For many families working in the garden together can help to make that connection with the natural world.  Today’s youth seem more at home sitting in front of a computer or playing a video game and often spend the vast majority of their time there.  How often do you hear kids telling stories of building a fort, or going down to the creek to play in the water or to fish?

I think the youth are not getting involved with nature, not because they do not want to, but because today’s technical lifestyle just does not give them many opportunities to do so. Youth have a curiosity about nature and it is part of their learning experiences. As parents and adults, how often do we help them to explore nature? Sometimes, in today’s world, we hesitate from fear about their safety.

Gardening is a way to encourage children to learn about nature and how things grow. Just having the kids pull weeds is not the way to encourage them to learn. Start at the beginning of the growing process by having them help you prepare the beds, plant the seeds and potted plants.  I have found that using potted plants works the best with the kids. They get to plant them and see the results of their work and not have to wait for the seed to grow.  The kids then enjoy watching the plants that they planted into the ground themselves grow. If you have the room, you could even give them a small area to plant as their own garden.

Take them out with you as you check on the progress of what you and your children have planted. This helps them to feel they are a part of the growing process and to take ownership with you for the garden. As you work together in the garden, you will be listening to them tell you their stories.  And it is a time for you to pass on your own stories and knowledge to them.

Time spent working in the garden together will be remembered for a lifetime, unlike the highest score gotten on a video game. Have fun together and love each other.

Click here to watch a video about kids and gardening.

American Goldfinch

You can enjoy bright yellow goldfinches’ by putting out fresh nyjer thistle.  Finches like to feed in flocks, so have plenty of feeder space available for them. I have a friend who tells me that almost every time he looks out, nearly all 24 feeding slots on his Finches Favorite 3 Tube Copper Bird Feeder are full of Goldfinches.  The same is true for my 36” Yellow Spiral Finch Tube Feeder. Another less expensive way to feed more Finches while they’re brightly colored is to put out several of our inexpensive Songbird Essentials thistle socks. Go for the Gold “Finches” and enjoy the show.

Saturday May 8th is International Migratory Bird Day.  It is celebrated in Canada, the United States, Mexico,

Photo by Uttar Pradesh

the Caribbean and Central and South America. IMBD celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important events in North and South America – bird migration.

IMBD was begun by the staff of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. The first event was held at the National Zoo in Washington, DC in 1993. The aviary experts at the Smithsonian figured they would bring attention to the plight of migratory birds and give the public the opportunity to learn about migratory species, the threats facing them and ways to help in their conservation.

Events to celebrate migratory birds are held thought out the United States and Canada during the month of May. To find an event near you, check out the interactive map at BirdDay.org. According to the BirdLifeInternational, nearly 200 species of birds are currently considered critically endangered. Nearly 80% of migratory birds species are affected by by two key pressures: Agriculture, which can result in habitat destruction, and biological resource use, the umbrella under which falls threats like deforestation and environmentally unsustainable hunting practices.  You can learn more at Birdday.org.

We recently made a trip to St George, Utah where we had a family member hospitalized for nearly two months. The difference between the lush green we are used to here in the Puget Sound of Washington State and the desert of the Southwest at first just over whelms our senses. At the Intermountain Dixie Regional Medical Center, River Road Campus has some very interesting landscaping that took very little water to maintain. They also had some art designs made with colored stones that where very attractive. The photos on this post where take at the medical campus and might be of interest to for some landscaping ideas.

Next weekend will be Mother’s Day on May 9th. Here are a few ideas for your mothers who are enthusiastic gardeners!

Mix plating of culinary herbs: This is a simple project and makes a wonderful gift for any gardener who likes fresh herbs for the kitchen. Just pick a nice an attractive ceramic pot and fill it with good potting soil, and then plant four 4″ potted herbs.  Creeping herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano will cascade from the top of the pot. Plant some upright herbs like parsley, sage and chives in the center of the pot. Tie a bow around around the top of the pot, and a Mother’s Day card and you have a thoughtful gift.

Assemble a European basket: Find a nice woven basket with a handle. Place inside of it potted flowering herbs and some attractive flowering plants. Add some packets of seeds, a hand trowel and some gardening gloves and a card. Tie a ribbon to the handle and you have another beautiful homemade gift.

Hanging Flower Basket: A hanging basket of flowers also is a great gift item. You can make it yourself or buy one from your local nursery.  Tie a ribbon to it and add a card.

Wish all of you Mothers a happy Mother’s Day.