Enchanted Garden 4-H Day Camp was inspired by our whimsical fairy garden, which is one of the most popular Florida-Friendly demonstration gardens located at UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County Botanical Garden. The objective of this program is to cultivate appreciation for the natural environment and increase knowledge of sustainable horticultural principles among youth participants. Methods include teaching plant propagation, design and construction of a fairy house, clay saucer design, guided sensory walk, and a scavenger hunt in the garden. Problem solving, critical thinking skills, and teamwork were encouraged throughout this 2 day, 6 hour camp for youth ages 9 to 12. Integrative, experiential, and reinforcement methods of teaching were used to meet the various learning styles. Of the 18 youth participants in 2022 and 2023, 100% reported increased gardening knowledge; 89% increased appreciation for the natural environment; 83% learned how to transplant a plant; 100% increased construction and design skills; and 100% intend to share information learned with others. Additionally, 9 fairy houses were constructed for display in the garden, and each participant took home their new planters to hone their horticultural skills. Enchanted Garden Day Camp was successful in cultivating appreciation for the natural environment and increasing knowledge of horticultural principles among youth participants.
