Over the Garden Fence: Harvey One Room School welcomes spring, and visitors on Sunday

If you have ever gone into a hunt for early May Day celebrations, you might have run into Beltan and its rituals. This Celtic event focused on the union of Mother Earth and "greenman."

In Irish and Scottish observances, there was a focus on warmth, passion and fertility. Sometimes wine was consumed and this led to nakedness. Purple and green candles were burned.

Out at Harvey One-Room School this Sunday from 1-4 p.m. we plan a big welcome to spring with our Bees, Birds and Butterflies focus. No one will be stripping and water and cookies will be offered without candles.

We have our key focus critters managed. The Hartschuhs are coming − Dale and Vicki − to share bee knowledge for curious visitors. I am bringing activities and information related to the eastern bluebird. Cheryl Corney, who has tagged monarchs for a while, is coming to share butterflies. She also will give away pollinator seeds. All of us will have puppets related to our topics.

Decorating a hat can be done at a table inside the school. There will be ribbons, artificial flowers and butterflies ready for you to design around the crown − all for a small fee.

Pansies, butterfly cutouts, music and Jack in the Green

You will be able to fashion a paper pot in which to plant a pansy of your choice. This will be free at the Pot-a-Pansy station where soil, newspapers and pansies are available with Paula Brown.

There are some small butterfly and bird activities so that you and your children can have a souvenir − rubbing which could become a card and butterfly cut outs. A tiny wooden bird can be made into a necklace. or bracelet. There are bee and wasp "hotels" to be easily constructed.

Music is coming through Ray Bouillon and his guitar. Joyce is coming with him.

The newest addition is the presence of Jack in the Green − a guardian of the trees and woods. This figure is covered in greenery and you might be able to add a few leaves and get your photo taken with this green character. There may be a throne for the man in green. Actually there will be two green visitors to bless this welcome to spring.

Our May Pole honoring Pat Reed is ready for an attempt at a dance with the colorful garlands on the east lawn. If we can get 16 brave people, then we can give it a try.

There will be some perennial plants as giveaways, too. The pump in the front yard always manages refreshing cold water with a little effort. And it is a sure bet Brian Underwood will come rolling by on his high wheeler cycle.

The privies will be decorated with butterflies and garlands. And there will be a few games that can be played by the children of long ago. Please come out and bring your family. The classroom is open for your viewing even though a few of our activities are managed inside. We have members who can answer questions. You might just want to share a one-room school story with us. Be sure to sign in on our visitors' ledger.

The weather seems to be promising sunshine for this relaxed event. Come on out to 1120 Caldwell Road. We have our sign on Ohio 4 south so you do not miss the turn toward the west on Caldwell. A mile later on the right butterflies and streamers will signal a welcome.

Mary Lee Minor is a member of the Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club, an accredited master gardener, a flower show judge for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and a former sixth grade teacher.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Harvey One Room School hosting May 5 event to celebrate spring