the gift of Gardening (for those who don’t care about gardening)
We have been out in the “country” for 2.5 years already…and have FINALLY bought a house (we have been in a rental and trying to find the right one for just as long). I am looking forward to many things about being back in our own place, but none more than designing my own garden. I love the calm and grounding that comes for getting dirty, and watching things grow and change equally as much as I love having fresh produce and bright colors right outside the door. So far, no matter how much I tell them gardening is great, my kids and husband are not as engaged in the process as I am (or at all).
I googled everything from “how to get kids excited about gardening” to “what to grow with your kids” and YAWN!! The suggestions were so boring. There is not a chance on earth that my 12 year old sport-lover cares about growing carrots or zucchini.
So here is my plan…I have done some research and found some incredibly unique, fun, easy and bit odd plants that would make great stocking stuffers to have your kids curious and engaged in gardening and growing.
Sensitive Plant ~ Mimosa Pudica: this plant is fascinating for all ages…IT MOVES!! It has receptor cells that tell it when something touches it, and as a response it closes its leaves and lowers it branches. Watch it move and learn about how to care for it here. We have from see before. It’s easy!
Chinese Python Snake Been Freak your neighbors out by growing your very own python! (You can learn a little about this neat gigantic edible bean here). I have no idea if it’s tasty but we are going to give it a go!
Cucamelon (Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber): This weird veggie/fruit is, as you can guess, like a cross between a cucumber and a melon. We have never grown them before but I hear that they are both weird and delicious!
Coral Amaranthus: This orangy pink flower looks like Bob Marley, or a deliciously colorful head of dread locks anyways. My daughter is going to think this one is really cool. We might even put it into one of the ultra-popular head and face planters just to finish off the look. There is even a type of Amaranthus that looks like it is flipping off the camera…if your kids are old enough to think that is funny. The finger flipping on is called Elephant Amaranthus (I won’t link a seed seller for this one, because I have not ordered it myself).
Hot Peppers: My husband is a hot pepper lover and he told me he would try gardening if he could grow something in the hot pepper world. SOLD! His stocking will contain:
“Craig’s Grande Jalapeno” (Not kidding that’s what it’s actually called…but it’s a mild one, so try this one if you want a hot one)
”Italian Pepperoncini” ~ Just think Quiznos Subs.“Anaheim Pepper” ~ A medium spicy pepper that is a prolific producer.
Happy Gardening.
xo~Q