One of my fonder memories of growing up was watching Art Linkletter's show "Kids Say the Darndest Things." I am often reminded of that show when I read the heart-warming notes that MEMBG receives--from grown-ups as well as school-age children who have toured the garden. They DO say the "darndest" things!
From Renaldo Cruz (student, 5th grade): "I want to thank you for taking your time to show us around the Botanical Gardens. It was real fun. My favorite part at the gardens was when I saw the turtles in the pond. I hope to come back soon."
From Sara Thompson (student, 5th grade): "I loved the desert spot and the moist spot. The stream was lovely. There were many animals and plants."
From Joy Lund (teacher): "The students learned a lot and enjoyed it so much. Thanks to all of you. I plan to return again and again with future classes."
From Holly (student, 5th grade): "I had a great time. I liked looking at all of the cool and weird plants there. I hope I can come to the gardens again."
From Maria Rodriguez (student, 5th grade): "It was so beautiful. It looked like a rain forest. I really learned a lot about plants that I didn't know. I hope to come back some day soon."
From Sookie Raymond (teacher): "Thank you so much for letting us enjoy your beautiful botanical gardens. We were the first class to enjoy the docent tours. These docents knew just how to keep my first graders interested and involved throughout the tour. We dried the leaves we collected and made pictures from them."
From Krystie (student, 5th grade): "Thank you for giving up your time to give us a tour. My favorite plant was the white poppy that looks like tissue paper."
From Mary Anna Barker (docent, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden): "Our field trip yesterday to the MEMBG was delightful. The introduction in The Nest was informative, the tour most interesting with the plants nicely labeled, and the area in which we ate our brown bag lunches was the loveliest of atmospheres with the soothing water sounds and the entertaining scrub jay and squirrels. And the weather was perfect!"
From Teresa Barone and Angelica Ching (UCLA students, Tree Project): "Thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn about the garden and pass it on to others."
From Carlos Zomita (student, 5th grade): "My favorite tree was the redwood tree. It was the coolest tree I ever saw. I want to thank you for giving your time to us."
From Scott B. Semel (director, Camp Crossroads): "I would like to thank you for arranging our camp a tour of the gardens at UCLA. Our tour enhanced the campers' summer experience and exposed them to natural beauty. Thank you for your time and patience. We look forward to visiting the garden again."
From Priscilla (student, 5th grade): "I really like the fish, the turtle, and the tree that has different colors on it. I also like the plant that has spikes on it, and I also like the big red tree. I hope I can come again some day with my family."
And then there were the students from Marquez Elementary School, who sent a collage made from twigs and leaves with a rainbow of signatures from Jacob and Natasha, Corey and Brittan, Ashley and Lindsay, Eric and Ali, Julia and Jared. And the watercolor drawings from the 3rd grade class at Warner Avenue School. And the . . . well, you know what I mean!
p.s. To schedule a tour for your school or community group, call (310) 206-6707.
CAROL FELIXSON, Docent and Communications Coordinator