ASLA is excited to announce the release of its new Career Discovery resource, Schoolyards in Bloom: Exploring Pollinators Through Landscape Architecture, a vibrant, dual-use educational poster project designed for students in grades K–8.

A product of the 2024 DREAM BIG with Design: TEACHER’S EDITION workshop, Schoolyards in Bloom offers a unique hands-on learning experience that introduces students to the role of landscape architects in supporting pollinators and healthy ecosystems.

Rooted in STEM learning principles, the double-sided classroom poster includes:

• A vibrant image on the front that sparks exploration and meaningful conversations
• User-friendly lesson plans
• A vocabulary sheet to help students think and speak like landscape architects
• Hands-on activities that encourage learning in the classroom, at home or any outdoor setting

Schoolyards in Bloom also includes a Pollinator Garden Art Bonus Activity developed by The Land Group, along with supplementary resources like Pollination HIVE Playing Cards designed by Miranda Mote, Ph.D., ASLA, and the popular publication K-12 Landscape Architecture Education: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide for Art, STEM and Vocational/Trade Educators by Arnaldo Cardona, ASLA.

A standout feature of Schoolyards in Bloom is its emphasis on student-created artistic and scientific deliverables. From collages and illustrations to interactive games, students are invited to express what they’ve learned through engaging, creative projects.

Order your free copy of the Grade K-5 Schoolyards in Bloom from ASLA’s Career Discovery store (one per person) or download individual pages from the poster here. The Pollination HIVE Playing Cards are also available for sale in the Career Discovery store. Copies of K-12 Landscape Architecture Education can be purchased on Amazon. The Grade 6-8 poster will be available in fall 2025.

Host a Launch Party - Get Your Toolkit!

National ASLA is seeking ten ASLA chapters to help bring Schoolyards in Bloom to classrooms with launch parties beginning November 2025.

Participating chapters will connect with local elementary schools to lead outreach activities featured on the Grade K-5 poster. Each chapter will receive a toolkit of supplies including a copy of the Grade K-5 poster, a new book from the STEM Literacy by Design initiative, and activity supplies for one class of 25 students.

In addition to the hands-on activities, participating chapters are strongly encouraged to identify and lead a design-focused pollinator project in their school’s garden or other appropriate outdoor space that shows students how landscape architects use design to support healthy, vibrant communities. 

Project ideas could include:

• Designing and planting a pollinator-friendly garden bed
• Creating pollinator habitat features (nesting boxes, native plantings, water sources, etc.)
• Co-designing a mural or sign with students to teach the school community about pollinators
• Mapping pollinator pathways through the schoolyard or neighborhood

Project ideas and bandwidth should be explored with the classroom teacher or school leadership.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating design fun while learning about pollinators and landscape architecture.

Apply now   

ASLA's Schoolyards in Bloom would not be possible without the support of the ASLA Fund and donors at TBG.