Lots of things grow in gardens--including happy children

Kids in the garden?  If we’re honest, we might admit that children aren’t always welcome in the rose bed and tomato patch.  At least, not if they’re going to break off our prize blooms or bombard each other with ripening fruits.  (Hey–it happened in my garden.  Plump, juicy tomatoes, it seems, explode beautifully when you throw them on a hot summer’s day.)

But of course, children do belong in gardens. It’s important for us to get young people interested in growing fresh, healthful foods; to teach them to conserve and protect the natural world; and to encourage them to stop in their busy lives long enough to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.  

As the weather gets colder and the holidays approach, why not spend some time with your children in the garden?  This is a perfect season to introduce them to feeding the birds with pinecones rolled in peanut butter and seeds, or to let them help prune evergreens and trees for cuttings to decorate your home. 

As Christmas gets closer, you can also give a gardening gift to that special child in your life. Here are few suggestions: 

* a kit to make stepping stones with the child’s own handprints

* a child-sized shovel and rake

* a “WormLab,” like this one from the National Gardening Association: http://www.gardeningwithkids.org/wormlab.html

* a “Butterfly Pavilion,” so they can watch caterpillars metamorphosize into butterflies

* a promise to take them to a local nature center, like the Dunwoody Nature Center.   http://www.dunwoodynature.org/ 

You can find out more about the kid-friendly activities and learning opportunities available at the Dunwoody Nature Center next Jan. 29, when Executive Director Claire Hayes visits the speakers’ stage at the flower show.

So encourage your kids to venture into the garden–not to turn the tomatoes into ammunition–but to learn what gardening is all about.  You’ll reap a rich harvest, we promise!

 cheers,

Lynn