Home » Partners & Parents » Gardening with Children » Holiday Gardening, HO HO HO!

Holiday Gardening, HO HO HO!

© Linda Mazar

The December holiday season is a wonderful time to involve your children in holiday gardening. There are both outdoor and indoor garden projects to consider. Remember to be creative and remember to garden together. So what will your family do to create beautiful holiday gardens?

The Outdoor Holiday Garden

Consider what you can do to make your garden attractive and fun for your kids. Involve them in your plans, but be certain to discuss some limits as to what you are willing to do. Involve them in the actual decorating as well. Think about the options available. There are plastic statues, lights on metal forms, lights for trees and bushes, wreathes, ribbon, etc. Will you do the full scale "include-everything showcase" option? Will you use all natural materials to create decorations for the birds and other wildlife to eat? Maybe you prefer to just put up a few lights on the shrubs beside your front entrance? Or will you tie ribbons on purchased spruce tips? What are your ideas and what are the kids' suggestions?

Some things to consider are your climate, the level of commitment of all involved, and your kids' desires. If you live in a temperate area, weather is often not a major factor in determining what to do. If you live in the colder zones, it can be a real challenge to do much, but it is possible. Remember that whatever you display may require that light bulbs changed or straightening. Consider what you are setting yourself up for and determine your course accordingly.

Think about what is workable for your family and time schedule. Be fun, but be realistic. Have your kids help pick out (or make) something you believe will work for your family's holiday home/garden. Give direction and limit choices when necessary. However, let the kids make some of the choices in this matter. They need to know their opinions and desires are considered. Have them help in the decorating process as well, if at all possible. This lets them "own" it and be proud of the decorations they have helped with.

The Indoor Holiday Garden

Another way to garden during the holidays is the indoor bulb garden. These are a great experience for kids of all ages. You may find bulbs for forcing at many stores this time of year. This is a fun and educational project for the whole family. It also makes a perfect gift for the little gardeners on your list.

The copyright of the article Holiday Gardening, HO HO HO! in Gardening with Children is owned by Linda Mazar. Permission to republish Holiday Gardening, HO HO HO! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.