Kids in the garden By AMANDA TURNER W


hat better place to enjoy the season of new beginnings than in the garden. Whether you are looking to


get dirty with your toddler or your tween, the garden has something for everyone.


Getting started Tailor the garden experience to the


child’s age and interests — some may be into making mud pies or digging for worms, while others may be ready to plant rows of vegetables or design a flower bed. Having a theme garden is one way to


get your child excited about planning the garden. Maybe a pizza garden with fresh ingredients planted in a wedge shape, a crooked wacky garden, a butterfly gar- den, or an alphabet garden with plants from alyssum to zinnia. See what your child’s imagination can come up with. Bring your child with you to the store or nursery to choose the seeds or seedlings.The more involved they are from the start the more ownership of the garden they will feel. This will keep them coming out all season long.


or geraniums. Kids are drawn to things that are little or big – think Tiny Tim tomatoes or giant pumpkins.


Gardens will draw anyone out if they are full of things bright and colourful – think purple carrots, rainbow chard, or marigolds. Include garden ornaments or make your own. A rainy day craft could in- clude painting a picture of each vegetable or flower on rocks to mark your rows. Make sure you use oil-based paint, as water-based will wash off in the rain.


Keeping them interested


Whether you are looking to get dirty with your toddler or your tween, the garden has something for everyone.


Selecting your garden items


Have bright child-size tools that are special and just for them to use. Choose flowers or vegetables that are easy to grow. If you are choosing seeds, choose big ones that easily germinate – peas, beans, sunflowers, or nasturtium. Or choose seedlings that are already started, like cucumbers, peppers


Haircuts at a very comfortable price.


Annual flowers, like zinnias, cosmos, and salvia produce flowers often, so they can be picked and made into bouquets all season long.You may want to include edi- ble plants and flowers that can be touched, smelled,and tasted.This makes it a truly interactive experience. Even those who feel they don’t have enough space, time or attention can enjoy con- tainer gardening. Strawberries, radishes, herbs, even squash do very well in a pot with enough soil, sun, and water. Have fun! Make sure kids are comfort-


able (don’t be out in the heat of the day) and remember that watering is always more fun than weeding.


VERNON Shops at


Polson Park 2306 Highway 6 (Across from Cooper’s Foods)


250-503-1229


Forover30 years we’ve been the best value in haircuts. Just walk in to any of our 3000 salons today and you’ll see why there’s no better time than now, to give us a try. greatclips.com


OFFER EXPIRES MAY 25, 2012


Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Good only at Orchard Plaza & Shops at Polson Park.


OFFER EXPIRES MAY 25, 2012


Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Good only at Orchard Plaza & Shops at Polson Park.


KELOWNA Orchard Plaza 1876 Cooper Road (Next to


Save-On Foods) ADULT CUT $ 12.99 ADULT CUT $ A Great Haircut. Guaranteed. 12.99 250-763-1229


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20