There is something about digging in the dirt that brings us back to childhood. It is a reminder of the simpler days when spending time in the sunshine was all that was on our minds. Involving children in the garden has several benefits beyond making the outdoors a more beautiful space.
Foster creativity
Make children part of the adventure in gardening by including them on a visit to a local nursery. A simple shopping trip can be used to foster their creativity and make them think beyond simple colors. Pointing out the differences in plant varieties such as unique foliage textures or which plants attract butterflies or hummingbirds can make it a more memorable experience. Choose plants together and help to coordinate varieties for a fun project to do at home.
Fun Exercise
Children don’t think of gardening as exercise but the simple act can help to improve mobility and flexibility. Try getting the kids involved with helping to dig holes, pulling pesky weeds or carrying small loads of soil and mulch. Keeping them moving in the garden allows them to stay active while having a fun time doing it.
Sense of Accomplishment
Completing a garden project from start to finish gives kids a unique sense of accomplishment. Try planting a container garden by using a re-blooming shrub such as Mini Penny Hydrangea as the highlight in the pot. Include other plants such as ivy, begonias or creeping jenny to fill up spaces and grow over the side of the container. Children can help to take care of the plant by watering and making sure it gets what it needs. As they see the container flourish, they can take pride in knowing they pulled it all together.
Healthy Benefits
Growing our own vegetables and fruits is a great way to provide healthy food for the family. When children invest time in the garden, they learn where food comes from and get satisfaction in trying what they have created. Planting edible shrubs such as Blue Suede Blueberry gives kids a chance to see how the fruit is formed. Nothing beats picking ripe berries in the summer for a healthy snack or sweet treat for dessert.
Priceless Family Time
You can’t put a price on spending quality time together. Studies have shown that doing family activities outside organized sports will create stronger emotional bonds and better communication with children. What better way to spend time together than enjoying the fresh outdoor air and creating a garden project that lasts.
Get the kids outside and create memories that will last a lifetime. It is an activity that can become a lifelong passion that links generations together.
For more gardening inspiration and project ideas, visit http://gardenersconfidence.com/get-inspired/project-ideas/
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