Children’s Indoor Gardens
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Discover the joy of Children's Indoor Gardens - a creative and educational way for kids to explore nature and care for plants.
TL;DR
Your child’s interests will suggest a theme for a scene that he or she will enjoy creating and caring for. When the subject has been picked, it is fun for the child to do a drawing in which the items to be included are shown. Paths can be made with tiny pebbles, a pond created with a small mirror or a shallow dish of water. Large pebbles or upside-down bowls can be covered with moss to form hills, or with sand to create sand dunes.
- Cacti are an obvious choice for a desert or Wild West scene, ferns are a good background for a forest, small flowered climbers like Black-eyed Susan could trail up a doll’s house, and larger soft toys could live in a garden or countryside adorned with small flowering plants like Wax Begonia, African Violet, Tom Thumb and Bead Plants. Consider trying to grow plants from seeds or cuttings, which will give an extra interest to children.
Your child’s interests will suggest a theme for a scene that he or she will enjoy creating and caring for. When the subject has been picked, it is fun for the child to do a drawing in which the items to be included are shown. Paths can be made with tiny pebbles, a pond created with a small mirror or a shallow dish of water. Large pebbles or upside-down bowls can be covered with moss to form hills, or with sand to create sand dunes.
Picking plants
Cacti are an obvious choice for a desert or Wild West scene, ferns are a good background for a forest, small flowered climbers like Black-eyed Susan could trail up a doll’s house, and larger soft toys could live in a garden or countryside adorned with small flowering plants like Wax Begonia, African Violet, Tom Thumb and Bead Plants. Consider trying to grow plants from seeds or cuttings, which will give an extra interest to children.
Finding a suitable spot
A low, wide windowsill is ideal. If you don’t have one, place a table close to a window instead. Choose a spot away from main traffic routes and at a height that can easily be reached by children. The garden can be contained in an old tray, an old decorated washing-up bowl, an old fish tank or a large-necked jar.
- Jungle of ferns could be made with narrow paths of grit. Shape monkeys, birds and even snakes from modelling clay or plasticine.
- Desert scene might have a group of cacti surrounded by sand and include a small lake, cowboys and cattle.
- Soft toys could be provided with their natural habitat. Rabbits could be supplied with a hill of moss containing a warren of cardboard tubes, and complete with small flowering plants.
Growing plants in water
Children will find it rewarding to grow plants in water. Almost any plant can be grown by this method and it avoids the need for potting mixture. Group a selection of containers, and use some to display a collection of sea-shells. The shell colours come to life when placed in water.
Make plants from cuttings rooted in water, not in soil, as roots made in water are quite different from those that grow in soil. Begin by lining a chosen container with aggregate which has first been washed to remove any impurities. Place on this a layer of small pebbles and some pieces of charcoal to keep the water sweet., Then continue to fill the container with aggregate until it is two-thirds full. Add water to a level of about one-third and leave for a while for the aggregate to absorb it. Then place the plants carefully on top and gently cover the roots with more aggregate to hold them in place. Use soluble plant food.
Bulbs such as Hyacinths can be grown very successfully in a narrow glass container, but make sure that the bulb remains above the water line and that only the roots are in the water. Grow plants from pips by this method too.
Glass containers of plants can be made to look even more decorative if they are lined with shells or shiny pebbles.
Your child’s interests will suggest a theme for a scene that he or she will enjoy creating and caring for.
More Information on Children’s Indoor Gardens
Children's indoor gardens offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore their creativity and develop a love for nature. By creating a miniature garden scene, children can not only have fun but also learn important skills like caring for plants and understanding ecosystems. When choosing a theme for the indoor garden, it's essential to consider the child's interests. Whether it's a desert landscape with cacti, a lush forest with ferns, or a garden with flowering plants, the theme should resonate with the child's imagination. Encourage the child to draw a sketch of the garden, including all the elements they want to include. Creating the garden itself is an exciting process. Paths can be made using tiny pebbles, and a pond can be created with a small mirror or a shallow dish of water. Adding moss-covered hills or sand dunes can enhance the visual appeal of the scene. It's also a great opportunity to incorporate small toys or figurines that match the theme, adding an element of storytelling to the garden. Growing plants from seeds or cuttings can be an additional source of interest and learning. Children can witness the fascinating process of plant growth and develop a sense of responsibility as they care for their plants. Consider plants like Wax Begonia, African Violet, Tom Thumb, or Bead Plants, which are suitable for indoor gardening and provide vibrant colors and textures. Indoor gardens can be created in various containers such as old trays, decorated washing-up bowls, fish tanks, or large-necked jars. Ensure the chosen spot is easily accessible to children and receives adequate sunlight. A wide windowsill or a table near a window can be an ideal location. By engaging in the world of indoor gardening, children can develop their creativity, nurturing skills, and appreciation for nature. It's a wonderful way to introduce them to the joys and wonders of gardening while fostering their imagination and connection with the natural world.
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About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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