|
by: Patricia B. Jensen
This project is a truly unique kids party activity,
combining fun, fantasy, and learning. Kids love getting their hands dirty and
learning how things grow. They will also love the idea of making a magical garden
place for a fairy to live.
A miniature garden takes little space and can rest
on a tabletop. Maintenance requires only a light misting from time
to time and watching for fairies to come to call. Just kidding about that last
part, but you never know...
Start by collecting various containers such as woven baskets,
large shallow bowls or deep dish clay saucers (like a birdbath), or even discarded
bureau drawers. Check yard sales for innovative ideas and inexpensive materials.
Next, supply potting soil and a selection of small plants that
will reach under a foot when fully grown. Dwarf zinnias, marigolds, violets,
ivy, baby's tears and sprigs of vinca are all good choices.
There are many types of mosses that will work nicely too, fitting
into corners and small areas easily to add texture and interest.
A variety of low-growing herbs such as thyme and rosemary lend aroma to the
mix as well.
Start by lining your garden container with heavy duty plastic,
fill to within an inch of the top with potting soil then kids are ready to landscape
the top. Let them choose their favorite diminutive plants, interspersing them
with various materials to add charm and character to the fairy garden.
For example, turn a colorful plant pot on its side and submerge
it halfway in the soil to serve as a proper fairy dwelling. Add dollhouse sized
furniture to set in the garden, popsicle sticks to construct a fairy fence,
or small flat rocks to make a wonderful stepping stone path.
A small mirror symbolizing water making a faux gazing pool.
The round flat glass beads used in vases make nice accent pieces too. Tiny garden
accessories like terra cotta pots and shovels give your garden a "lived-in"
look.
Fairy gardens needn't be for little girls only. Boys
can make a miniature dinosaur den using many of the same materials.
Herbs, moss and other green plants can make a forest or wooded area in which
small plastic dinosaurs return from extinction to live another day. Soil mounded
to one side forms a volcano, spilling red aquarium stone lava.
A construction site garden is another option for boys. Tiny
rocks, stick logs, and craft stick lumber can be stacked up waiting for the
big rigs to move them. Small toy bulldozers and cranes can be scattered about,
among the plantings.
These whimsical gardens can go wherever your child's
imagination takes them. You provide the materials, they supply the
ideas and creativity. Planting and maintaining a miniature garden teaches kids
about plants, caring for living things, and most all the fun of gardening.
Other articles you may find interesting:
Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast.
She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com -
a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations,
games, costumes, favors, and food. For all the latest party news, read her
Kids Party Blog. kids-party-paradise.com
*The
articles published on this site undergo our review process. We found the information
in this article to be very useful and informative. The source website
does not necessarily reflect our website. We have linked to them for your information
only.
|
