Now is the best
time of year to go outside and let your child get back in touch with
nature. One of the most delightful ways we can think of, is to plant a
garden. Some parents might hesitate to take on the
responsibility of a garden, whiles others may think they don't have a
green thumb, but here a few things to consider:
* You don't
need to have a large garden...just start with a small plot and a few
plants. What may seem small to you might seem a lot bigger to a child!
* If you don't want to dig up a portion of your lawn, consider
container gardening. Although you must water your plants regularly, they
will get fewer weeds in containers, look beautiful, and can be moved
around if desired.
* Planting a garden gives your child the
opportunity to get fresh air and exercise. It is a fabulous way to spend
quality time with your child, is a great learning opportunity, and
encourages environmental awareness.
*By
growing your own fruits and vegetables, you are providing healthy food
for your family. Picky eaters might even be willing to taste food
they've grown themselves!
Don't
forget to keep your child involved in the process. Visit your local
garden center together to select flowers, fruit and vegetable plants; or
some of each. Also consider borrowing seeds from the Library's Seed Lending Library. Some easy-to-grow options include:
- Sunflowers
- Marigolds
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Peas
Once
the plants are in containers or the ground, give your child the
responsibility of caring for them by having them weed and water
regularly. Your child will have a sense of pride and accomplishment as
they watch their plants grow! And don't forget to stop into your library
to get a book to help you along the way. Here are a few great choices
to get you started:
- How to Grow Perennial Vegetables by Martin Crawford
- Flower Gardening by Julie Bawden-Davis
- Gardening With Children by Beth Richardson
- Month by Month Gardening in New York by Andre Viette
- Natural Gardening in Small Spaces by Noel Kingsbury
- Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy
- Fine Gardening Magazine
- Organic Gardening Magazine
You may place a hold on these titles, or look for additional books on this topic by clicking
here. You may get additional ideas by using our
Pinterest boards.
First designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, this month
celebrates ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by 90%
of the nation's population. Listed below are some recommended books for
your reading (and cooking) pleasure.
Back by popular demand...Book Bingo for Adults, a summer reading challenge!
June is Great Outdoors Month...a
perfect time to pack your bags, grab your hiking shoes, and tell the
family it's time for a vacation! Where can you find some of the best
places to visit? Our National Parks! Did you know that The National Park Service
turns 100 on August 25, 2016? Mountains, lakes, rivers and waterfalls
are just a few of the many treasures that await you and your
family. Adventure is yours to enjoy - from the tropical wilderness of
the Everglades to the magnificent redwood trees of Yosemite. To find a
listing of all of the National Parks, click 
