Children who like to care for plants do well with those that need lots of water and attention, such as ferns and shamrocks, whose leaves close up at night. Touchable plants such as baby's tears are also great for kids because they are soft and "pet-able," while cacti and other succulents are not as inviting to little hands and their upkeep demands much less effort. Carnivorous plants such as the Venus fly trap fascinate children, but these plants must be fed and not touched in order to thrive.
Here are some creative ways to use plants to decorate children's rooms:
- Create a fun, jungle look by attaching Velcro tabs to the hands of a stuffed animal, such as a monkey, and fastening the hands together around a thick stalk like that from a corn plant.
- Let children exercise their creativity by embellishing clay pots with fabric paint or top-dressing a pot with Easter grass instead of Spanish moss.
- Children enjoy watching plants grow, so try "forcing" bulbs in clear glass containers so the roots are visible. Indoor bulbs are generally available from August to January.
- Allow your children to make and maintain terrariums in glass jars and canisters, first creating a sand painting for the bottom layer. The sand, which will be dark when watered and light when dry, can help the child see when water needs to be added. Be sure that the top of the terrarium is removed about once a week to provide the plants with oxygen.
Resources miscellaneous plants and water garden accessories
John Deere
Website:
www.deere.com
Website:
www.johndeerelandscapes.com Guests Lark Foster
Garden Author, Radio Talk Show Host, Personal Garden Designer/Consultant, Egardenregistry.com
7344 S. Harpeth Rd.
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-799-9385
Toll Free Phone: 888-456-5275 (LARK)
Fax: 615-799-2510
Email:
gardeninglark@aol.com
URL:
www.LarkFoster.com
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