Runner up and winner of a $1,000 grant
The Vera Scherer Garden at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, a facility of the Morris County Park Commission partners with Morristown High School and welcomes special needs students to work in the garden as part of the vocational program. The students learn both gardening and work skills like learning to be on time for work, remembering their tools, and doing their very best each time they are working. They also learn to weed, water, plant, and harvest. Each month Vera Scherer Garden teaches a new horticulture topic and a short discussion. After the discussion, they do a horticulture craft which may include planting, painting, or creating a gift. They learn about the plants and use the plants harvested from the garden. The craft helps them exercise their fingers and improve fine motor skills as well as making decisions and creating something to share.