Children have a natural tendency to put things in their mouths, so to keep them safe this will be an organic garden. Organic gardens are friendly to people, plants and the environment because they use no pesticides. When it's time to choose plants for the garden, take the kids with you to the garden center and allow them to choose the plants that will fill their garden. The planting materials used for this garden are suited to a southwestern climate. Check you local nurseries, garden centers and the DIYnet.com website for plants suitable for your climate zone.
- Powdered chalk is again used to draw planting beds.
- Bender board is used to separate the beds from the lawn area. Available in a variety of widths and colors, plastic bender board can be cut with a saw and will not break, split or rot. To install, dig a trench about 4" deep and insert the board, leaving 1" of board aboveground. Using a drill, attach the board to stakes as needed to ensure desired form shape (figure A). Refill trench with dirt.
- Till soil beds, if needed, and work in organic matter to a depth of 6" (figure B).
The following trees and plants are used:- Fruiting pomegranate(Punica Granatum 'Wonderful') (figure C), a fruiting-bearing tree.
- Kadota fig(Ficus Carica 'Kadota').
- Pineapple guava (Feijoa Sellowiana (Acca Sellowiana)) (figure D).
- Lipstick strawberry plant (Fragaria X 'Lipstick') (figure E), which produces edible fruit.
Yellow marigold (Calendula Officinalis 'Lemon Queen') (figure F). The scent of marigolds acts as a natural pesticide to many insects. To keep them continually flowering, pinch off dead blooms.Variegated leaf thyme(Thymus X Citriodorus Aureus) (figure G).Spanish lavender(Lavandula Stoechas 'Hazel' P.P.A.F.) (figure H).
Dianthus(Dianthus) (figure I).Dwarf myrtle ( Myrtus Communis 'Compacta') (figure J).Green beans, carrots, and radishes are planted from seed. Pinwheel sticks are run through the seed packets and used as row markers (figure K).Mulch is added to the beds to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
RESOURCES :
Child's Outdoor Playhouse
Basic model with Dutch door
Dimensions: 5'9"W x 8'L x 6'9"H
Approximate cost: $1,185.00
KinderHomes
DBA - EZ Systems
PO Box 1835
Oregon City, OR 97045
Toll-free phone: 800-501-2737
Toll-free fax: 800-501-2129
E-mail: info@kinderhomes.com
Website: www.kinderhomes.com
GUESTS :
Sharon Lovejoy
PO Box 629
Cambria, CA 92428-0629
Phone: 805-927-1224
Email: Sharon@sharonlovejoy.com
Website: www.sharonlovejoy.com
Author
Nan Sterman
Email: nsterman@plantsoup.com
Garden Writer & Teacher
Sherman Sylvan
Encino, CA 91316 E-mail: smsylvan@aol.com
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