Whether we’re indoors or outdoors, the whole family, including the youngest, can enjoy the garden!
BETWEEN A ROCK AND AN ART PLACE!
A rainy day is perfect for painting rocks. Start with a few palm sized clean stones that are smooth on at least one side. You’ll need paper plates to contain drips, weather proof paint in many colors and a good supply of paint brushes. The youngest can paint solid colors, dots or stripes. Older children will want to add happy faces, words “grow!” “Paige’s”, or colorful ladybugs and snakes. Once dry, use the rocks as plant markers or make a row as a border. One year we found a supply of old roof slates to paint…great garden decorations. What are we growing? Imagination, of course.
MINI-ME GARDEN
Set up a children’s garden space as part of an existing garden. Edge a section of it with rocks, sticks, or low decorative border fences from the dollar store. Explore the soil to look for worms or unwelcome beetle larvae. Worms stay, larvae go. Add compost and a little bone meal before planting seeds or seedlings. Marigold and zinnia seeds are big enough for little hands to handle, and they grow reliably fast.
ON THE HUNT
While we wait for the plants to grow and bloom, try some garden related activities like a scavenger hunt. Set it up according to the child’s age and interest level. Older children can be given a checklist, paper and pencil. Early readers can have a list of pictures. Include simple but specific items: *a white rock *an ant carrying something * a bird on a roof * a bee on a flower * a weed with a flower * a leaf with a point. Our family hunts were not competitive, but rather offered an opportunity for everyone to “win.”
My daughter and her friends liked our treasure hunts. They received a map of our yard and gardens. They had to follow directions (Turn left at the lilac bush and take four giant steps.) to find the next clue. It’s a great opportunity for creativity. Our hunts often ended with wrapped sandwiches hidden behind a tree or under an overturned flower pot. Encourage older children to create maps and clues for younger ones or for parents to follow.
Next week we will grow a pizza in our garden, maybe some lasagna too!
In Nani’s Corner we shop local small businesses, so check in at your favorite garden store for plants and supplies:
- Beaver Valley Farm & Country Store (Pelham)
- Delahunty Garden & Landscape Center (Windham)
- Lake Street Garden Center (Salem)
- Springlook Farm Garden Center Nursery (Derry)
FULL LIST OF ALL GARDEN RESOURCES HERE
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