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

Gardening with Kids
March/April 2001
Jan Decker, Junior Gardeners' Club Coordinator

    Justin's favorite landscape feature is holes. Since the day he
discovered a small shovel in our garage, he decided that we don't have
enough holes in our yard and that it is his responsibility to remedy
that problem. Finding an inconspicuous spot where holes wouldn't
irritate grandpa was a challenge, so usually the request to excavate was
denied. But last fall we quit saying no and showed him some boundaries
where he could have the freedom to dig to his five-year-old heart's
content.

    This change of attitude came about when we decided it was time to
get rid of some overgrown trees and shrubs around the house and let
Johnson's landscape department give us a fresh, new, up-to-date look.
So, before the job started, Justin came over, got his gardening gloves
out of the cabinet, got his shovel out of the garage, and went to "work"
in the yard. During this time we also introduced him to a pruning saw.

    You're probably wondering how smart it is to encourage a child to
dig up the yard and cut down trees. I'll admit we had some second
thoughts about whether we made the right choiceÉ maybe the landscaping
should have waited until all of the grandchildren are grown.

    So, looking back, was it a wise thing to do? You bet! Long after
Justin outgrows the excitement of discovering worms in the soil, I'll
cherish the memory of watching out the window as he showed his daddy
everything he accomplished, "all by myself." In these early years kids
need a chance to explore, to get dirty, and to make messes. The next
step may be the desire to grow something in the holes.