YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Summer 2017

EIGHT FUN GARDENING PROJECTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Enjoy some family time this summer, with these fun gardening projects from YMCA Children's Programs. ummer is a great time to get out into the garden. Gardening is a fun way to exercise, will teach your kids how to grow produce (yes grow – not just buy from the supermarket!) and it’s an opportunity to spend time together – you could even invite the grandparents over so the whole family is involved! S Here are our favourite family gardening projects, which are ideal for all ages and all garden sizes – and they’ve all been tried and tested in our YMCA Children’s Program centres. A MAGICAL FAIRY GARDEN Your children will love this cute project to attract fairies to your garden. Plus it’s easy! A fairy garden can be made in a small space in your backyard, on a balcony or in a pot. If you decide to make a fairy garden pot, all you need to do is add grass seedlings, colourful flowers (such as pansies) and fairy props such as a miniature path, rocks, wishing stones or small toys. WASTE NOT WANT NOT – COMPOST BIN Composting is not the most glamourous of gardening projects, but having a compost bin is environmentally friendly as it limits landfill waste, helps nourish your garden, and teaches your family what happens to the food we don’t eat (because it doesn’t just disappear!). Check with your local council to see if you can receive a starter compost pack. EGG CARTON GREENHOUSE Using an egg carton and a few seeds, you can create a miniature greenhouse that is small enough to fit on your window sill. Fill the cartons with potting mix or soil and add your seeds of choice. You may like to write the names of the seeds on the side of the carton to help you remember what each one is. Give the cartons a water and then cover the cartons with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to create the greenhouse effect. They won’t need to be watered again until the seeds sprout; once they do, replant them into a pot and watch your plants grow! BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL GARDEN MARKERS This is a crafty project perfect for little ones. Garden markers are essential for keeping track and locating your plants as they grow. Low cost options can be made from pretty much anything including pegs, stones, recycled bottles or containers. The fun part is deciding how to design them. Why not get out the glitter and paint? Make sure you coat your markers with a sealant or lacquer once you’ve designed them, to ensure they’re waterproof. CUTE GRASS HEADS Grass heads are great for those with limited space because all you need is a window sill. Grab a pair of stockings/pantyhose, scissors, marker pen, plastic cup, elastic band, craft glue, paper, cotton wool, googly eyes, pipe cleaners or paint, grass seeds, sphagnum moss, and a spray bottle. Cut the feet off a pair of stockings (above the ankle), then fill them with seeds and moss. Tie the end to create a head-like shape. Pinch the front of the head and tie it off with an elastic band to create a nose. Stick on the eyes and pipe cleaners or use paint, to create the face. Decorate your plastic cup so it becomes an outfit, then half fill the cup with water, and place the head on the top, with the stocking hanging in the water. Now pick a sunny window sill for your grass head to sit on. Spray your grass head every day and watch it’s hair grow! YMCA Victoria offers early learning, before and after school care and school holiday programs for children across Melbourne. Find out more at childrensservices. ymca.org.au SUMMER 2017 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 19

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