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Posted by Susan Whelan Apr 13, 2008 |
When was the last time you had a good look at your garden? Not just the vague “I really must do something about those weeds” when you come home after a busy day at work. I mean a really good “Am I making the most of this space?” look.
Landscaping Fun
Get the whole family involved in a landscaping project at home. Pick an area and talk about what will work best there – a vegetable garden, herb garden, flower bed or maybe a Japanese-style relaxation pebble garden.
If you are short on landscaping know-how or ideas, a local nursery should be able to recommend plants that will be suitable for the local climate. Take cuttings from any trees, bushes or plants in your yard or garden that you want to identify. Local technical college landscaping students sometimes offer discounted assistance with landscaping. They get some additional experience and you get some inexpensive professional advice – everyone wins.
If all else fails, invest in a landscaping book aimed at children such as Jamie Durie’s Outdoor Kids (Jamie Durie Publishing, 2005) or visit Georgene Bramlage, Suite101’s Landscaping Feature Writer, for some great tips.
Have a Holiday at Home
With increases in the costs of living, many families can’t afford the added expenses of accommodation and extra fuel that are needed for a family holiday. Be creative and plan a holiday at home. For a fraction of the holiday budget, you can make some minor improvements at home that will be an ongoing benefit for your family. Why not read Mary McCarthy’s Enjoying Outdoor Living Spaces article for some great ideas.
Task of the Week
Pick a section of your yard or garden and plan a family project – even if it is just clearing all those weeds!