HOW TO GARDEN AS A FAMILY

HOW TO GARDEN AS A FAMILY
Helpful hints
Find your common interests. Dorothy Smith, Judy Schuck and Sherra Schuck all have a love of perennials.
Have a plan. Concentrate on one project, such as a water feature, at a time.
Run new ideas past one another. Judy Schuck and Sherra Schuck consult with each other on what they like, new ideas they have, what they've seen at the local nursery. Because the garden is in Dorothy Smith's yard, she signs off on everything.
Balance the experience of longtime gardeners with enthusiasm of newbies. Be realistic about what will and will not grow successfully in a family garden.
Get the kids involved. Make playing in the dirt not only fun but educational.
GETTING KIDS INVOLVED
Start them young. Take them into the garden with you. Let them dig holes, place bulbs, back fill with soil.
Let them get dirty. To encourage them, let them know that they're allowed to play in the dirt, that there's a purpose to it.
Make it a learning experience. For example, teach parts of the plant.
Allow it to be fun. Treat it as a hobby rather than a chore.
Source: Knight Ridder Newspapers