Making special space for children outdoors!

One of the most wonderful gifts my mother gave my siblings and I growing up has to be her wonderful gardens. Our mother moved often but at each home one thing was certain, it would have a garden. Some had raised flower beds, other had rows and rows of vegetables, others had berry bushes and paths. She taught us about humming birds and butterfly gardens, about helpful bugs, and healing plants. Some of the best times though where simply playing in the gardens, exploring, and being imaginative. Gardens are a place of wonder and sadly fewer and fewer children are getting to experience them.

Plan a Garden!

• Find the space
• Get the measurements
• Test your soil
• Know your planting zone
• Know how the planting zones have changed over the years because of global warming
• Make a list of plants you know you would like to add
• Have your child help you plan on paper.
• Possible include a play space in the garden, a small vine enclosure or wooden hut.
• Make room for animals
• If your area is not a drought danger, add a pond or water feature.
• Ask for help!

(Image from valzcorner.blogspot.com)

(image from flowers.about.com)

Garden for the Animals

One of my most favorite parts of my mothers gardens where always her bird houses and feeders and the ponds. One of the places she lived had a jug out fish pond way at the back of the property and almost in the woods. It was a very large and deep dug out ring around a small island. I am sure it was not as big as I remember it being, maybe 10 feet. It felt so big and we loved playing around it. Other homes she had ponds built into raised garden beds. They where beautiful. All sorts of things found their way into them, snails, frogs, and even some how turtles!

If your going to make a pond, and if you can, you should, remember these things:

• Pick the kinds of fish you want! Goldfish need less space, and Koi will eat most plants!
• Depending on the kind of fish will depend on how deep and big the pond needs to be.
• Where will you place it?
• Will it freeze in the winter and will you have to bring your fish inside?
• Are you going to dig it or buy a plastic pond?
• What kind of pond filters and replacement filter media will your pond need?
• Get books on pond care and talk to your local nursery and pet stores to help!
• Present your findings to your children and ask for their opinions! Get them to help!

(Image from austinponddoctor.com)

Remember when your planning what your goals are. Be sure to have foods your children enjoy as this will really bring them closer to the experience of having a garden and learning about where food really comes from. Organic is not a fad, not some way to make money, it is absolutely worth it so consider making as many organic choices for your garden and children as possible.

Now is the time to plan while the weather is still cold!