Gardens for Kids

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-902 -- More Projects »
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A fairy perched on a pot makes this tabletop garden perfect for children--or anyone who doesn’t have the time or space for an outdoor garden.
Gardening expert Rosemary McCreary demonstrates how to create a simple tabletop garden for children. It even eliminates dirt and grows all year long.

Materials:

large clear glass bowl with high sides such as a fish bowl or Plexiglas aquarium
aquarium gravel
gravel foam (from a pet store) for a white layer (optional)
aquarium (water plants) of choice
long-handled wooden spoon
small clay pot
whimsical figure
hot glue and glue gun
funnel or newspaper
watering can
small decorative toy or figure

Steps:


  1. Fill the bottom third of the bowl with gravel, finishing with a top layer of white, if desired.

  2. Gently insert plants in different spots, using the spoon to create a hole for the plants' roots.

  3. Set a small clay pot upside down on the rocks close to the glass.

  4. Position a figure on top of the pot, hot gluing it for greater security.
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Figure A
  • If areas need to be filled in with extra gravel after everything is in place, use a funnel or make a cone from newspaper (figure A) and pour gravel through it.

  • Add water gently with a watering can until it reaches the top of the gravel. When the water level drops to halfway down the gravel, water again.

  • Let children select a favorite small toy or figure to add to the finished garden that will personalize it.

    Tips

    • PHOTO

    Figure B

    • Use aquarium plants (water plants) that come potted in foam that protects the roots and keep the plant from growing too large (figure B). Leave the foam around the roots when planting.

    • If the plant is packaged in dirt, remove all the dirt down to the bare root before setting in the garden. If the roots are long, snip them back to about two inches.
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-902
    •Gardens for Kids
    •Multipurpose Makeup
    •Doghouse Decoration
    •Smart Solution of the Day