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What rock would go with that shrub? Fountain or no fountain? Bamboo fence or picket? These are important questions.

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  • Fun plants for kids
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    What a fun question. I don't know how much space you have, but here are some ideas.  I immediately think about how kids love to touch, pick, and smell flowers, herbs, and vegetables. For something soft and wooly, plant silvery gray Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina, S. lanata, S. olympica). Plant something kids can pick like Cherry tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, peas, nasturtiums (edible) or pansies. Plant scented geraniums and tell the boys to touch the foliage to release the fragrance.  Plant flowers, such as fuchsias, to attract hummingbirds or butterflies.  If you have room, here’s a fun idea: create a small pole bean tepee (for directions http://www.kiddiegardens.com/bean_teepee.html). What child doesn’t like a great hiding place? Also, don’t forget water in the garden. Even a birdbath can be fun for kids.  Have you ever noticed how kids always gravitate to the nearest faucet and hose!  Children also love color—add a colorful container and have your nephews help you plant it. Find a small watering can they can use to water and care for their container when they visit you. You might even pick up some funny container or plant in a pair of old work boots. I know, not what you might want in your landscape, but I have yet to visit a children’s garden without seeing some crazy pair of shoes with plants!  Depending on how often they might visit, look for kid-sized tools and gloves or pick up some kid-sized chairs and paint in bright colors.

    About poisonous plants, here are two resources listing common plants to avoid.
    1. Kids Safety- Poisonous Plants in the Home http://county.wsu.edu/kittitas/gardening/general/Documents/Kids%20Safety%20-%20Poisonous%20Plants%20in%20the%20home%20and%20garden.pdf
    2. WSU Extension fact Sheet #72 Poisonous Plants http://king.wsu.edu/gardening/documents/72PoisonousPlants.pdf

    What a great uncle you must be!  Have fun in the garden with your nephews.

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