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

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

    Johnson's Garden Center has been here to meet the needs of area
gardeners for four generations. We also are helping grow the next
generation of gardeners by offering opportunities to help you nurture
your child's interests with educational information and fun activities.

    Since the fall of 1994, we've been mailing out newsletters just for
kids. These newsletters cover a variety of topics from flowers and trees
to bugs and birds. A word puzzle, maze or an experiment to try at home
may be included for fun. There is also information on special in-store
events or contests they can participate in; and a coupon for the child
to "spend" on a free item at the garden center. Today our Junior
Gardeners' Club membership consists of almost 300 teenagers, just over
100 pre-schoolers and close to 1,000 boys and girls ages 5-12. Is your
junior gardener signed up?

    One of the really fun things we look forward to every year is the
Garden Party at Botanica. We'll be there from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on
Friday, May 17th with balloons and plants. The Botanica volunteers will
help the kids pot a flower from Johnson's to take home. It's amusing to
see how some kids just can't bring themselves to stick their hands in
the potting mix and others É well, the dirtier the better. Take
advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a stroll through the beautiful
gardens with your child. Look for new ideas for your own garden and be
sure to stop and say "hi" to us.

"Grow a Great Pumpkin" Contest

    Which Junior Gardener will grow the biggest pumpkin this year? Maybe
it will be YOU! Parents and Junior Gardeners, look for the FREE pumpkin
seed coupon in the upcoming Junior Gardeners' Club newsletter. Plant the
pumpkin seeds in mid-May to mid-June. Then between Sept. 23 and Oct. 20,
bring in your pumpkin to be officially weighed at one of our three
locations. The Junior Gardener who grows the biggest pumpkin wins a $25
Gift Certificate from Johnson's! Last year's winner, Kaleigh Barnes,
grew a pumpkin that was 8.26 lbs. and 27.5"! Congratulations again,
Kaleigh. Be looking for the FREE pumpkin seed coupon and more contest
information.