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

Gardening with Kids
July 2002
Jan Decker, Junior Gardeners' Club Coordinator

    At some point in time we have all probably pressed flowers or leaves
between newspapers and books. Some of you may have even made a more
elaborate press out of heavy cardboard or wood to preserve nature's
handiwork, so you know how awesome the pressed beauties are. Now you can
help your child preserve some of the fruits of their labor with a new
mini press from Johnson's. We've just added this neat little gadget to
our assortment of kids' gardening items. It's made of wood, so it won't
break, and comes with dividers and papers to press several layers at a
time and is equipped with screws to tighten everything in place. And, it
is only $2.98!

    Small, thin flowers, leaves or grass work best. Be sure there are no
curled edges. Leave for several days. When they are thoroughly dry,
you're ready for some more fun. The kids can design cards, bookmarks,
note paper, placemats É whatever their imaginations come up with. They
simply arrange their pressed plant materials on paper and cover with
clear contact paper. Pretty cheap entertainment.

    If your child is more interested in things that crawl and fly,
Johnson's has a variety of nets, Bug Bungalows, Activity Jars and
magnifying jars that allow for a close inspection of the bug world. No,
these captives do not go in the flower press. They should be allowed to
return home to tell their family and friends what fun it was playing
with your child all day.