
As thoughts turn to summer, we look forward to having our kids and grandkids come to Mamaw and Papaw’s house for extended visits.
We are blessed with three grandkids: two boys, one a teen, one preteen, and a little girl of four. Extended visits are a delight for us, but occasionally the threat of boredom rears its ugly head.
While we do have a pool, prune fingers kick in, and the kids want to do other things.
We have found that bringing the grandkids into little landscaping and gardening projects is a great way to not only pass the time but encourage them to (gasp) maybe learn something.
First, we “assign an area” to each of the three.
So many different scenarios may be included in their spaces: Landscaping, plantings of flowers or vegetables, a small play area, or even a place to display original artwork.
Our yard is full of different kinds of rocks that we have collected over the years. I love to include a little lesson in geology as we discuss the differences in the appearance of the rocks. (I’m a geologist by training.)
We have even gone on “Rock Hound Expeditions” in the local area, where they can collect new specimens for display.
Plants make up a large part of the total “design your space” project. We encourage the kids to use plants both in pots or containers as well as plantings in the ground itself. A trip to the local store always yields hearty annuals for very reasonable prices.
Favorite colors now appear as choices are made. Couched within this task comes the inevitable lesson in plant growth requirements.
Plus what is more fun than getting your hands dirty?
I urge them to also consider a few stalks of corn, and a watermelon vine is easy to control. What a thrill it becomes when we have that late summer meal with their contributions on the table!
Original artwork can be as simple as painting a store acquired concrete statue, or as complicated as letting the kids make their own sculpture with a bag of ready-mixed concrete. Let them come up with a project.
Another benefit of this activity is that each summer produces a brand new adventure, in a totally new area. Starting from scratch, the kids, while having fun, also are developing a love of nature.