Succulents in Clam Shells
Succulents are those interesting plants that retain water in their
fat leaves and come in all shapes and sizes. They are the hens
and chicks, the sedums and the sempervivums that look like
green roses. These plants, especially when grouped together,
make truly lovely arrangements. The fun part is they can grow in
minimal soil and are perfect for a kid project. Take a large shell
(or other interesting container) and drill several small holes in
the bottom for drainage. Then, place a layer of wet sphagnum
moss in the bottom. Top with potting soil and then add several
succulent plants close together. These make nice gifts or just
place them in a spot where you and your children can enjoy
them throughout the year.
www.simplysucculents.com
You can spark your family’s interest in the great out of doors
with these and similar gardening projects. For more fun projects
to do together see www.kidsgardening.org.
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a freelance writer specializing in
education, parenting and family life articles. She is the author of
Homegrown Readers: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Learn to
Read available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
GREAT
INTRODUCTORY
GARDENING
BOOKS FOR KIDS
Garden to Table: A Kids’ Guide to
Planting, Growing and Preparing Food
by Katherine Hengel.
Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun
Experiments to Grow, Harvest and Enjoy
Your Garden by Renata Fossen Brown.
Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots:
Gardening Together with Kids by
Sharon Lovejoy.
Square Foot Gardening with Kids by
Mel Bartholomew.
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