Green Thumb Jr.

  As a kid, I didn't get to participate in a whole lot of gardening. There were tiny seeds, sharp tools, thorny plants, and an overall lack of know how when it came to general yard work. This kept me from really getting involved. I also would get stuck doing the boring jobs like picking up sticks. How my parents still tease me about my disdain for picking up sticks to this day! Overall, one pack of seeds truly sparked my interest in the garden. I saved a pack of radish seeds that I got as a toy in my McDonald's Happy Meal. I didn't tell my parents about them and hid the radish pouch til I got a chance to plant them without my folks noticing! I planted the whole envelope next to the garage in a flower bed. I didn't have any idea what I was doing, and had long forgotten them, but come that fall there was one large red radish in a pansy patch. I was so proud!

  Always remembering that one radish I managed to sprout, I want my kids to find that same simple joy. Taking them to the local nursery and letting them pick out things they liked for the garden was a fun adventure. By simply noting a few things my sons are interested in, I was able to make the garden a more inviting and appealing place. My oldest son loves turtles and frogs, which are luckily  commonly found lawn decorations. He likes to find them placed all around the yard and give them each their own silly name.

  My husband and I also built a bamboo rod teepee in the garden.  Now there is an invitation for children to explore and play in the garden. Surrounding the bamboo rods are pole bean sprouts and snap peas to climb over the summer. The teepee also features a place for kids to dig with tools and use trucks in the dirt. Yes! That's right, DIRT! Not only does being outdoors have its health benefits, but dirt has been scientifically proven to produce serotonin and help build your immune system. I would always hear as a kid "God made dirt, so dirt don't hurt!" Now I get that.

  With more than enough room to plant in the vegetable garden I decided to make small walking paths covered in lawn clippings. This way little feet can be lead through the garden rather than trampling over plants. My youngest seems most taken with the plants and is very curious about the different color petals and blossoms. Come Fall, I think both boys will be thrilled to see big ol' pumpkins and (hopefully) sunflowers towering over head!