MOULTRIE, Ga. — Fifth graders from G.E.A.R. — Gifted Education with Academic Rigor — are genuine gardeners.

It all began when Beth Miller, G.E.A.R. teacher and Magnolia Garden Club member, challenged her fifth graders to design and build a garden on the school grounds in Moultrie.

Miller guided the students in researching and sketching ideas for a new garden area, according to a press release from the garden club.

After the approval from the school administration they set to work digging the area and gridding the plan. Hours of toil before and after school by the students and Miller took a whole school year and part of another to complete the designed garden, the club said.

The students helped guild the raised boxes, added potting soil and planted the plants. They pulled weeds, watered, added bird feed to feeders, monitored plant growth and studied erosion along with different sciences.

The students used award money received from horticulture and floral design entries in the annual Camellia/Magnolia District Flower Show, held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, to pay for items placed in their G.E.A.R. Garden.

Everyone on campus helps with maintaining the garden, the garden club said.

In addition, many of the students are challenged to participate in the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contests and the Perry Flower Show with horticulture and flower design entries.

Through dedication and hard work by the fifth graders and their teacher, the G.E.A.R. Garden is recognized by gardeners all over Georgia, the club said.