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Garden Time

Submitted by sarahp on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 00:41

By:

NGA Staff

How can you tell time in the garden without using a watch? Check and see what’s blooming!

Flowers have amazing adaptations to attract pollinators. Their scent, colors, and shapes have evolved to draw these vital critters towards them, since in the process of collecting nectar, they also move pollen from flower to flower to ensure seed production and distribution.

Mother’s Day Seed Balls

Submitted by sarahp on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 00:29

By:

Sarah Pounders

Right Side Box:

Seed balls were used in ancient times but rediscovered in the 1900’s as a way to introduce vegetation on a large scale to uncultivated land such as areas devastated by fire or floods. They are also being used as part of the Guerilla Gardening movement as a way to beautify vacant lots and urban common areas.

The clay keeps the seeds from blowing or washing away, and protects them from hungry critters. It also keeps the seeds from sprouting until adequate water is available. The compost or potting soil adds a bit of nutrients to help give them a jump start.

Download instructions for making Seed Balls.

Finding a special, inexpensive gift for students to create for Mother’s Day is a challenge faced by many educators each year. Both gardening and non-gardening teachers frequently turn to plants for inspiration with popular projects like marigolds planted in small cups and paper flowers. This year, we have a way to move beyond the more traditional ideas by making trendy seed balls!

A Pirate’s Garden

Submitted by sarahp on Sat, 03/30/2013 - 00:18

By:

Sarah Pounders

Ahoy Matey! Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to capture a child’s attention outdoors? Dare to walk the plank and plant a Pirate’s Garden!

We love themed plantings as much as any kid, so when educator Carrie Ann Smith shared the idea of a Pirate’s Garden with us, we just had to pass it along. Here are some elements to include so that even the most reluctant swashbuckler will come running to the garden:

Extra Special Eggs

Submitted by sarahp on Mon, 02/25/2013 - 01:23

By:

Sarah Pounders

This spring, try using natural dyes to decorate your Easter Eggs.

Growing a Garden Companion

Submitted by sarahp on Mon, 01/28/2013 - 02:27

By:

Sarah Pounders

I knew it was time to step up our family’s gardening efforts when my 4-year-old informed me she needed new gardening gloves because hers had dirt on them. Yikes, how did this happen?

Winter Creativity

Submitted by sarahp on Sat, 12/29/2012 - 01:29

By:

Marci Birkes

Want to put a new spin on your family’s backyard winter fun? Sparking far more creativity than the typical snowman (although I’ve seen a few highly creative snowmen in my day) introduce your family to the work of sculpture and photography artist Andy Goldsworthy.

Blooming Gifts

Submitted by sarahp on Fri, 11/30/2012 - 01:39

By:

Sarah Pounders

Blooming plants make wonderful gifts for special occasions. They add to the festive atmosphere of any event and when the blooms begin to fade, they can be enjoyed for their foliage or composted.

Amaryllis for the Holidays

Submitted by sarahp on Mon, 10/29/2012 - 00:17

By:

Sarah Pounders

Potted amaryllis bulbs make wonderful holiday gifts for family and friends. Planting them and then watching them grow also makes for a fun activity to do with your children. Their beautiful blooms add to holiday décor and last longer than cut flowers. They are fairly inexpensive (although you may find some of the more unique varieties are offered at a premium price) and the only supplies you need are bulbs, soil and pots.

Please Pass the Pumpkin Seeds

Submitted by sarahp on Sun, 09/30/2012 - 17:30

By:

Sarah Pounders

It’s pumpkin time again! Although it is the eye catching, orange fruit of the pumpkin plant that receives the honor of being the hallowed symbol of season, the seeds deserve some glory too. Think twice before you toss those pumpkin guts this year. Pumpkin seeds are tasty little packages full of vitamins and minerals offering numerous health benefits.

Preservation Techniques

Submitted by RoseJM on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 14:53

Freezing Sweet Corn

By:

Rose Judd-Murray

Right Side Box:

For more information about preservation techniques and recipes visit these recommended websites:

September is a critical month for harvesting fruits and vegetables—at the peak of their taste and ripeness. One of the most important decisions is how quickly do you want to eat your produce? Many gardeners choose to eat in season, while others choose to preserve some of it for winter months.