Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/kidsgardening.html

Gardening with Kids
February 2001
Jan Decker, Junior Gardeners' Club Coordinator

    I'm fortunate to have most of my kids and grandchildren living close
to home. But many families are scattered across the country making it
difficult for the kids to develop a bond with grandparents; or cousins
to get know each other. Here are some things your families can do
together even though you're miles apart. And best of all these projects
don't require a lot of time or space.

    Begin by making plans with your long-distance relatives then start
your project on the same day and compare notes throughout the season by
mail, email or phone.

    -Bird watching is fun year round. February is National Bird Feeding
Month so now is a great time to get started. It is also about time for
the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, February 16-19 (for information go
to www.birdsource.org/gbbc/). How many birds can you see in an hour? How
many different species? Johnson's carries  a good selection of feeders
and food to help you get started attracting birds to your yard. If you
get ambitious, our staff can help you pick out plant material to attract
even more birds.

    -Get some friendly competition going and have a race with a pot of
vines. Your race course can be twine attached to cup hooks on the side
of the house, a trellis or lattice. Mark the "course" by inches at the
bottom and after the first foot just mark feet. Your "contestants" can
be scarlet runner beans, small gourds, morning glories, moonflowers, or
other flowering vines. See who sprouts first, who takes off, and who
wins.

    -Each of you could plant something new or adopt a tree in your yard
or a park. What's happening with it throughout the season? Take photos.
Draw pictures. Write poems. Press a few leaves or flowers.

    Ask each other questions. Are the same plants common in your areas?
What's different? What conditions would make the plants grow
differently? Besides keeping in touch with family, the kids also develop
skills in observation and communication É and gain an appreciation for
nature.