I packed up the kids and went to the Fernbank Science Center, the goal of which was to entertain the toddler. I pleasantly discovered a small demonstration garden out back. The garden was enjoyable but not remarkable, unless you count the number of composters littering the pathway. (The composters compared methods of composting.) I miss gardening, noted by the fact that I was much too excited about finding a small demo garden. The pots out on the patio don’t cut it. I would love a home-grown heriloom tomato right now, but they are not lining my cupboards like they were last summer. Oh well, I guess I will take potted basil and finding gardens to tour.

The garden featured a small butterfly garden (complete with magnifying glasses), bog garden, wildlife habitat, and bees. There was a beehive in the garden, and bees in a narrow glass case. My kid and I spent a good portion of our time there peering at the busy bees. Bees are awesome. I was also happy to see not only a honey bee hive, but nests meant for native bees as well.

The DeKalb County school system operates the science center, and its main mission is education for schools. While there, I felt a little like an elementary school kid on a field trip. The place was not spectacular or modern by any means, but it helped me get into a learning mode. The Fernbank Science Center is low cost (free), so it makes a fun day expedition. In additional to science displays, they have planetarium programs and an old growth forest. For more information go to http://www.fernbank.edu/