Creating a Kid's Garden

Creating a kid's garden is an easy task. Set aside garden space, have an interesting plan, and allow the kids to help with the planting and care of the garden. Fun projects such as a tipi or quilt garden keep kids interested in the gardening process.

Bean Tipi

Creating a green bean tipi is one of the easiest garden projects for kids. Use a minimum of four bamboo poles for the frame. Position the poles so that there will be an opening to allow for kids to enter the tipi. Attach the poles together with twine.

Any pole bean is suitable for this project. Use your favorite, or for something more decorative try scarlet runner beans. Scarlet runner beans have pink to red flowers and they attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Runner beans are easy to grow and they produce tasty green beans. Plant two bean plants per pole. Train the bean plants to climb the bamboo poles. Running twine in between the poles will help train the bean plants and it offers the plants more support. Leave the "doorway" clear of twine.

Quilt Garden

A quilt garden is a great project for a kid's garden. In a 4 foot by 4 foot space, lay out a garden that looks like a quilt block. Choose a simple block such as an Ohio Star, Bear Claw, Nine Patch, or Log Cabin pattern. Let the kids look through patterns and have them pick the ones they like. Once a design is chosen, it is time to design the garden.

Prepare the garden bed for planting. Use chalk or twine to mark the block pattern. Have the kids decide which plants to put in the garden. Use different colors of flowers and foliage to create a unique quilt block. The garden can be perennial or annual or a combination of both. Use herbs for a scented garden. Plan the garden on paper first, making changes as necessary. Purchase the plants and have fun planting the garden.

Fairy Garden

A favorite of little girls, a fairy garden adds whimsy to any backyard. A small space is all that is required. Have the kids create a fairy house in the middle of the garden space. The house can be made from any durable material Add a pathway to the fairy house. Use any plant that make the kids think of fairies. Have the children plan the entire garden. Add other whimsical items like wind chimes, flags, painted rocks, and statuary to the garden. This can be a unique and imaginative place for kids to play.

Jungle

Create a jungle area for kids to play in. This is super easy project if you have the space. In a 10 foot by 10 foot area, plant 5 elephant ear plants. These grow very quickly and get very large. To add interest to the garden, plant the green and red varieties. Use fragrant mulch such a natural cedar. This has the benefit of controlling bugs. On the borders of the garden, plant ferns. Leave space for kids to roam in the jungle.

For fun, add a jungle creature or two. These can be plastic or if budget allows, use cement statuary. Paint the cement and seal it. This will give the garden structure and add interest in the winter months when the plants have died off or gone dormant. Another way to add jungle creatures is by creating animal topiaries. This requires some skill as wire frames need to be built. Create animals with chicken wire frames; fill the frame with sphagnum moss. Place plants through the chicken wire. Water very well. Hardy, fast growing plants like Boston Ivy work well.

Creating a kid's garden is a fun and exciting project for parents and kids. Projects offering kids a chance to design and care for their own space empowers them and teaches responsibility. Having an outdoor area for kids to explore offers them hours of imaginative playtime.