This week, Ms. Chaides' 4th graders learned more about native plants. They identified deer grass, white sage, monkey flower, California Poppy and California Sagebrush. They liked the smell of California Sagebrush. We discussed that these plants, used by the Chumash, are also adapted to our climate and need little water once established. These plants and others in the Native American Garden attract our local pollinators. The Margarita BOP Penstemon and red salvia are also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Ms. Marie made a bundle of white sage which we'll make into a smudge stick once the leaves are dry. The Chumash use such a stick in ceremonies. We reviewed that deer grass is woven into baskets.
The students also learned about scientific or botanical names, which come from Latin. These names can be understood by people all over the world. Here are some examples: the botanical name for White Sage is Salvia apiana, Black Sage is Salvia mellifera, California Sagebrush is Artemisia Californica and Cleveland Sage is Salvia clevelandii.
The students helped weed the garden again. They are very industrious! We will be putting down cardboard and Kellogg's Xerimulch to keep the weeds from growing back.
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| Deer Grass |
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| White Sage being dried |
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| Native plants require less water and attract wildlife. Many of the plants in our garden were and are used by Chumash and Tongva. |
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| Hummingbirds like this penstemon and it's tubular flowers. |
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