Hi Laura - I manage 4 community gardens and in each one I left a bed as a children's garden. The space is available for children to dig, decorate, plant, pull up plants to examine roots, cut flowers, water, or do whatever interest them. Sometimes kids try to plant dead plants from the compost bin or build a little home for a gnome.
I place children's tools, little watering cans, gnomes, painted rocks, shells…an assortment of items in the gardens. Others are welcome to contribute and of course things do wander off or get broken, no big deal. We replace whenever we can.
This is also where I plant mints for members to harvest as desired, toss extra bulbs or flower seeds, plant strawberry footings, etc. Anything that is safe to pick and smell and nibble.
So far the beds have been a hit! Adults have appreciated that kids have a space to explore and dig where they can't damage a desired plant.
I hadn't thought of burying things…definitely going to consider that. I have seen how much kids have enjoyed finding little treasures tucked into the mint and strawberries.
for maintenance - there really isn't any. Occasionally I pick up a kids tool from an aisle and return it or cut back/dig out flowered mint. I am really glad we have these spaces. Just make sure to create vivid signs to indicate what they are for!
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Aerin Brownlee
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-23-2021 01:51:25 PM
From: Laura T
Subject: Digging Gardens
Hi gardeners,
Some of you have mentioned digging gardens for your younger gardeners. I'd like to add a digging garden to my community garden and would love to hear more about what you place in your gardens, how you care for it, and possibly see some photos. Thank you in advance for your help. This sounds like something younger gardeners would love. Thanks again, Laura
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Lpt Trenty
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