Energizing the Next Generation of Shakespeare Gardeners Through Learning

Fastnacht (center) is shown with second grade students (from left) Emme Havlik, Alice Heumiller, Memphis Hanson and Tatum Powell. After months of researching the best flower to plant in their flower bed within the time frame they were given, second graders nurtured zinnias in the classroom, eagerly awaiting the day they would be able to plant the flowers in the ground at Shakespeare Garden.

With a desire to help the local Shakespeare Garden board connect with the community, Wessington Springs woman Gwyneth Fastnacht reached out to Wessington Springs Elementary School to propose project-based learning that encourages younger generations to learn about, enjoy and become immersed in the beauty that Shakespeare Garden offers.

Shakespeare Garden Society board member Kathy Dean helps students Kolt Messmer and Blair Murphy plant their zinnias in the second grade flower bed at Shakespeare Garden.

All smiles upon arriving at Shakespeare Garden with her pot of zinnias and second grade classmates, Raven Richardson said she was excited to plant her flowers in their “home for the summer.”