| How can my children "grow" their initials in the garden? |
| There are several ways to do this. Children might gently scratch their initials on the rind of an immature squash or pumpkin, and when it matures, the large letters will be engraved in the rind. Another method is to plant flowers, leaf lettuces, or other easy-to-grow plants in the shape of letters. Try planting the seeds in simple block capital letters on level ground, where they can be viewed from above. To make a planting pattern, draw the letter on the soil using colorful yarn or ordinary kitchen flour until it looks right. Help your child anticipate and allow room for the width of the plants as they grow. By thinking ahead you can plan enough space so the loops or circles in the letters stay open rather than becoming overgrown. When you and your child are satisfied, then plant your seeds or transplants. Consider outlining the letters, once planted, by putting sticks or pebbles on the ground. This will help your child remember not to step on them accidently and help locate the emerging seedlings in a week or two. |
