The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
www.TheNewsyNeighbour.com
May Issue 115
Article Provided By: Bloomfield Garden Centre
Kids love dirt! I’m pretty sure that’s
the main reason it’s so easy to get them into gardening, but they soon learn
that there’s lots more to love.
If you’re itching to get your own
hands back in the soil, you’ll find it much easier to find time for gardening
if your children are happy to be there with you. Here are some tips for making
their gardening experience one they’ll cherish:
1. Keep it small
It’s very tempting to let your
children loose in the garden centre, choosing an array of exciting plants, and
planning elaborate beds or gardens. If your child is young, or new to
gardening, I strongly suggest starting with just a few plants - or even one. A
planter on the deck with some annuals or vegetables is a great way to start,
and because it’s close to the house, it’s easy for everyone to keep an eye on.
If that’s not an option, maybe find a small corner of a flower bed that you can
divide off with some stones or string to make your child’s own special patch.
2. Set them up for success
Some plants are easier to grow than
others. Your child will make much happier memories this gardening season if you
choose plants that are easy to care for and produce fast, impressive results.
With a little care, a tomato plant will yield a bountiful harvest of sweet,
colourful fruits; likewise, a squash will work itself across the garden before
growing a lovely crop of impressively oversized vegetables. Or choose annuals
such as marigolds, geraniums or calendula that grow quickly and flower
prolifically.
Remember: for children, quantity is
much more important than quality!
3. Accept responsibility
There are few things more satisfying
than nurturing a plant and seeing it grow and blossom. Your children will love
the experience. But remember, a few days of neglect can be bad news for any
plants, especially in the heat of the summer. If you want your children to
learn the love of gardening, help them out by reminding them to tend their
plants, or even sneaking in a little TLC of your own.
4. Grow food
Even though flowers are fun to grow,
there’s something incredibly exciting about eating something you grew. And what
a great way to get your children to eat vegetables! There are so many that are
easy for children to grow, and they will never taste a vegetable as sweet as
one that came from their own garden.
This year at Bloomfield Garden Centre,
we’re giving every child who comes here a free 4” vegetable plant (while
supplies last). Stop on by with your children, and see what we have.
By-line:
Wendy Zak is owner of Bloomfield Garden Centre,
located just off Highway 1 between Langdon and Strathmore. Come check out their
fabulous selection of one-off containers, locally grown plants, gardening
accessories and gifts. Or just come for a wander round their beautiful
location, and a chat with their knowledgeable gardening enthusiasts. www.bloomfieldgardencentre.net. 403-466-7978.
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