peruse freely.