Most small kids love getting dirty and parents don't usually mind if the kids are wearing suitable clothing, especially if useful jobs are done. I've been listening to some catchy songs from the TV series of Dirtgirl which is a program that helps kids learn about the environment and encourages them to go outdoors for all kinds of activities. There is an emphasis on the three R's - reduce, reuse and recycle. The garden is certainly an excellent place to practise these important principles. We can plant in recycled pots, cans, old barrows, even old boots. We can reduce rubbish by composting, using a worm farm and feeding scraps to hens. We can pack food in reusable, washable containers to enjoy eating in the garden or away somewhere. This week we had wonderful rain and that is followed by brisk, but sunny weather, an ideal time to go out to dig, plant, rake up, make mudpies, decorate a tree, play running games or just to search around to see what creatures are active in the garden or what is hiding under stones or rocks. The Children will enjoy helping with these jobs and especially planting bulbs in pots for their own special project.-

Tags: gardening