Sokolov/Williams: How can making a drawing be like making a garden?

For the current 2 one-man shows at Kentler International Drawing Space (K.I.D.S.) featuring works by Joel Sokolov and Hugh Williams, K.I.D.S. Art Education teaching artists are working with the theme of gardens. In particular we thought it might be interesting to explore with students how making a drawing might be like making a garden. To focus our exploration we are considering whether both artists and gardeners use similar visual compositional tools such as creating contrasts between light and dark, using focal points, positive and negative space, value, texture, color, form, and layering?
To help students begin thinking about our question we will work with students to create "drawings" from plants in different ways that will prompt interesting compositional decisions. Students will tear and glue black and white paper and trace the shadows of local indigenous plants. Referencing the richly layered drawings of Joel Sokolov, students will later use these drawings to layer their own drawings with those of other students. By adding and taking away elements of their choice within their drawing explorations students will collectively compose a "community garden" in their school.
Look for future entries about this program with specific anecdotes and samples of student artwork.